On her non-profit foundation website, former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member DeShawn Snow writes that she was inspired to help teen girls after spending her formative years “worried about fitting in.”
It’s ironic then that Snow, whose option was not renewed for the hit Bravo show’s upcoming second season (producers kindly explained that Snow was “too human for a circus show”) encountered the same issue on the series.
Snow was criticized by viewers of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” reunion show (shot at the Biltmore) that she sat off to the side and declined to enter the claws-bared, name-calling drama that cropped up on camera.
“I guess maybe I didn’t fit in,” Snow told Buzz in an interview Friday.
“But the truth is, the other ladies had a lot of stuff going on that didn’t affect me. I wasn’t going to sit up there and talk crap if it didn’t involve me. I don’t need to show my tail like that. As I tell my [DeShawn Snow Foundation] girls, ‘People are always going to talk about you. That’s a fact. It’s how you choose to respond is what matters. You can’t be bitter. You’ve got to be better.”
Snow says the exposure from the show has helped to heighten awareness of her non-profit work that seeks to empower young women. That includes organizing a second annual Night of a Thousand Stars gala, set for Aug. 20 at Atlantic Station’s Twelve hotel (”Housewives” viewers will recall the first gala thrown at the home Snow shares with her retired Cleveland Cavalier husband Eric Snow and their children didn’t live up to her expectations).
“Everyone saw me do the first one on the show but I have to say it wasn’t as bad as the final edit made it appear,” Snow said. “I learned from it though and I realized I can’t do everything by myself.”
Snow is also readying a reality show that she’ll executive produce and host (”I learned through doing ‘Housewives’ that you need to have creative control”) and is now pitching to NBC/Bravo.
Said Snow: “It’s a show that will help women who have made mistakes and put them on a path to a better future.”
“No one will be voted off either,” Snow added. “But the women will all live in the same house. I know that drama sells and the drama will originate with everyone living under the same roof. But I’m confident that people want to see a reality show with a focus on the positive. One of the other ['Real Housewives'] girls criticized me saying, ‘Oh, DeShawn is too busy trying to save the world.’ I refuse to look at that as a bad thing.”
In addition to all of her other assorted projects, the licensed minister will return to school this fall to work on her divinity masters degree.
So, with her busy schedule will Snow tune into the second season of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta?”
Says the diplomatic DeShawn: “You know what? If time permits, I’ll tune in.”
For tickets or more information about next month’s gala, go to www.deshawnsnowfoundation.org
So, what’s your take? Should Snow have been taken off the drama-laden “Real Housewives?” Would you watch a kinder, gentler reality show hosted by Snow devoted to empowering women?
43 comments Add your comment
GB
July 17th, 2009
1:51 pm
Alan, you’re foolish.
Diane
July 17th, 2009
1:58 pm
I thought DeShawn was gracious and not pretentious. She was a welcomed relief to the other housewives. I applaud the efforts of her foundation. I will watch her new show. It’s time to show that people are human and balanced emotionally instead of petty and trashy.
EW
July 17th, 2009
1:59 pm
Should Snow have been taken off the drama-laden “Real Housewives?” She should be happy she isn’t connected to that hot mess anymore.
Should Snow have been taken off the drama-laden “Real Housewives?” Nope. Reality TV is just as fake as a House episode…but the House episode is more believable.
Norcross
July 17th, 2009
2:00 pm
What is an “Alan?”
M Anthony
July 17th, 2009
2:02 pm
Well Alan they probably said the same about Jesus’ name. Then every time you see something different is that what comes out your mouth.
Georgia Southern Girl!
July 17th, 2009
2:06 pm
Umm no! Who wants to watch a boring show like that! I hope for the best for Mrs. Snow’s event. Edit or no edit, cameras didn’t make up what we saw. Hopefully she’s hired a real event planner and publicist that will showcase what her organization does to make people reach in their pockets and give. Take the party people who are at every ATL shindig off your guest lists and invite people with a history or giving to make an appearance. http://www.writewaymedianow.com will help you girl!
