Donna Marie Lombardi is a reality television personality that appears on the VH1 Network's weekly show, "Black Ink Crew." "Radical PI Sport Co" did some homework on her and recently caught up with her in her hometown of Cleveland for a few questions.
R.P.S.C.: We see in your first season on "Black Ink" that you portrayed yourself as somewhat promiscuous; is that a fair assumption? And if so, in what way do you believe that women can use their sexuality to gain an advantage in what many perceive as a man-driven world?
Donna Marie: To describe myself as promiscuous? I think not. To be promiscuous one has to be uncareful in the choosing of her lover. Every move I made was planned. Everyone needs to keep in mind that I was 21 at the time and had just moved to the city of all cities; New York City. A city so large and fast paced that you may find yourself in unforeseen loneliness where company is needed. The people I chose to be intimate with were people I was with everyday, all day. They were kind to me, and like all men, said and did the things they needed to to be close to me. And I wanted that as well. Was I careless? No. Could I have been wiser? Yes. But now, instead of taking refuge in our past sex lives, I use that common ground as more of an ice-breaker. It's something to keep us familiar. Now, we can never be strangers. Something like an unspoken, non-gender biased fraternity. And depending on the people you choose to be "promiscuous" with, this could behoove both parties. Maturity is the key.
R.P.S.C.: From talking to you and people around you, we gather that you are pro-marijuana legalization. Is that fair to say? If yes, how do you believe that legalization can benefit the U.S. economy and society as a whole? What are some potential drawbacks that you could foresee?
Donna Marie: Yes. I am for legalization. Our country has already seen approximately 5 billion dollars in tax revenue from the sale of marijuana, and that number is projected to go as high as 28 billion. Just off the taxes. There are also many health benefits with medical marijuana. There would be more peace and less crime. The economy would also benefit. Less depression and more impulse buying. More jobs with chances for small business entrepreneurship. Fewer prison intakes and drug sentences, with less convicted felons and more productive Americans. Potential drawbacks? I cannot think of any off the top of my head.
R.P.S.C.: We understand that you have several family members that are, or have been, in law enforcement. With the current tensions between civilians and police, what are your thoughts concerning the creation of a better environment for the citizens and the government's extension of control?
Donna Marie: What's been going on around the country truly disheartens me. I have family who have served, R.I.P. Uncle Russ, and are still serving law enforcement, and I could never imagine them being involved in the instances we've all heard about. My ethnicity is mixed: my Mom is black and my Dad is white. And though it may have been awkward or difficult at times, my family would never ridicule the other side. We have lived so long fighting racial injustices and now it seems we have made a regression. Everyone must do their part individually to end racism and civil injustice as a whole. Better and more frequent mental background checks could be a start. Also, developing new tests to gauge ones personal feelings towards others of different race, gender, economic class, and physical ability. There must also be more stern punishment for those breaking the code of conduct and the absolute lack of empathy. Everyone must be held accountable.
Radical PI Sport Co is a small sport and apparel company that lives by the mantra: Everyday; Everyway, Better. For a full transcript of our interview with Donna Marie, contact us at www.RadicalPISportCo.com
