Lupita Nyong’o is certainly shining. The Oscar nominated actress and red carpet stunner has grabbed attention far and wide since her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave. But, at Essence’s Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, she admitted that she used to struggle with her physical appearance. So much so, she routinely prayed for her skin to become lighter overnight. This just goes to show that the evil seeds of colorism abound even for young women whom we would all deem extraordinarily gorgeous. [Read more…]
Lupita Nyong’o: “My One Prayer…Was That I would Wake Up Light Skinned”
March 1, 2014
Sheryl Underwood’s ‘Nappy Hair’ Comments Question Self-Worth
September 3, 2013
Sheryl Underwood, well-known comedienne, actress, and co-host of The Talk, has had some interesting things to say over the years. And, as a prominent woman of color, her audience consists of many people of color. Recently, she mentioned that it made no sense to save “nappy, afro hair” when discussing Victoria Secret model Heidi Klum’s desire to save her bi-racial children’s naturally curly, kinky hair after haircuts.Underwood went on to describe the hair as “beady” and “nasty.” Many have come out against the words she supposedly used in jest. Truthfully, this seems less a question of comedy or preference and more a question of self-worth.
Who’s Shining? India.Arie is
July 2, 2013
It has certainly been a great few weeks for the beautiful Grammy award winning singer and song writer India.Arie. She recently released her newest album “Songversation,” performed at the 2013 BET Awards, and sat with Oprah for “Super Soul Sunday” two weeks in a row on OWN. Her authentic style, poise, and message of self-worth has garnered her a spot on the “Shining” wall of fame here at The Worth Campaign.
From her 2002 hit ” Video” to her 2006 release of “I am Not My Hair,” Arie has made music to uplift and adulate the phenotype of women of color. And while her music has been her foremost example of this endeavor, Arie’s presence in the spotlight has done much more to represent these women on a grand stage. Her powerful vocals coupled with her embodiment of confidence in one’s natural form are what truly make her a gem in a community typically marred by stereotypes and misrecognition.
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…]
I Stopped Being Normal & Started Being Me
April 10, 2013
File this post away in your “Confessions of an Ex-Poser” file cabinet. Have you ever been or met a poser? You know, those people who claim to have been born in some exotic locale so they can sound well-bred. Or, a young lady who claims all her hair is her own but she might “clip a little something in sometimes.” Or, one of my favorites, black folks who claim that they are “part Indian” but they have no idea what tribe, province, or “part” they are. These are the hallmarks of a poser. And, I am no different. I have been a poser at different points in my life. I was afraid that if people knew who I really was, they wouldn’t be impressed enough. I was trying so hard to be normal that I wasn’t being myself. [Read more…]
