Heard about Lorain Horizon Science Academy - the Ohio school that banned Afro puffs and small braided hairstyles? Evidently they only wanted hairstyles that look “natural, clean and well-groomed.” Hang on—I’m going to get to that in a second. But I also heard about a neighboring school that took it a step further and banned slanted eyes. Evidently, according to the school … [Read more...]
Dark Girls
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I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about this documentary. According to Clutch Dark Girls is a film that “candidly and provocatively explores colorism among African-Americans.” And I love that it is going to air on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network this Sunday June 23, 2013. We’ve all heard about the various challenges faced by light and dark skinned women in the … [Read more...]
Black, Latina & Wearing Natural Hair
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When I was in college, thanks to one of my most dynamic professors, Dr. Laurence Prescott, I developed a special interest in the role of race in Latin American culture. So much so that I decided to dual major in Africana studies and Spanish language. In order to graduate as part of the honors college I had to write a thesis and decided to zero in on this topic. Since I planned … [Read more...]
Before Steppin’ to Today’s Black Woman, Michelle Obama Would Like a Word
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I'm sure you've heard about "FLOTUS Hecklegate" by now. If not, let me set the scene: the uber talented Michelle Obama is on stage at a Democratic fundraiser imploring the audience to do their best for today's children. To give them a chance to grow in a world that leaves them empowered - as opposed to oppressed. Then out of no where comes the distinct sound of a … [Read more...]
Wash n Go? Or Wash n NO? Maybe both?
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Recently there's been a lot of discussion about whether or not women with Type 4 (i.e. kinky, nappy, coily) hair should wear "Wash n Go" styles. Wash n Go (or "WNG") is the type of style where you get in the shower, wet your hair, get out the shower, towel dry and then...just go. As in no real combing, a bit of styling but basically...shaking your hair out and hitting the … [Read more...]