The daughters of Malcolm X and Robert F. Kennedy speak at Towson University

Ebony Oakcrum with Ilyasah Shabazz after the event

Two daughters of promise, who live after the legacy their fathers left behind, dedicated time yesterday to inspire promise and hope in the hearts and minds of those who gathered.

Large crowds came out for the fantastic event, “Daughters of Promise: In Our Own Voice,” sponsored by Towson University’s Women’s Center.

In front of a diverse crowd on Thursday Oct. 15, 2009, the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, Rory Kennedy, joined the daughter of Malcolm X, Ilyasah Shabazz,  for a compelling speaking event at Towson University.

The evening was bright, and it overflowed with funny anecdotes, inspirational quotes and unforgettable wisdom.

Rory Kennedy presented information on rape oversees committed against women as young as five, who are then rejected and forced to carry their burden all alone.

She shared her documentary, in which she covered the story of a young girl, Ali, who was raped at the age of 9, contracted HIV and sought comfort in the assurance of her father, who painfully rejected her.

Veronica Wilson, a senior at  Towson University, said that the event changed her life.

“I am blessed to have been a part of this historic day at Towson,” said Veronica. “The mere act of having these two women of stellar accomplishment in this room speaking to all of us, inspires me to want to leave here and change the world.”

If only more people like Rory Kennedy stood up for the rights of the disenfranchised around the world, maybe this epidemic could be brought to a gradual end.

Ilyasah discussed the horrors of witnessing her father’s assassination at the young age of 3.

She discussed common misconceptions of her father, such as the notion that he changed his ideology following his excursion to Mecca.

Ilyasah spoke about the trauma her mother experienced after losing her husband in her 20s and having to raise six daughters by herself.

Her mother expected no assistance from a “diabolical, racist” government that she and her husband had fought relentlessly against.

She put all of her six daughters through school and still went on to acquire a Ph.D afterwards.

But by far, the most compelling segment of Ilyasah’s speech involved the danger of not knowing one’s history.

She criticized the American educational school system, which has strategically stripped African-Americans from the integrity of their history.

“Before there was Harvard, there was the University of Timbuktu,” she said.

There were a few disapproving expression from those, who appeared recalcitrant in their attempt to hold on to denial.

Ilyasah persisted that Black-Americans have been purposely lied to by the American government about their true identity, and this fostered a spirit of detachment amongs blacks.

“When you here that Africans are dying of poverty and starvation, you say it doesn’t bother you, because you do not see that African as a reflection of yourself,” she said.

Ilyasha argued that not only does miseducation encourage detachment, but it also fosters self-hatred and a lack of confidence among blacks, citing to the study that was reconducted in 2006, in which young African-American girls were shown a white barbie doll and a black barbie doll.

They consistently said the white doll was beautiful and pretty, while the black doll (a reflection of themselves) was ugly and bad.

Ilyasah said that any African-American or Caucasian, who either does not know the true history of blacks, denies it, or teaches the lie that the history of Africans began in slavery, rather than in royalty and wealth as educated kings and queens in Africa, is doing themselves and those around them a great disservice.

Ebony Oakcrum, a junior at Towson University, enjoyed Ilyasah’s presentation.

“I was amazed,” said Ebony. “She said some tough things that I think were hard for some people to swallow, but that’s typically how the truth is, especially when some people have dedicated so much time and effort to hiding it.”

Dr. Phyllis Freeman from the Women’s Center, presented a brief poem to end the event in style, and the daughters greeted guests, engaged in conversation and took pictures.

Photo by Success O.

 

Miss. Nappturality

Teesha Borum is a contestant for Miss. Nappturality

Going-Natural.com has kicked off it’s natural hair competition, Miss. Nappturality. 

African and African-American women from various segments of the country will compete to win the title and to be crowned Miss. Nappturality.

 The women, who range in age and diversity, will have to prove why they are worthy of the award.

They will be judged not just on their beauty, but also on their philosophy pertaining to natural hair and contributions, which they make to the natural hair culture.

Amina Momolu, an African Junior at the University of Maryland said that she is excited about the competition and can’t wait for it to start.

“Of course I am elated about this,” said Amina. “I mean it’s not everyday you see a competition for black women that encourages natural beauty. It’s very necessary, and I hope it get’s picked up for television.”

Picture by: Going-Natural.com

 

Taking care of your natural hair

If you wear your hair naturally and curly, there are a few things you might need to know. Natural hair isn’t like relaxed or treated hair. It is actually more fragile and requires greater love and care.

