About AfroBella
Afrobella is also known as Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik, a reformed tomboy from Trinidad.
When she was eight years old, she helped out behind the counter at a busy perfume and cosmetics store during the Christmas season. That magical experience sparked a lifelong obsession with beauty products and the women who buy them.
She finally made the decision to lay down the chemical crap and let her hair embrace its natural kink in 2002, and ever since then she’s been on a quest to find the perfect product with which to style her curly tresses. She is willing to try anything, from the cheapest foil-packaged conditioner packs to the most laughably luxurious organic anti-frizz pomades.
You can typically find her merrily filling a basket at Sally Beauty Supply, complaining about the meager size of the “ethnic” section at the local drug store, or staring wistfully around any Sephora in Miami-Dade County. Her hobbies include at-home beauty treatments, finding makeup inspiration on VH1 Soul, and writing. At night, she dreams of someday having her own syndicated magazine column, and appearing on Oprah.
Afrobella is dedicated to product reviews, ruminations about culture, music and style, and interviews with women all shades of beautiful. Please send reader input, press releases, and advertising pitches to bella@afrobella.com.
Uncategorized |146 Responses to “About AfroBella”
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Very cool! Looking forward to what’s TK!
so cool!
hope to see some writing here also
hugs love me
i’m so happy to have found afrobella and look forward to reading your posts.
about five weeks ago i cut off my relaxed hair and am loving my new kinky ‘do. it took 20 years, but i’m finally natural and loving it.
rock on!
Your website looks AMAZING!!!!!! I can’t wait to read more! Congratulations!!
Love and hugs and kisses!!!
Love the webite!
will definitely be a regular
looking forward to future author articles
loved the caption contest,and jo baker, a favorite of mine, as well
great flick of her, in her early years, dancing with feathers
also known as an animal lover..filmed with pet tiger
carry on!!!
yo website is so cool, i am so proud of u, u always succeed when u do what u love! now what about the jewfro problem? haha
This is so groovey! You have the best afro ever! Beautiful.
I’m going to enjoy this website!! Thank you for inviting me to check it out!
I LOVE THIS BLOG!
What a nice blog! I recently went natural (again) and I’ve used a few Carol’s Daughter products. I used to go to the original store in Brooklyn, so I LOVE how they’ve blown up!
Congratulations lil sis! You continue to make me proud! Wishing you only success and hapiness!
I went to school with this chick! Love the site Patrice. I’ve been natural about 5 years now myself. It’s frustrating as hell sometimes but I’m sticking to it.
I love this website, it so cool. I’m glad there is a website for the naturalists. I have been natural for 8 years. I would not have it any other way. I love my natural hair. But sometimes it can get a little hectic taking care of it. But I will never become lazy and use chemicals. I love my real hair too much. It is the essence of who I am.
Great site and message for our sistahs!!! Being a natural haircare specialist, it’s always heartfelt to see sistahs like yourself keeping our spirits alive with inspirational, motivational and encouraging read on the internal and external beauty of our African-Diaspora.
keep on keepin’ on sistahs…
celebrity & grass roots hair artist, Nedjetti
Nice site. I found you off of ConcreteLoop. Love the name AfroBella… AfroBellas are just beautiful, aren’t we?
I think this is a really nice website for Black women, it’s knowledgable, encouraging, and positive!!!!!!!!
My mom is from Belmont to in Trinidad!!
I also found you thru CL, I can’t believe I’ve been coming to your site and missing the “About Afrobella” link. Anywho, LOVE YOUR SITE.
PEACE & BLESSINGS
I just love this site..so uplifting and positive. Love the name Afrobella..(I hear Billy Dee Williams saying it in my head)..You have a beautiful smile and are a beautiful sister. My daugther’s name is Patrice too! Noble you both are..
I love this site!
Greetings Afrobella. I’m new to your site, and I absolutely love it. I’d been searching for a site for sistahs for a while, and am glad I found this one. I’m a natural sistah (locs), and I guess I’ve taken natural to a whole new extreme. I stopped caring for my hair like I used to, because I could never find products that are truly natural. So, the only treatment my hair gets is a shampoo & conditioning. I am in need of some serious help!! Any advice?!
I love your articles, especially your never again section. Keep up the good work.
Love and Kisses
Linlin
Hi lady,
I LOVE your site. I am locked and loving it. I’m also Jamaican born. I’m clueless about makeup. Before I buy I consult a professional since I have no desire to look like a Juju woman. LMBAO.
By the way here are a couple more websites
http://womeninthemilitary.blogspot.com/ and http://thechangeisforever.blogspot.com/
Keep up the good work!
AfroBella
I linked over from LiveJournal
you blog is THE BEST, m’dear.
