When I was in high school, my mom would sometimes drop me off at school in the mornings. As I was getting out of the car, she’d say, “Be the best you can be.”

Any attempts to place creative limits onJay Douglas, the Jamaican-born, Toronto based recording artist and 2012 Harry Jerome Award recipient are futile. The dynamic performer’s musical landscape knows no boundaries.

This year, the festivities highlighted FAT’s growth with over 200 artists showcasing their limitless, innovative talents. Karen Welcome gives us a taste of some of FAT’s best 2012 runway shows.

Weekly Horoscope: May 14 to 20. Sway’s weekly horoscope will give you the straight goods for your sign — don’t miss it!

Dr. Karen Flynn: “I couldn’t help but feel a sense of smugness on the part of some Canadians that only in the United States would Joel experience such animosity. This reaction is hardly surprising given that, historically, Canadians have constructed their national identity in opposition to the United States.”

“It’s not easy to be a mom. And if your mom is anything like mine, she’s been making huge sacrifices for you her whole entire life. The relationship you have with your mother plays a huge role in the balance of your overall health and how you build and maintain relationships with others. If you ask me, unconditional love is actually the greatest gift of all.” — Rochelle Hanson

June 9, 2012 will mark the third time that AfroChic will bring together artists of different disciplines to celebrate and highlight the African diaspora. “We want to explore different layers of our community,” says co-founder Amoye Henry.

Check out Sway’s scoop on scoring the perfect partner from the comfort of your laptop.

“Black women want the same things that other women want—to marry someone who is on their level, who’s a peer and who can contribute to the relationship—many people say they are asking too much.” — author Ralph Richard Banks

Your date is picked, now it’s time to choose the place it will all take place. Whether it’s a small historic inn or a hotel chain, everybody has a website, so get online and start your search.