Here at Sophisticated African we want you to look your best from your head to your toe, and we want you to represent the unique fashionista you are, so check out these tips:

1. 1. Wash and condition your hair atleast three times a week.  The nature of African hair calls for a lot of moisture, so feed it!
2. Use natural hair products to ensure your hair is getting what it needs best.
3. Stay away from products with a bunch of chemicals you can’t understand, like parabens. They are horrrible for your hair.
4. Incorporate hot oil treatments and deep conditioning regimens to your hair routine. Remember, you have to feed your hair.
5. Something special that does wonders for my hair is raw west African Shea Butter.
6. The most important key however, is to moisturize. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. The texture of your hair requires more conditioning, so don’t hesitate to keep the oils, juices and fluids coming!

Here are some resourceful websites for going natural:

• My Natural Hair Care Guide
• Nappturality
• Mowtown Girl
• Treasured Locks
• Going Natural

Here are some online natural hair stores that I purchase my products from. They are fantastic!

• Shea Butter Hut – For raw Shea Butter that you hair will love you for.
• Oyin Handmade– Based in Baltimore, Oyin Handmade products are really handmade. They are packed with tons of healthy butters and creams, and the smell is to DIE for! My favorite is burnt sugar pomade.
• Carol’s Daughter – If you are looking to pamper your hair, this is where to go. These products not only smell great, they contain natural ingredients, vitamins and all the essential oils your hair will appreciate. Try the hair milk.
• Beauty 4 Ashes – These products are on the expensive side, but if you have the money, it’s worth it. Not only will you find hair care systems for moisturizing dry and damaged hair, but the products contain Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, B5 and much more nutritious elements. Try the Godhead Avocado and Coconut Deep Conditioning Mayo Mask.

Photo by Hello Beautiful

 

Chris Rock’s Good Hair movie

Speaking of Afrocentric elements in webisodes, I thought I would also mention that Comedian and Actor Chris Rock is coming out with a new movie titled: “Good Hair.” Believe it or not, his daughter inspired the movie after she asked him why she doesn’t have good hair.

It’s amazing to see a comedian humorously address the issue of race and heritage in the black community and at the same time, provide some insight to those who might not understand the black woman’s relationship with her hair.

Eversince the enslavement of Africans from their homeland and the instillment of self-hatred in African-Americans, some of the racial and strategic classifications, which were used to divide and subjugate blacks and Africans have lingered.

During slavery, there were lighter-skinned slaves, who comprised Africans from specific tribes in Africa, as well as those who were a product of rape by their masters.

These fair-complexioned slaves, who typically possessed finer and longer hair, were often trusted more than darker-skinned slaves, and they were often put in charge by their masters.

This naturally set up the “fair skin and fine hair is better than dark skin and thick hair” construct, because darker slaves were often abhorred because of their complexion and features.

The dark slave would work outside in the heat for long hours each day as the “field negro,” while the fair slave, who resembled the master worked closer to him as the “house negro.”

Time passed and the black woman was consistently reminded that her natural, God-given, full, thick and curly hair was not beautiful. She was constantly reminded by society, media and the blonde, long-haired, blue-eyed standard of beauty.

Society formulated all types of outlandish, disrespectful and denigrative terms to diminish her hair. Her thick, curled mane became “nappy,” “kinky,” and lots of other names with negative connotations.

Her own beauty became somehow insufficient. She was lacking, and it was the worst type of insufficiency –  the type that erodes self-love and confidence.

The level of self-hatred and insecurity this tactic of division imparted unto black women has haunted them for many years.

In a struggle to attain society’s standard of beauty, black women relax, perm, press their hair and put it through a variety of chemically altering processes. And as they stroll down the street, their beauty is validated when another sista walks by and says:

“Girl, she is so pretty! Do you see her good hair? I wish I had hair like that.”

Photo by Jamrock Magazine

 

Afrocentric webisode series coming this fall

Props to Ladybrille Blogazine for getting the word out about a new Afrocentric webisode series coming this fall. Now when was the last time you watched afrocentric webisodes, or any African-oriented episode for that matter?

“Afro City,” is based on a singer named Jazzman Love and her three best friends. It tells a story of relationships, love, strength and triumph. This should be interesting, and you can bet I’ll be watching every bit of it.

You should tune in too, because I get the impression that it’s going to be a lot of fun. Check out their unique, cool and Afrocentric outfits on twitter.

In case you’re wondering if it’s worth watching, don’t worry. I’ll be providing feedback about it so you won’t have to watch in vain.

 

Inspirational African Model Day

If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to take some authoritative leverage here and name today a holiday. I mean, who says only predetermined, special people get to name holidays?

So, here we go:

Drumroll please!

Today is Inspirational African Model Day!

Aren’t you excited? Today we get to honor five African models who inspire greatness. The models who are not afraid of who they are. They aren’t ashamed of their unconventional beauty, and they certainly are not afraid to show it. But most of all, these fashionistas are doing more with their beauty than lavishing in it and using it to make them millions.