Keep up the fabulous work representing
us Happy Nappys!!
Just wanta show some luv to you afrobella. Thanks for making this site.
Is there a place where we can post a topic for advice on makeup,hair, and clothing products? Just wondering.
Yes! That picture is more like the sister I know & love!!
Love the afro-centric presentation. Check out the Mandrill website, (www.mandrillis.com). The One Sun Lion Ra is an artist that Mandrill is producing (see The Drill Collective) and he has a song titled “Black Woman” that would be a natural theme song (no pun intended) for your AfroBella site.
The song was part of the soundtrack for the Lions Gate movie, “Civil Brand”.
Please check it out and call (877) 777-8998.
Hey afrobella,
Ihave been looking for a site like this. Iam 55 yrs.old
and Iam loving my locs and I feel you as a kindred spirit sistah keep up the good work.
What would you recommend to someone with severe oily skin?
This is my first time on your site and I LOVE IT! Thanks for creating an aesthetically intriguing site that’s reminded me I’m part of the beautiful “afrobella” beauties of the African diaspora; beauty that radiates from within and without, of course. I like the mix of commentary on interesting topics mixed with all important beauty tips (I’m buying an Aloe plant tomorrow, if I can find one!). I’ll be bookmarking and visiting often.
I am sorry it has taken me so long to let you know how much i love your site. I admire you for stepping out and doing your thing. You have never been afraid to be different and i love you for that.
Congrats!!!!!
Hello Bella,
Do you take nominations for Afrobella of the week?
If so I’d like to nominate Measha Brueggergosman. She is a Canadian soprano.
Afrobella - so hot right now! Your ads are great! Where can I purchase Afrobella merchandise?
This is a beautiful and refreshing site for black women living in America. Spreading the word!
Love your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit with this website! With the growing trend of black women surrendering the chemicals for health and natural beauty, I wish you success in reviewing products in order to inform ALL of us in making “good hair” choices!
We can’t wait for consumer reports to get around to it… can we?
Love your site - and I own the same shirt! I love it!
Hello there!
I just wanted to say I love your site… You make me smile everyday ( Your website is now my homepage) & I always feel like i’m coming back to a long lost & wise friend.
Thank you for making my own journey into “Naturality” such a pleasant one: I did this 3 years ago for the first time and went back to a perm a year & a half because i felt alone & didn’t know who to ask for advice. I got my TWA in March 06 & needless to say that with your sassy help & wonderful links( espcially Motown Girl) my mane is going to look fabulous in no time.
Once again thank you so much for taking the time to do this.
Read you soon = )
We share the same name! How cool is that?!
I have been natural since 10/10/06. I LOVE it! I’m still learning my hair’s texture, but it’s so fun and free.
Your site is awesome! I’ve been browsing for about 6wks now. The links for products are so helpful to me and my new hair journey!
Had to say Thx
[…] About AfroBella […]
Hello AfroBella,
please send me an email with your mailing address and I mail you a How Do I Look DVD.
All the best
Wolfgang
WolfgangBusch@earthlink.net
I just found this site today. I look forward to visiting often!!!!
I have been looking for a place to email you directly. I think I contacted you a while back about the Miss Jessie’s products. Well, I wanted to let you know that I tried the shingling using the Curly Pudding and the Curly Buttercream by Miss Jessie’s, I went by the instructions from the website and just as advertised we got the cutest spirally curls you have ever seen!!!! It really works. The products are expensive but here is how I worked that out… Unless your hair is naturally curly you would have to get some sort of relaxer or texturizer and set your hair to get a similar effect. My cousin (my guinnea pig for the products) is totally natural. She spends $45.00-65.00 every 2 wks to have her hair shampooed and her her hair is set on rods to get a pogo curl effect or she gets her hair twisted. Well the product goes a long way and you have gotten your money’s worth in the first month. Plus you have the added flexibility of being able to do your your hair at your own convenience. While I spent 68.00 (I got them while they were 2 for 1) I feel like I made a good investment. And the product works on relaxed or natural hair(im natural), you only need a spray bottle full of water and a hair dryer.
I am also happy that this worked so well for me because I had been using a product called “Body Look Saturation” to get my natural hair to curl, and while it gave the desired effect, this stuff was causing horrible acne, not to mention it was very oily and caused my scalp to flake and itch. The Miss Jessies is goopy when you put it on but after you dry (air dry or hair dryer)there is almost no residue…its not heavy oily or greasy and it smells pretty doggone good too. I’d recommend it to anyone. Just thought you’d like to share. I know a lot of folks who have been wanting to try it but were apprehensive about how it performs for the price.
I guess I should have read the last sentence above. LOL…I totally missed the email address there.
Hey Afrobella!
