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…]
Beyoncé and the H&M Bikini Shoot: A Lesson on Self-Worth
June 4, 2013
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…]
My Adventures Through Black Woman Land: What’s in a Compliment?
May 25, 2013
Have you ever had someone tell you, “Wow, you look pretty today,” only for you to respond with a gracious “thank you”? Then moments later ask yourself if that means you looked terrible yesterday? The truth is, compliments are very very tricky. These tiny gestures, which many of us crave by the way, seem innocuous and random. In actuality, compliments come from a socialized place internal to each of us and are driven by traditional ideals of beauty. Let’s break down to pitfalls of the common compliment for women of color and how getting one or not getting one is never a reflection on you. [Read more…]
Frenemies? Women of Color & Corporate America
May 20, 2013
Corporate America is a very interesting place. In many respects, it represents opportunity, growth, and possibility. But, since it has always been an environment dominated by “good old boys” and mainstream American ideals, it has not necessarily been the most welcoming place for women of color. In many respects, the very crooked rooms that these women seek to escape in their daily lives are emboldened in the corporate realm, but opportunities for career growth still make mainstream industry very appealing for women of color.
In essence, corporate America has become the “frenemy” of women of color: sometimes friend, sometimes enemy. But, understanding oneself better, being uncompromising with one’s values and ideals, and understanding that every situation is not an always situation helps to mitigate some of these contradicting aspects of a central institution to America’s core capitalistic culture.
New Documentary ‘Imagine A Future: My Black Is Beautiful’ Promotes Self-Worth for Young Black Women
May 15, 2013
Recently, we learn
ed of a new documentary targeting young black women called “Imagine a Future: My Black Is Beautiful.” Sponsored by the big name consumer products company, Proctor & Gamble, the documentary seeks to investigate the issues young black women face with insecurities and self-worth. Working in concert with Beverly Bond and her nonprofit Black Girls Rock!, an organization dedicated to uplifting young black girls in the Brooklyn area, P&G’s My Black is Beautiful (MBIB) campaign has taken on the daunting task of reaching girls nationwide with their message of empowerment. [Read more…]
Who’s Shining? Identical Twins as Spelman’s Co-Valedictorians
May 11, 2013
Kristie and Kirstie Bronner, 22
For the very first time in its long history, the oldest historically-Black women’s institution, Spelman College, will have its first set of co-valedictorians who are identical twins. Kirstie and Kristie Bronner both majored in music and have the chops to back up their 4.0 GPAs.
Hailing from Atlanta, GA, the Bronner sisters credit their discipline and dedication with their academic achievement. They prove that with grit and steadfast devotion to one’s goals, anything is possible. And, because of that, they are the newest addition to our series of “Shining” women of color.