Sharona
July 17th, 2009
2:06 pm
Alan, I guess a blog would not be a blog without the one ignorant person, now would it? Thanks for a job well done!
Leta
July 17th, 2009
2:06 pm
DeShawn should have remained on the show. She has class, beauty and brains. She displayed all three throughout last season. Let the others provide the drama and the sleaze factor.
T. Jefferson
July 17th, 2009
2:06 pm
I would look @ it as being a good thing to be kicked off the show. Sometimes everything is not for everyone. If that is not DeShawn’s personality do not force it to be. I like DeShawn’s personality the best on the show, it’s like I could relate to her more so than the others. Don’t get me wrong, I will be looking at the 2nd season to see how it will be w/ Kandi. Honestly, I would love to see a reality show that empowers and builds up. I say go for it DeShawn and congtrats on going to school to get your divinity masters degree. Much success and may blessing to you and your family.
thatsme
July 17th, 2009
2:07 pm
You mean names like Emma, Amanda, Barbara, Felicia, Marcia or Samantha. Careful Alan, it’s better to be thought of as a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Sharona
July 17th, 2009
2:09 pm
Sha..if you don’t know what to say, please refrain from commenting! Your comment really didn’t help, it hindered.
Linda
July 17th, 2009
2:10 pm
Yes, God removed her off of the show, so that she could be a vessel for young women whom she could instill something positive, within them.
Sharona
July 17th, 2009
2:11 pm
Deshawn, although I watch the show and enjoy the DRAMA. I admire you for being the “decent” one. When it is all over, you will be able to show your kids the episodes and now have them think differently of you as a mother. Also, you are really the only one who had money…
sha
July 17th, 2009
2:12 pm
Wu had money. But the other two were broke.
sha
July 17th, 2009
2:13 pm
the other “3″ were broke! I forgot about Kim. She was broke too!
lavern
July 17th, 2009
2:18 pm
DeShawn was the one with the real money and class. I felt that she balanced out the show. Should not have been taken off.
EJ the Diva
July 17th, 2009
2:21 pm
I think they should have kept DeShawn on the show. You need different personalities on the show and DeShawn was the quiet peaceful lady. I still like the show, but they should have kept her for some balance. In every group of there is a conservative person to show you a different point of view and maybe what you should not do. Oh well, we love you DeShawn.
RS
July 17th, 2009
2:24 pm
Alan what kinda names are Star, Apple, Sunday Rose, Knox, Honor, Suri, Ryder, Shiloh, Coco …..i could go on but you get my point. Are those thug names? No they are not, JUST DIFFERENT!! You don’t even know what a thug is. It has nothing to do with a name.
Who wants a name like someone else??? The name Alan is boring and common. Guess what “Common Alan” The world is moving foward with or without you.
Ignorance comes obliviously doesn’t it Alan.
jm
July 17th, 2009
2:27 pm
That show is as close to Jerry Springer as you can get. You were blessed to move on with dignity.
The Dogfighter Returns
July 17th, 2009
2:36 pm
Deshawn is sweet,classy, and has a heart as pure as gold. Only the devil hates a person like her. I really appreciate your non combative approach to life. many people could definitely learn a thing or two from you.
God Bless you.
Kimberly
July 17th, 2009
2:44 pm
Deshawn didn’t add anything to the show. She didn’t have to get involved in the cat fights but could have been more involved and vocal. She was simply boring. She could have portrayed another side to Atlanta’s wives without acting “ghetto”. She simply had no personality.
Lady
July 17th, 2009
2:45 pm
It’s good to know that DeShawn will no longer be included, in the DRAMA. She seems to be a sweetheart and unfortunately, the show seemed to only revolve around bitter and bickering women. I wish her and her family, the BEST!