Just dropping a line to say I’m so glad I found your site! I just discovered it within the past two weeks and I am deliriously HOOKED. It’s become an addiction!
I’m looking forward to further musings and advice!
Hello Afrobella! This site is such a blessing and I am glad that you are here taking your time to bring us valuable information. Please keep it up (as you have been) because this is such an inspiration. You have inspired me to continue on my natural journey when I thought all hope was lost and I was going to be a slave to the “creamy crack” for the rest of my life…here you are, Beautiful, curly, and full of light. You not only bring the hair issues but you bring it all Bella!!! Thank You.
Fan for life!!
hey I ran across your site! I love it! I recently did the BC. My hair type is 4A (which I think we have in common). What products did you use at that stage? My hair is super thirsty. I’m applying product 3 times a day. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Ciao Bella!
i know you like eartha kitt so i hope u get a chance to see this
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast/6356813.stm
Bella, what yoou thinkof india Arie hair at the Grammys
Ms. Afro Bella,
I don’t know if you ever heard of this product line called EDEN Bodyworks but I figured I should give you a heads up! This product was created by an ll year old girl, Jasmine Lawrence, after she had a bad experience with a relaxer. Now at 15, this young girl was just featured on Oprah and is in the works of getting her line to be distributed by Walmart!! Here’s some info I pulled off her page for you:
EDEN BodyWorks™ was founded to address the consumer demand for all natural products that really work! Unlike most products that are purely cosmetic in nature, our products actually deliver on their promise; guaranteed. Our products contain No Alcohol, No Petroleum, No Beeswax, No Mineral Oils and No Sodium Sulfates. Your hair and skin shouldn’t just look healthy; it should be healthy!
http://www.edenbodyworks.net/
This is an Afro Bella in Training!! She also offers free samples!
Pat-rice!
I just stumbled on this website looking for reviews of Curly Custard and I’m reading, reading…see something bout being a Trini…then reading about the pathetic-ness(is that a word) of Kanye and down at the bottom I see the joke about mon-grell…and I say to myself…hmmm I know that last name–only to discover it is, in fact, the one and only Pat-rice, from Stanford’s infamous ‘girls-of-the-7th-floor’!
This blog is great and I’m looking forward to visiting it again. W/B so we can catch up!
Hey AfroBella!
It’s my first time viewing your site and I love it! I think I’ll come by more often, I love your writing style; I asprire to become a journalist and your writing is the kind of motivation I needed to get back in the writing game.
Keep doing your thing!
Dear Ms. Bella — I continue to love, love your blog. Thanks for all the hardwork and effort you put into it! I finally got around to seeing my TiVo-ed Oprah shows. There was a young AfroBella, Jasmine Lawrence, on the show. She’s only 15 and the CEO of her own natural skin and hair care products company. She created her line after a perm gone wrong which caused her hair to fall out.
Thought you might like the link:
http://www.edenbodyworks.com/servlet/StoreFront.
I don’t remember how I found your site, but your blog is wonderful. So much that, I’ve added it to my front page portal.
Much love to you sistah, the ladies at my site will love the content on yours!
-Dblack
Your website looks great. thank you for it.
Shout outs from the netherlands !!!!
I really love the concept of this site. Uplifting our own is always a plus in my book. Keep up the good work.
I have a question though. What are your thoughts on the Bare minerals make-up? I used suffer from bad acne and I have some scarring and I’m getting married in July and I need a little cover-up. Reviews, comments and recommendations are welcome.
Thanks and keep doing what you do…
Happy belated bday! How was NYC?!
Dear Bella,
I love your site and prose, as I too am somewhat of a beauty junkie, as well as a staunch supporter of my people. I hope your site is not soley dedicated to those wearing their hair in its natural state, as your requirement for Afrobella of the Week is to have natural hair, and by your reply to Ms. New Beauty. Yet, all the Beautifully Aging Bellas sport straightened hair, and the About Afrobella states the site is for product reviews, ruminations on style, and women of all shades of beautiful. Therefore, I will assume “Afrobella” had a double meaning, not just referring to one’s hairstyle, but to beauties of African descent. I fall into that group, I am up in here, and ya can’t get rid of me.
I love what you’re doing.
hey…. a belmont grell? i think our families know each other!
I’m totally lovin’ this blog!
Miss Bella
I love your site. I have been natural for 5 years. I discovered nappturality.com and I have been hooked ever since. I am a beauty junkie, and I love your prose and reviews. Keep up the good work.
Yes, Yes, YES!! This is what I’ve been searching for! I’m loving this blog! This blog (and the Budget Fashionista) are my blogs for life! Pe@ce be with you, sista.