They are using their prominece to reach and change the lives of people across the world. They’re building partnerships and making a difference in Africa. These beauties are speaking out against injustices that would ordinarily be silenced, and in doing so, they are changing the world as we know it one day at a time.

Their efforts have won them an honor on Inspirational African Model Day. Spread the word. These women are great!

Alek Wek, a Sudanese supermodel, who has modeled for Victorias Secret and Clinique, is a member of the U.S. Committee for Refugees’ Advisory Council. She works to bring attention to the crisis of  Sudanese refugees and refugees worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

(Photo by Hello Magazine)

 

Ethiopian Supermodel Liya Kebede, who has had various photo spreads in Vogue and has modeled for Gap, Revlon and Victorias Secret, is a major force in the modeling industry. But, when she’s not modeling, she’s serving as an activist. Liya is the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She is also founder of the Liya Kebede Foundation, which advocates support for maternal, newborn and child health programs.

 

 

 

 

 

(Photo by Don Ashby and Oliver Claisse)

 

Supermodel Iman Abdulmajid is from Somali. She is often credited as one of the first African models, who paved the way for others. Iman is dynamic and very versatile, as she is fluent in five languages, including French and Italian.

In addition to her diverse background in modeling and acting, Iman currently hosts Project Runway Canada. She is founder of Iman Cosmetics, a make-up line for women of color. Iman is also a representative for Keep a Child Alive, which provides therapeutic assistance and support for children and families with HIV.

 

 

(Photo by The Insider)

 

Katoucha Niane was a French supermodel from Guinea. She modeled for a number of top designers including Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Lacroix. Katoucha later stopped modeling and dedicated her life to the battle against female circumsion, which is a common practice in some remote African countries and villages.

She experienced the same form of genital mutilation when she was 9-years-old. Her bravery to speak up about her experience and speak out against female circumsion, has earned her an indelible position on the Inspirational African Model Hall of Fame.

 

 

 

(Photo by AP)

 

Okay, you know I had to save the best for last.  All of these women have done outstanding things. What makes Supermodel Oluchi Onweagba the best however, is simply the fact that she is from my country, Nigeria. So, you know I have to represent!

Oluchi is not only an extremely successful supermodel, who has modeled in Sports Illustrated, but she’s using her accomplishment to help others. She tries to be a role model for aspiring young prospects in Nigeria. She has also founded OModel Africa modeling agency to assist aspiring African models to reach their goals.

 

 

 

 

(Picture by New York Magazine)

 

Face of Africa

Face Of Africa

The Face of Africa Competition, sponsored by M-Net is back once again for it’s eight season. Many women will battle for the first place position and to receive the title: “Face of Africa.”

The competition, which was previously a four-part series, will now adorn the TV screens of millions of Africans, who will partake in the newly revamped 14-episode television series. The series will be available on M-Net’s website for viewing.

“I am really looking forward to watching the new series of Face of Africa,” said Ifeoma Adaku, an avid Face of Africa viewer and Morgan State University student. “I’m extremely inspired by the models, who compete every year.”

The popular competition has brought out tons of young, bubbling, anxious and determined women seeking recognition and a chance to become a glamorous international model.

M-Net Brand Manager Khobane Gideon said the competition has served to encourage unity all over Africa, according to AllAfrica.com. “It has crossed boundaries and given young African women who dream of international fame an opportunity to chase that dream.”

Face of Africa’s 2008 winner was Ghanaian Kate Tachie-Menson. The competition kicks off in February 2010. Prizes include 50,000 USD and a modeling contract.

 (Photo by African Fashion Week)

 

 

Fashion capital of Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria

Is this a side of Africa you probably never knew existed? I would probably bet 99 percent that it is, because it’s one which is rarely seen in the media. The beautiful picture above illustrates the “Fashion Capital of Nigeria,” Lagos.

It has been a major attraction for tourists since its renovation in 1965. In fact, most tourists do not leave the country without visiting this state.

Supermodel, Oluchi Onweagba, who has been featured in such magazines as Marie Claire, Allure and has also modeled for Victoria Secret, spent much of her time in Lagos before moving to America, and for a good reason.

With the bright colors, lights and contagious excitement, Lagos is said to be the birthplace of Western African Fashion, as Onweagba became the first renowned model in Africa, after winning the Face of Africa competition in 1998.

With several model competitions occuring annually in Lagos, it is a place where model hopefuls pray to be discovered and attain world fame like Onweagba, who is an inspiration to many.

Idiyatu Akande, a young African hoping to be discovered in America, said “There is something special about Lagos, it’s almost enigmatic. You not only come alive, but you feel this great strength like you can achieve anything you want to. It means to Nigerians what America means to those trying to attain the American dream.”

(Nigeria photo by NYFA)