In reference to Alan the Idiot – if a real “thug” was in his presence, he wouldn’t know what to do, other than piss in his pants. People like him have to talk, via computer, because they are wimps. His little bird chest may be poked out when he’s typing his stupid messages, but drop him off in the middle of the “hood”…and it’d be cardiac arrest in 0 to 10 seconds.
TL
July 17th, 2009
2:48 pm
So true Lady. The same for chris who needs a class in English because “all he did was spoke the truth”…LOL
OH
July 17th, 2009
2:53 pm
It’s encouraging to see DeShawn doing great work for teenage girls. And let’s keep in mind, DeShawn expressed that she likes the “limelight” and seeked out being on the show. She was also eager to return to the show. No one can deny that she was boring, you don’t have to be “ghetto fabulous” to have an enthusiastic personality. She was showing as much cleavage, weave and “showboating” her money just as quick as the other women, so I would “slow my role” on classy and beautiful, minister or not she was “made up” to “show off” just like the rest of them.
Anita
July 17th, 2009
3:03 pm
It’s probably a good thing she was taken off the show…seeing that she is a licensed minister. So she probably was trying to save the world and not conform to the world. God doesn’t want her to bring shame to his name. She was being Christ-like representing the one and only, Jesus! She now has a opportunity to further her education (divinity masters). What she does for Christ will last. Good luck, DeShawn Snow!
I'Joni
July 17th, 2009
3:12 pm
Question #1: Yes, she was too good for them.
Question #2: Yes!!! Tired of the same old “reality” garbage. These TV execs need to get an imagination and do better.
P.S. “Deshawn is too busy trying to save the world”?? Um, when did being selfless and compassionate become a bad thing??? Its so sad and pathetic that anyone would look down on her empowering young ladies lives.
Sugar
July 17th, 2009
3:14 pm
I wouldn’t watch whatever show she pitching lol
WTH?
July 17th, 2009
3:32 pm
What happened to real tv? I’m so tired of these reality shows! I liked De Shawn but have to admitt I didn’t watch much. I’m sick of these “reality” shows that are mostly scripted they turn out too many wannabe celeberties like spiedi ( lord don’t let me get started on them) They all need to be taken off it does noting for society it makes us as Americans look stupid!
Peadawg
July 17th, 2009
3:53 pm
Coco is a dog’s name. Maybe for a chocolate lab.
Jessica
July 17th, 2009
3:57 pm
OMG, she’s just as boring in real life as she was on the show.
Skip
July 17th, 2009
3:58 pm
What a thug. Typical Atlantan.
JAG
July 17th, 2009
4:06 pm
Who is Alan and what did he say?
antoinette bell
July 17th, 2009
4:06 pm
As fellow Michigan State grads, I wish DeShawn and her husband well. I believe she could have been vocal without being ignorant. She could have spoken up when she heard one of the other women saying something wrong, instead of smiling vapidly and saying nothing. She would then have been true to herself and shown some “umph”. But she was caught up, just as the others, in showing her bling. I also hope she gets a clue and stops giving thousands of dollars to Eddie Long who couldn’t even be bothered with a donation to her charity and had to reiterate to her that if he did donate she would “owe him”. What a joke he is.
sha
July 17th, 2009
4:09 pm
Antoinette, I didn’t like when Eddie said that either. She gives you thousands of dollars a year to support your church and you make it seem like you would have been doing her a favor?? SMDH
Lori
July 17th, 2009
4:13 pm
Zap!!!!!!!!….Alan’s gone!
Jessica
July 17th, 2009
4:23 pm
Ditto antoinette. Well said.
2Cents2
July 17th, 2009
4:40 pm
I just loved the phonetic spelling of her name – DeShawn. I can never figure out where theses mothers come up with some of these spellings! It’s hilarious.
mrs.w
July 17th, 2009
4:41 pm
Like most of the intelligent comments on here, I agree Deshawn is better off not being on a pathetic show like that. I will watch her new show b/c I’m tired of seeing crazy, ignorant women on t.v! If only the other ‘housewives’ were as classy and kind as you, Deshawn.Your behavior on the show was impressive. These women are proof that money doesn’t buy you class!
lj
July 17th, 2009
4:48 pm
Well I believe in this word, “Bad communication corrupts Good Manners” Mrs. Snow has very good manners and staying on a drama show would corrupt her manners and charisma.