Hi,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading your blog. Your mixture of beauty tips and politics is so amazing that you’ve inspired me to start writing again. Thanks so much and keep up the excellent work!
Hey AfroBella, couldn’t find another way to post this question so i just clicked on the about you link to ask.
saw an ad on your page for HoneyFig products. have you tried any of the products or do you know of any reviews on the products??
i ask coz they are the first natural hair care products company based out of Canada where i live and it would be great to be able to get something good for my natural close to home. any reviews would be great.
thanks and keep doing what you are doing
I did the BC about 4 weeks ago and thanks in great part to you I’m finally starting to feel comfortable…no…BEAUTIFUL in my own skin. Your product reviews have made my transition so much easier. I’ve opted for the Garnier Fructis curl products for washing and conditioning (love that mask!) and the Curls Whipped Cream and Milkshake for my styling needs. I have a glosser coming in the mail. I’ll let you know how it fairs.
As a product junkie myself i LOVE LOVE LOVE this site! I had to kick my husband’s stuff out of the bedroom and bathroom to accomodate for all my new Curls products and oils and moisturizers and glosses. It’s wonderful. And my 4 year old daughter is turning into quite the bella herself. Thank you SO much for this site. It’s just what i’ve been looking for. I just feel so much more whole and supported. I work in a bank where i’m surrounded by fake people so i try to spend as much time here as possible for a dose of reality and nature.
Now onto the big QUESTION. What’s your take on waxing? I have what my husband affectionately calls “Dorito legs”. The folicles (i guess that’s what they are) on my lower legs are very pronounced and it makes my legs look freckled, and not in some cute way in my opinion. I was wondering if waxing would help reduce the appearance of these dots, moreso than shaving at least.
Also, got any suggestions for cellulite creams? I’ve changed my diet and exercise routine and need a little help “Smoothing it out” for summer.
Thanks again.
Ciao Bella!
i have definitly found my new favorite board. this is whats up
Hi
I am trying to send you an article that I think you might like to post on your site. How do I contact you directly??
BTW, I’ve been on your site since last summer and its awesome!
Hey all, I am currently in the process of transitioning and I have about two more months to go. I am so excited about going natural, it’s something I’ve contemplated for a while now. It’s hard having patience now because I’m ready to cut this perm out of my head be liberated! Any advice regarding which products work best would be much appreciated. I keep hearing alot about Curly Pudding and the Curls products–I don’t want to buy a ton of products. Thanks!
I founr this site by accident. I was looking for feedback on Carol’s Daughter products. You have been very helpful.
Stay Blessed
This is the best beauty site for women of color hands down!
Thank you so much for putting this site up. I can’t believe the amount of information you have on hear. I am so excited that I stumbled and found you. I have forwarded the site link to all my girlfriends.
Glad I stumbled across this site. I’m looking forward to reading what you have to say!
Dear reformed tomboy from Trinidad. I just love the pure energy from your posts, and the method in which it is totally yours. Many blogs have failed in that area of being creative because they unfortunately lack it. I love how you have introduced the products and hope you make a fine living by doing so. I notice a photograph at the header and thought you may like this one from key Caribbean 1972. You may use it if you need too.
http://thebookmann.blogspot.com/2006/12/retro-ad-series-sister-sister.html
Best regards on your wonderful site
thebookmann
Afrobella….
Where have you been all my life? My good friend sent me to you and I called her with glee. You are my sista indeed! I have been a beauty addict for years and have worked as a salesgirl, designer and consultant all in fashion and beauty. I finally came to the point where my requests for info was overwhelming and decided to create a blog. You have inspired me to keep living my dream . If you ever want to chat about new and FABULOUS RITUALS come and check me out…It would be FUN!!!
Stay Gold,
Jetteblaque
You absolutely deserve every accolade you get for your inspiration, hard work, and extraordinary site. Brava!
Hello sistahs! I love this website! I started using a line of natural makeup called crush groove cosmetics a few months ago. It is handmade in Harlem, New York. Has anyone used this mineral makeup before? My skin has never looked so good! Check it out at http://www.crushgroovecosmetics.com.
Hey Afrobella,
Could you start using women high up on the corporate ladder as Afrobella of the week? I have never seen a woman running things in the corporate world with natural hair.
Thanks!
I’m a new reader. I found your site a few weeks ago. It’s great!!! I am Cuban and Jamaican and I thought you could do a feature on Miss Jamaica. She, like myself is a Rasta and definitely doesn’t conform to the normal beauty queens from the Caribbean. http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20070521/ent/ent2.html
i have a blog also and i was just wondering if we could be affiliated with each other so check out my site and tell me what you think…i look forward to hearing from you soon.
oh here is the link to my site http://www.ontherecordmagazine.com
Afrobella, I stumbled across your site on Blogher…after many dogged days looking for a site that was witty, insightful, and honestly written…from a sister!!! I love it, and have added you to my Bloglines list. I aspire to have a wonderful blog such as your’s when I grow up. (I have yet to venture into creating my own blog, but will keep you posted.)
