“Nappy,” “kinky,” and “coarse” are some of the terms used to describe the tightly-coiled texture of three-fourths of the indigenous African population and of most Black people living in Africa and America today. In North America, these were considered negative terms (sometimes fighting words), because the hair being described was not favored and the terms used to describe it were not considered complimentary.
Earlier this week, Mignon Clyburn became the first African-American woman to head the Federal Communications Commission. Although, Clyburn will head the Commission, which started in 1934, her position is temporary; Congress is currently approving Obama’s permanent choice for head of the commission, Tom Wheeler, which could take an unforeseen amount of time.
by Nika of Faces of Black Fashion
Many of us are intentional about various areas in our lives. We have a goal, and we strive for it by any means necessary. For example, we will invest thousands of dollars, sacrifice sleep and go without certain luxuries to earn that degree or attain our career goals. We chart our paths and stick to it, knowing that success takes tenacity and strength of character. Thus knowingly or unknowingly, we become intentional about our goals. We are intentional by our actions.
Now, that we've recovered from our Scandal hangovers (Dad???!!!!!), let's talk about new television foolywang that has left me verklempt and outdone to the point where I've decided to write...wait for it...an open letter. Yes, it's that serious. If Hov can do one on Cuba, I can write one on this hot mess waiting to happen.
by Evan Seymour
It is nothing out of the ordinary for superstar entertainer Beyonce to grace the cover of a magazine, but rarely do these appearances spark conversations around feminism. Ms. magazine, one of the oldest, most widely recognized feminist publications in existence, has selected Mrs. Carter as their spring 2013 cover girl, but not all of the magazine’s readership agree with Bey’s selection, or with her being labeled a feminist.
reposted with permission from Strong Families Blog
By Bianca Campbell
The South is often seen as a threat to the rights of our chosen families, but Southern Black women, in alignment with African American views on reproductive access, have been taking this opportunity to uplift the values of our communities.
by Denise J. Hart
Mindset Mojo - preoccupation with perfectionism is the pathway to experience shame, while embracing process is a full time journey to building courage and confidence.
Momentum is one of my most favorite words. Back in high school, when I played basketball and ran track, my coaches would frequently weave the word momentum into their strategy talks with the team. It's true, that momentum means to be in motion and to have the strength of forward movement, but my former coaches also helped me to understand that momentum also has the connotation of being an advantage. Once you gain momentum, and this powerful energy is flowing in your direction, many people believe that the person that has momentum has an advantage that others do not.
by Evan Seymour
Let me start off by saying this – I absolutely adore Zoe Saldana. She’s one of the hottest stars in Hollywood and sistah girl’s sense of style is absolutely fierce. I am for sure a Zoe fan. However, what I do not, not even one bit, appreciate is the casting of the actress as legendary jazz, soul, and folk singer Nina Simone in an upcoming biopic.
by Keidra Chaney
I realized a couple of weeks ago that between Revenge, Scandal, and Nashville, ABC single-handedly brought new life to the nighttime soap opera, and I am not mad at that at all. Never a huge fan of crime procedurals, reality TV, or medical shows, I’ve watched more TV in the past season than in the past six or so years. I don’t want to sound completely shallow; I do watch and appreciate TV shows that illuminate the stories of hard-working, marginalized people, but I will not deny that I have a special place in my heart for the tales of the powerful and amoral. Blame it on a childhood of watching ABC daytime soaps with my grandmother, but there’s something about well-dressed people having sex with and/or killing each other that makes for great drama.