According to the media such as newspapers, tv series,…..etc they have perceived that drama and negativity is attractive. Why is drama attractive?, the world has given them that authority and that is there nature?
What if ratings go down, newspaper sells go down, then the media will look for something else that will attract popularity.
For instance, MEDIA RATHER TALK ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON’S PAST PROBLEMS THAN TO TALK ABOUT HOW IS ONLY CELEBRITY THAT HAS GIVEN THE MOST TO CHARITY AND LISTED IN THE GUIENESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS.
MICHAEL JACKSON BECAME BORN AGAIN AND GAVE HIS LIFE TO CHRIST THROUGH ANDRAE CROUCH THREE WEEKS BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY. HE IS TRULY IN HEAVEN NOW AND REJOICING.
NOW IS THE TIME TO GIVE YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST. THERE IS A HEAVEN AND THERE IS A HELL
PLEASE PEOPLE BECOME BORN AGAIN TODAY
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS REPEAT THIS BELOW
FATHER FORGIVE ME FOR I HAVE SINNED
COME INTO MY HEART, CLEANSE ME AND LIVE IN ME
I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST YOUR SON DIED FOR ME
AND HE ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY
FOR ME THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME
lj
July 17th, 2009
4:48 pm
Well I believe in this word, “Bad communication corrupts Good Manners” Mrs. Snow has very good manners and staying on a drama show would corrupt her manners and charisma.
According to the media such as newspapers, tv series,…..etc they have perceived that drama and negativity is attractive. Why is it attractive, the world has given them that authority?
What if ratings go down, newspaper sells go down, then the media will look for something else that will attract popularity.
For instance, MEDIA RATHER TALK ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON’S PAST PROBLEMS THAN TO TALK ABOUT HOW IS ONLY CELEBRITY THAT HAS GIVEN THE MOST TO CHARITY AND LISTED IN THE GUIENESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS.
MICHAEL JACKSON BECAME BORN AGAIN AND GAVE HIS LIFE TO CHRIST THROUGH ANDRAE CROUCH THREE WEEKS BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY. HE IS TRULY IN HEAVEN NOW AND REJOICING.
NOW IS THE TIME TO GIVE YOUR LIFE TO CHRIST. THERE IS A HEAVEN AND THERE IS A HELL
PLEASE PEOPLE BECOME BORN AGAIN TODAY
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS REPEAT THIS BELOW
FATHER FORGIVE ME FOR I HAVE SINNED
COME INTO MY HEART, CLEANSE ME AND LIVE IN ME
I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST YOUR SON DIED FOR ME
AND HE ROSE AGAIN ON THE THIRD DAY
FOR ME THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME
Ayana
July 17th, 2009
5:02 pm
Does she still talk through her clenched teeth?
Undra Adams
July 17th, 2009
6:25 pm
I am glad that Deshawn acted like a respectable wife and mother. I thought she carried herself in a dignified way, unlike the other women. I think it is awesome what she is doing and truth be told some of the cast should be students of her foundation to learn some ettiquete. Shawnie im very pleased that you committed yourself to empowering girls and you have represented to the fullest and that you are classy and not trashy like the cast of House Wives of Atlanta. I think that women need more positive role models like Shawnie and I am proud to say I know her and that she is concious of how she present herself to the public. Job well done Deshawn!! Keep up the good work!! From Inkster to Atlanta!!
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[...] Former Real Housewife of Atlanta Deshawn Snow is pitching a reality show to Bravo. Apparently, she thinks that getting kicked off one show means it’s an invitation to produce another one. [AJC] [...]