Big Up Trini Massive
I just found your site and love it already. I’ll be back soon!
u have probably seen this…
http://syasminr.wordpress.com/
Hey Patrice! Good job as always. I am back online now, so I will be checking in often. Keep it up chick.
I really enjoy your blog but lately it seems like it has turned into a product blog. It seems like every week some company sends you some product in exchange for you ooohing and awwwing over it and recommending that your readers try it. Don’t get me wrong, I love hair stuff but it just seems like the blog has lost some of that “organic” straight from the hip type thing. It seems that everything you review is your new “best thing ever/holy grail!” product. So much hair stuff is marketed to black women to “fix” our tresses, that sometimes it gets to be too much. Of course, I’m sure most people here will disagree with me but I wanted to put it out there.
I am new to afrobella and have enjoyed all of the information that you have on the site. Question, I am a new afrobella and am enjoying my short afro, but I am having trouble with my 20 month olds natural hair. It is very dry and frizzy, how due I bring luster back to her natural hair, it seems to kink up in seconds?
Hi, I’ve been reading for a few weeks and just wanted to say thanks for your blog! It’s my favorite - no super-sarcastic-I-hate-everything-lets-ridicule-dumb-celebrities-and-be-snarky-all-the-freaking-time jive-talk here! I really appreciate the breath of fresh air you bring - a little cultural awareness, a little geeky-fandom, a little clever sista-girl sparkle. Plus, you’re helping me work my way out of this “fear of cosmetics” phase I’ve been in.
I want to be like you when I grow up! This Southern-bella appreciates you.
Dear Afrobella,
I just discovered your site and I really love it!
I’ve linked to you on my beauty blog SugarShock http://sugarshock.blogspot.com and would greatly appreciate it if you could link to mine as well.
Kristen
Since December 2006, I have let go of the relaxers and returned to my “roots”. Every time I look up hair care for curly hair, I am always directed to this site….great stuff here! Just noticed the about button and I see that you are a Trini too…..Trinibella for life! I am proud of your accomplishments and your do it yourself attitude. I too have become a hair care product junkie! Always in the beauty supply stores and every drug store buying hair products like a crazy woman….I am always trying to find cute styles and products so I will be visiting often. Love and Peace. KaydaTrini
Hello: I discovered your website when I was doing some reserach. I love it!
One of the first articles I read were the comments about the Disney Princess Maddy.
I just want you and the world to know that Uzuri Kid Kidz is the creator of Kids party products and accessories for children of Color, and we have has created Princess Amira who is an AA princess!
Likewise my three year old company has taken up the cause to produce quality products for children of color that reflect postive images. You can check out our other multicultural characters on my website: http://www.uzurikidkidz.com.
Thanks for your time, this is the first time that I have ever posted a message on anyone website so I hope that I did it correctly.
Melissa Perkins-owener of Uzuri Kid Kidz
I love your website and articles. I have not the courage yet to go natural, but I was wondering if you can direct me to a website or blogspot that gives good advice about taking care of short black hairstyles - ala Halle Berry short style. Please help. I go to the gym regularly and it’s becoming a hassle taking care of this short hairstyle!! I’ve had some recent breakage that is definitely alarming.
Afrobella, thanks for everything you do to encourage us, not just hair but lifestyle. You are appreciated.
Twinkle, twinkle little star, How I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky, Twinkle, twinkle little star, How I wonder what you are.
Love your website. I’m not a make-up kind of chick, but one day if I do decide to be girly, I’ll come here and ask what I should do.
Jane
I was wondering i there was a membership club connected with this website. Thank you.
Hehe! Good work!
Thank you!
Hey, I’m a new reader to this site and I just want to let you know that I truly enjoy this site. It’s so different from a lot of the other blogs out there. You actually give great information to women of color and I love it. Keep up the good work. God bless and one love.
Hi Afro Bella
I’ve been reading your blog for some while now and I must say I like it enough to ask to be linked! I notice especially you have a section for the Caribbean massive, would love to be linked there since I hail from Jamaica. I have a fashion blog called Fashion Over Style, the address for it is http://www.iriedivastyle.com
Thanx much in advance and congrats on reaching your anniversary, hoping to make it thus far and beyond myself!
