The captivating and well-received documentary “Dark Girls” will be premiering on OWN this Sunday. And while the film touches on the topic of colorism, the intra-racial animus brought on by perceived worth associated with lighter variations in skin pigmentation in the black community, it also deals with social messaging, stigmas about natural hair textures, and relationships with darker women. Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the film is its authenticity as it is mainly told through firsthand accounts of “dark girls.” And, I have to say, even the preview brought up emotions for me that I had long ago believed to be gone. [Read more…]
“Dark Girls” Documentary Explores Colorism, Self-Worth, and Prejudice
June 19, 2013
“You Can Touch My Hair” Exhibit: A Setback for Black Women?
June 14, 2013
Have you ever had someone ask you, “Can I touch your hair?‘ Or better yet, have you had someone reach up to your freshly permed, pressed, braided, coiffed, twisted, weaved, or blown-out afro-puff to rub their grubby little finger tips through your carefully styled tresses? Well, I have. Anyone who knows me knows I have rocked the ‘fro to braids to weaves to twists to perms and every derivation of everything in between. And, I have had people of all races ask or un-invitedly reach into my hair. Well, needless to say, that has gotten old for me. But, for Antonia Opiah, founder of Un-ruly.com, the curiosity drove her to create the public art exhibit “You Can Touch My Hair” in New York City. The public display of real-life curly and kinky haired women, which debuted last week, has been met with mixed reviews. So, I guess it’s time to offer my own. [Read more…]
Worthy Products for Summertime: Olive Oil (Extra Virgin That is)
June 6, 2013
So, I hope you are keeping track of my favorite hair oils. I have already covered castor oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. Extra virgin olive oil is among my faves for all of my hair and skin needs. You may be shocked to find out that EVOO is not just for cooking. While it is a great substitute for veggie oil in the kitchen because of its nutritional content and health benefits, it is also a powerful oil for any hair care regimen. But, since it is so heavily used in food, it is really easy to find in your local grocery store. I purchase mine in bulk from Costco.
Like many of the oils I have covered in our “Growing” theme of worth, olive oil is chock full of vitamins and natural proteins. It is also anti-fungal and antibacterial. These features make it a great oil for scalp maintenance, scalp repair, and hair growth. Comparatively, it is relatively lightweight allowing it to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively than heavier oils like castor oil. [Read more…]
Serena Williams Shines on the ‘Body Issue’ Cover of Essence Magazine
June 5, 2013
Serena Williams is a gorgeous lady. Not only that, she is a world renown athlete. And, the July 2013 edition of Essence magazine, the “Body Issue”, will highlight the radiant young woman of color on a grand scale. The athletic beauty also guest edited the edition of the magazine geared toward black women. And, within its covers, she addressed the topic of her curvy figure and the criticism she previously received.
A great example for curvy women of color, her gorgeous cover shows a proud woman who accepts herself as is.
Beyoncé and the H&M Bikini Shoot: A Lesson on Self-Worth
June 4, 2013
Say what you will about Beyoncé, aka Mrs. Carter, but her most recent altercation with H&M after they attempted to photoshop the 31-year-old mother’s curvaceous figure is quite impressive. The star of the “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour” was featured in the retailer’s summer campaign where Bey donned skimpy bathing suits and fabulous style. But, when H&M made an effort to slenderize the singer’s physique, she demanded that they run the ads with her original shots intact (no enhancements allowed). Proving that women of color are beautiful in their own skin, Beyoncé seems to be proud of her body just the way it is. [Read more…]
Black & Missing and Black Girls Rock! Walked For Hope
June 3, 2013
There are quite a few worthy causes out there for women of color. Two in particular are the Black & Missing Foundation and Black Girls Rock! Inc.. On May 25th, Black & Missing sponsored a 5k walk/run called, “Hope Without Boundaries.” And, many prominent figures in the black community were there including Michael Baisden, Jacque Reid, our own “Shining” inductee, Michaela Angela Davis, and Beverly Bond. The event, though it saw little widespread press, was meant to give back to the black community. So, we are featuring it here to spotlight “Giving” opportunities, organizations, and events for women of color. [Read more…]
