This post is long overdue! I have Kamla to thank for this one. On May 24th there was a snap election, and in a history making vote – Kamla Persad-Bissessar became the first female Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago. She is also the first female Commonwealth Chairperson-in-Office. Over time I’ve become jaded about politics…
Issues
Come See Me in DC!!
I’m SO excited for this weekend! This evening I leave for Washington DC – I’m taking Amtrak from Chicago to DC with my amiga Luvvie, so if you don’t already follow us on Twitter, now’s a great time! We will be documenting the fun of a road trip and photographing the scenic beauty of the…
Queen Latifah on Social Media
Queen Latifah has always been a woman of tremendous wisdom. Her lyrical content has always revealed the mind of a critical thinker, one who isn’t afraid to challenge societal norms and question the status quo. As a self admitted addict of social media, I found her latest interview with Upscale Magazine to be both interesting…
Afrobella Relaunch in 5…4…3…2…
Bear with me for the next 24 hours or so, bellas and fellas. Behind the scenes for the past few months, I’ve been collaborating on a special site relaunch with my friend brilliant award winning Chicago blogger, celebrated charity co-founder, shoe fanatic and generally awesome person Lovette Ajayi. Oh yeah, in addition to doing all…
American Apparel Has Policies About Black Hair
Originally posted this morning on BV Hair Talk. The litany of complaints about American Apparel’s advertising and hiring policies are so long, we could write a book about them. The company is known for chic, trendy, affordable locally made clothes yes…but they’re also known for being sexist, judgmental, and discriminatory based on the aesthetic attractions…
Yet Another School Hair Controversy
Our hair is unique. Our hair is beautiful. Our hair requires the use of products that give it moisture and nourishment. And yes, some of those products have fragrances that are remarkable. But it seems to me that a certain teacher at Seattle’s Thurgood Marshall Elementary School is overreacting in a troubling way right now,…
It’s Officially Sundress Month!
The sky is blue, the sidewalk is sizzling, and the parks is full of live music, outdoor festivities and fun to be had. That’s right ladies, it’s summer! Time to bust out your beautiful bright sundresses! This June, sundress season has been given an official title by sportscaster and Twitter friend Bomani Jones. He explains…
What’s Your Best Natural Hair Advice?
Today on Twitter, there’s a concerted effort by the natural hair community to get the hashtag #naturalhair as a trending topic. The initative was started by amazing loctician Camille Reed AKA NoireBoss1, and My Hairitage, to increase awareness and appreciation for natural hair. I absolutely LOVE the idea! So I decided to ask my friends…
A Little Natural Hair History
I spend so much time looking forward, sometimes I need a reminder to look back, marvel, and appreciate how far we’ve come. I got a wonderful reminder from esteemed Caribbean-born author Nalo Hopkinson, who sent me a link to Yale’s online Beinecke archive of rare books and manuscripts. In the Randolph Linsly Simpson African American…
RIP, Purvis Young
His artwork is inspiring to behold. His images of city life, laden with images of pregnant women and angels, were most often painted on rough hewn pieces of plywood, old doors, whatever was available to him. Purvis Young was an artistic genius. As Jacquelyn Serwer, chief curator of the Smithsonian’s soon to be opened National…