Hey Bella;
As a fellow natural hair diva, I’m finding it hard to find my inner natural curl. My hair just lays there, shoulder length, straightish, curly when wet or damp, not kinky, but frizzes up when the water is gone. Thick at the roots, yet very soft and fine. Can you or anyone suggest something to make the natural curl I know is there come out without the frizz? I can’t keep dunking my head in a bucket to keep it wet all day! I’d love to try Miss Jessies’ Curly pudding but that stuff is EXPENSIVE!!! Any suggestions? Thanks up front and Peace.
Just found your website & looking forwards to doing some serious reading! I’m currently on a journey of re-discovery with my natural hair - I’m 24 and stopped relaxing it almost 3 years ago…. now I have an afro but still need to find the perfect way for it!
Hey Patrice!
My name is Nana Brew-Hammond and I’m the Style Editor/Content Manager for BlueFly.com. Right now, we’re up to our cuffs covering Fashion Week, and it would be awesome if you could link to our hot off the catwalk blog post about Tracy Reese’s 11am show. Here’s the link: http://flypaper.bluefly.com/archives/2007/09/next_summer_did.html.
Thanks!
Nana
Afrobella, Love the website (I’ve posted a couple of times about Donyale Luna, whose Wikipedia article I’m continually updating and refining).
Hi, I am helping an author with a virtual book tour. She is interested in stopping by your blog. The book is called Mama Peavy says, “Women, It’s OK to Marry an Ugly Man” by Mary R. Butler. It is a dating/relationship self-help book with a little ha-ha!
Do you accept writing gigs ? If you do, please do contact me at the email on this comment
very nice and unique website…..beautifully done, miss afrobella
Realy, realy nice work! I was impressed! My own are
hello i’m new to reading your site i think its a great keep up the good work and god bless you sista
Tai
Newark,New Jersey
Found this site off of Nappystar.com and i got to say i love it your very informative and being a caribbean gyal and all keep me coming back for more
National Blackout: 2 November 2007
FYI: You may have seen this or something similar already! Govern
yourself as you deem appropriate!
The email is long but worth reading. In a nutshell, they are asking
African-Americans not to shop on November 2nd at all no gas, no food,
nothing. Do not spend any money on November 2nd.
Many people marched in Jena , La last month in support of the 6 young
men unjustly charged with attempted murder for a school yard fight.
There are many situations all over the nation that scream of injustice
and unfair treatment of people in this country. There is the woman in
West Virginia who was raped and tortured for days with barely any
national coverage. They called her the N word but as of this writing,
they still had not confirmed they are treating this as a hate crime. We
all know the young groom in NYC who was murdered by the NYPD on the eve
of his wedding. There is the teenage girl in Texas who was sentenced to
jail time for an altercation with a school official. How about the
teenage girl who was sprayed with mace for missing curfew. You can see
her in the video restrained by a police officer twice her size. She was
in handcuffs when she was sprayed. Maybe you heard of the California
girl who had her arm broken by a school security official when she
refused to pick up a piece of cake from the floor. It was filmed by a
school mate and is all over You Tube. You may have heard of the young
man in Georgia who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for having
consensual sex with a young girl. He was 17, she was 15.
There was also the young brother in Florida who died in the custody of
the state when he was admitted to their boot camp. They said he had
diabetes but they couldn’t explain his battered body. All of these
stories happened within the last year or two.
Those are just a few instances where people in this country have been
treated unfairly, while 4 young men in Raleigh , NC sue the state for 10
million dollars each because they were “falsely” accused of rape. There
are people who spend YEARS in prison and are exonerated that don’t get
nearly that much coin. By the way, who else is tired of the Princess
Diana wrongful death inquiry? I mean, come on, it’s very sad how she
died but does her death need to be the top news story 10 years and 2
months after her death?
On Friday, November 2, 2007, Warren Ballentine, Reverend Al Sharpton and
other civil rights leaders are calling for a national boycott. Black
people alone spend 2 billion dollars a day in the United States and we
are only approximately 12% of the population. 2 billion dollars a day,
lining the pockets of companies that have shown no interest in our
interests. We ARE living in the new civil rights movement. We cannot
allow the march in Jena to be only an event. It MUST be a movement. In
the 1950s, the bus boycott was only supposed to be for a few days or
weeks. It ended up being over a year. The goal was for fair treatment
and bus integration. Our parents and grandparents sacrificed and showed
that with faith and strength, they could show corporate America the
power of the community and demanded fair treatment. As we know, those
buses were integrated. This is not about color. This is about class. The
middle class and poor people in this country are not treated as the
Declaration of Independence says we should be treated. It states that
“all men are created equal”. Clearly the governing class of the United
States disagrees with their document.
Join us on Friday, November 2, 2007 and don’t spend ANY money. If you
have to shop, do it the day before or the day after. If you need gas,
get it the day before or the day after. We have to join together as a
community. You may be thinking, it’s only one day, what difference will
it make? I had the same thought at first, but just think about it. If we
all save our money that day, it WILL make a difference. That day may
become a weekend. That weekend may become a week and that week a month.
