Harlem Heights: New Beginnings
What's Going Down Uptown
2009-04-20
By Elaine Welteroth

Brooke and Christian break away from group play and find a quiet nook to get a bit closer.  Despite their efforts to deny it, dreamy eyes and unyielding kisses confirm that the temperature is still rising between these two, despite their efforts at denying it. 
 
Later, Brooke and Briana’s chit chat about Christian is interrupted by another cameo of shamefully contrived product placement.   Just how real is this reality show? 
 
But then Christian popped up at Brooke’s MTV office and asked her to be his official girl, and, staged or not, their palpable chemistry quickly regains our attention.  Christian talks a good game about being serious about their relationship.  But the couple’s honeymoon period fades fast during their first fight at Landon’s coming out event.

In the wake of his announcement to run for city council, Landon rallies up support from local interest group Young Dems.  The inner circle urges him to articulate a clear vision of a better community that constituents of all ages and colors can identify with.   

On his big night, from the stage of an upscale lounge in Harlem, Landon promotes the ideal of a new Renaissance and addresses the issue of gentrification before his well-dressed, but appreciative audience.  Feeding on the enthusiasm of Obama’s triumph, with the token phrase “If He Can, We Can,” Landon delivers a call to action for his peers to participate in the changing political landscape on a local level; “They can build all the million dollar condos they want but if we don’t re-build our education and socio-economic  infrastructure, we’re building a mansion on sand.”

The room erupts in hopeful applause and cheers of support; but there is one cast member who can’t seem to participate in the evening’s celebratory landscape.   

Apparently, the Morehouse graduate rubbed Brooke wrong with his exclusionary appeal towards HBCU grads in his efforts to stimulate support for his campaign. The proud Syracuse University Delta confronts Landon with the kind of uncouth neck-rolling that would shame any respectable college graduate.   An issue that may have had some credence if broached with sensitivity seemed unnecessarily negative.
At the other end of the soiree, Pierre makes an out of character advance toward Bridget. Her reaction says she just may be diggin’ him too. Perhaps lending an ear to his mild melodrama finally scored the narrator some romantic interest of her own. 

Meanwhile, Brooke manages to break form yet again when she sees Kellie C, a secondary, but attractive cast member approach Christian at the party with a flirtatious look in her eye.   Before the ink dries on the new couple’s commitment, Christian finds himself caught up.  Unable to hold her lid for a more intimate setting to hash it out, Brooke publicly checks him for his behavior.  Her quick temper and his immature impulses create a recipe for disaster. 

So, once again, a scene designed to highlight big picture advancements boils down to deliciously  interpersonal conflict.  But who can point fingers when we come back weekly for more?

Talk Back:
Were either of Brooke’s public outbursts warranted?
How can the crew get past the divisive HBCU vs. traditional college debate?
Is friendship doomed once romance emerges?
What can you do to get more involved in uplifting your community?

Elaine Welteroth is Essentials Beauty and Style Reporter for Ebony magazine.