As we showed in the 1950s, we can make a difference if we do this
together.
If you can pass the many dumb jokes and forwards we all get, you most
certainly can pass this important email to all your friends and family.
Show a sign of solidarity.
I found you by accident yet I am happy I did.Thanking you all the way from Montreal, Canada! I love your site, its pretty interesting! I recently chopped off all my hair to go natural, I then realized I don’t have the easiest texture to work with. I would like some advice for Type 4z hair.I want curls..and I want them to ROCK! Anyways keep up the good work!
Thank you!
you’re so pretty
I’m listening t you on NPR right now! I hadn’t heard of your site before…i love it! have you heard of these products for curly hair…
http://www.ouidad.com
I love your site!!! You’re so inspiring…thank you! (-:
Hello webmaster that\’s ridiculously cute.
Bella,You are amazing!!!!I started checking you out a
year ago. I wanted to learn more about natural hair care and boy did I learn.Thank-you for the great links.My daughter (8yrs old now) has really embraced
her natural look and her hair has really thrived on the sugesstions I recieve from your site and others.
Both Kinky curls and the Miss Jessie line have been wonderful.Keep up the great work!!! You are an
insightful bright, star in the Internet galaxy .
Merry Christmas
Track Mom
http://trackmom.wordpress.com/
Rain
I fell in love with this site when I was transitioning. Now that I’ve officially taken the step into no relaxed-woman’s land, your site is even more useful. Thank you for all your hard work!
WHILE SURFING THE WEB I CAME UPON YOUR WEBSITE.I AM A TRINI LIVING IN DALLAS, TEXAS AND WILL LIKE TO MEET OTHER TRINIS TO SPEAD MY AD AROUND.ALSO PLEASE VISIT MY STORE ::::::
CARIBBEAN VARIETY STORE
940 E. BELTLINE ROAD,
RICHARDSON TX. 75081
Great site reformed tomboy!!RESPECT!!
Gone girl!
You do that natural thing.
I’m doing it too.
I decided to lock mine back in May 2007. Right now I’m missing my fro but I love my hair regardless.
I love Sephora too.
Hi afrobella just wanted to tell you how much I love reading your blog! I’m an Indian, curly haired girl living in Dubai and I just recently found Afrobella through another blog - I’m already addicted
your posts are funny, interesting and very helpful. Keep up the great work!
I’ve enjoyed your site for some time now. I’m of West Indian decent, wear my hair natural, and I’m always on the look out for beauty products. You’ve become a friend in my head, LOL! How can participate in your great giveaways??? -Have good weekend & Happy Carnival(in spirit)!!
my hair is natural and i use kazam natural body care royal hair care line
at http://www.kazambodycare. com just thought id share it with others i love your blog and will share it with others too
A man has emerged as a new voice for respect and love in the black community. “EOTM Radio”
BET, VH1 and MTV Networks it’s time to take notice! emerged
I was forward all these email from a friend in the blog world. I just wanted to let the networks now how impressed the black community is with this man.
There is a new man in the Reality TV world and his name is Tobias White. I heard the interview last night on EOTM Radio and was blown away. What a passionate man with a great message. I have not heard what Network it will be shown on however I heard something from Tobias that I have never heard from any white person before. I heard this man talk with more respect for our community then I have every heard from any white person speak. I was impressed with the passion and love in Tobias’s heart for the black community and his son’s. This show will be a huge success and we support it with all the love in our hearts. There is a lot of love we can learn from this man. I think whatever network turned this show down must have not been thinking. I have seen more support for this reality show then any other show on a network. I would like to think that you care what the black community things and feels about the programming you put out. Finally, we have a man doing the right thing by his son’s and searching for his queen, then VH1 turns it down. This is a feel good story about a beautiful family and I hope someone can see what all America is seeing in this man and his son’s. I truly hope that BET steps up to the plate and welcomes this reality show with open arms.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/entrepreneursonthemove
Hi, I found your site looking to get people to review this movie and share their thoughts. However, I really like it and will come back, plus you strike a resemblance to my best friend, I will send you her pic, same hair.
I am asking that you post about this movie. It is coming out Feb. 22 and it deals with married black men who sleep with men, and contract AIDS, which they pass to their wives. We are trying to encourage women, all black women, married or not to get tested. Please help us spread the word. Plus Leon is in it 
sorry the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvYNMNQgVoE
Can you give me some info regarding hair thickeners for natural hair. Just because you have curly/course hair does not mean its super thick. Thanks much.
This is my first stop by your blog and I am sitting here asking myself what took me so long to find you!?
What an amazing gift you are giving to us…thank you!
I came across your site today and will add it to my daily reading. I wish I had found it sooner. But no worries, I plan on catching up on past posts. Stay beautiful sis.
Lovin’ the Afrobella vibe. For you moms out there: Finally! African-American children’s books in one spot!!! More titles added daily! Book Club and more. Please support us, sperad the word and check us out!!! http://www.thebagobookso.com
I just discovered this site and I love it! I have been going natural for two years, after all my hair began to fall out due to over processing (color & relaxer). It was a nightmare but at the same time the experience allowed me to put trust in my self and my ability to bounce back which I had never done. I discovered that it is okay to fail because it is not that bad and when one door closes another one will open. It is better to take a risk and fail then never take that risk at all. I realized when I had no hair that my hair does not define me and I did not need to keep up with the Jones’s I could just be me. It is still a daily struggle finding the right hair regimen and life regimen but I am enjoying the journey.
I love your blog~ Thank you!!
Love your blog… sOOOO…I am actually reading your older posts and working up :)…
All the best with everything and thank you thanks thanks.
K.
I love this site girl! I was natural for about five years myself until I relaxed my hair in 2002 and today my hair is short and damaged and Im about to cut it all off and go natural again. When my hair was natural, I used Parnevu leave in conditioner, I love that stuff, and I have some really course and kinky hair. With Parnevu, I could comb my hair through with no problem. Keep up the great work!
Is that you, Afrobella, in the hairrules video (http://www.hairrules.com/Video.aspx?vid_id=1)?
How about a review of the hairrules products one day? I’m interested and you’re one of my favorite guinea pigs!
Keep up the good work!
Hey Ricasuave, nope that’s definitely not me. Never heard of these products before. Interesting!
I just happened to stubmle upon this site, when i read the “about afrobella” clip, imagine my surprise when the lady responsible for all this has the same name as me!
Well, since I am the younger one, I suppose, I share HER name.. nice site.. much luv and respect. PS- I need more info on wearing ones’ hair natural too, b/c my curls can get crazy, but I love to wear it natural. (and i’m not one for flat-irons, blow-dryers or extensive hair doos’ unless i’m in da shop and i dont have to fuss wit it!)
I enjoy your writing style (and I’m not biased because my mother is Trinidadian lol). Have you ever tried Miss Jessie’s hair products? I’ve heard good things about them.
bella, have you ever tried the “Hair Rules” product? i am eager to see how good it tames…
HELP!So I have had my hair natural off and on for the past five years. the problem is that every time I try to get some stylist to get me defined curls, they end up straightening my hair and then trying to add curls back in. Can someone please tell this lost child how to get presentable curls. my hair seems constantly stuck to my scalp.I am Nigerian and I know how to straighten my hair but not how to maintain my naturally kinky hair.
I was wondering if you have ever tried Lush Products? I love the soaps, so i decided to try the hair products. At the moment i am using Trichomania, a moisturizing shampoo for dry, curly hair but it just leaves my hair dry. Have you ever tried any of the hair products?
Hi Patrice we spoke @ the daily one time I work there. I am so excited about this site. I really hope you fufill your dreams with Afrobella. Take care and god bless. I just recently tolkd my cousin to go on your site and I will continue to spread the word out. Take care and stay blessed.
I was so excited to see that you’re from trinidad! Me too! lol…anyway, just had to leave a note to say that I absolutely love your website! So real, insightful, and informative! Keep writing, and I’ll keep reading!
I must say that I am addicted to your website, I make sure to check your site as I would my email. You have a way with words that engages, electrifies, and excites the reader. Your articles are always so well thought out and put together. I love the fact that in a society where Black beauty, Curves, and natural hair are frowned upon, critisized, and looked at as being taboo are openly celebrated. I love knowing that there are women who look like me, who’s hair is like mine, whos views are similar to mine are here with me. I just wanted to say continue to bring us informative information, great product reviews, and enthralling articles. I love your site and will always be a Fan MZ.AFROBELLA!!
Hi AfroBella!! I absoultely love your blog!! I wanted to know, could you possibly add my site under your links section please? Let me know if you could..I started a hair blog, because I wanted a way to express my views on my hair and just products and techniques in general. I added you on my site, you could check it out and tell me what you think (http://www.sashashae.com/hairblog)..Thanks a bunch,
Sasha-Shae
Blessings Afrobella,
Just wanted to let you know that it was a pleasure “running” into you at Whole Foods Market! It was truly a random moment and totally unexpected:-) I enjoy reading your blog. The information provided by you have been extremely helpful and thought provoking in my journey of embracing my own natural beauty. Congratulations on your awards and accolades!
Kudos to you!
Andrea aka Reggaevybez