WhenGood Hair Turns Bad!!

As my friend told me today, “I ain’t heard so much about Black women’s hair in my life!” He was asking me about the issues Black women have with their hair, hoping I could shed some light on the topic. I referred him to Chris Rock’s new movie, “Good Hair“,  which opens nationwide Ocotober 23rd.

Rock takes on perms, and the images of beauty Black women see when they look in the mirror. I think the movie will make for great conversation as we tackle the “nappy hair” stigma in the African American society.   I can remember wondering why my hair didn’t get curly when I wet it and applied Luster’s Pink Lotion. Or the time when I took my fringed shawl (wayback accessory) and put it on my head so I could have hair that swung back and forth.  I don’t think I was scarred by the fact that I didn’t have good hair, but there was always a longing for the wet & curly look! Hence my Jheri Curl era, but that’s a whole other story! LOL

Look for celebs like Nia Long and Raven Symone to share their stories in the documentary which is in select theaters this weekend, and nationwide October 23rd.

In other Good Hair news, it looks like Chris Rock may have jacked a SistaGirl for the movie idea.  Filmmaker Regina Kimbell has a lawsuit on the books for Chris Rock! She claims she screened (by request) her 2005 documentary “My Nappy Roots” for Rock on the set of his Everybody Hates Chris tv show.  She is trying to stop the opening of the movie and is looking for $5million in damages.  Her film also features Black Celebs and has film festival awards. Why can’t we all get along?!!!

Beyond Gumbo by Jessica B. Harris

On a trip down to my basement to unload the dryer, my ADD took over and I went looking for a new good book to read.  I have hundreds of books randomly filed on wooden book cases. Wedged in between James Patterson and Terri McMillan was my copy of Beyond Gumbo: Creole Fusion Food from the Atlantic Rim by Jessica B. Harris.  I had received the book as a part of it’s initial promotional book lauch, and was intrigued by the recipes. I loved Creole food, but I’d never tried to cook the it!  Somehow it got placed on the bookshelf  in my house instead of the kitchen.

Since I have recently discovered it and I have made plans to add a few of the recipes to my pre-Thanksgiving test fest. I will be testing new recipes to be added to my normal Turkey Day meal. Flipping through the pages makes my mouth water: Scallop Cebiche (Peru), Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pineapple (USA) and more culturally diverse food.  I’m heading to the kitchen to discover the world through food! I’ll let you know how my trip goes!

Jessica B. Harris is a Brooklyn, NY based  author whose works focus on food and foodways  in the African Diaspora.

It Doesn’t Matter if She’s Black or White…

This past Friday, history was made at Hampton University when they crowned their first White Miss Hampton.  The twenty-two year old Senior nursing major captured the crown, becoming the first White Miss Hampton in the school’s 50 year history. Response has been mixed, from anger to surprise to indifference. According to certain reports, some students were angry because not only was she NOT Black, but she doesn’t attend the main campus.  

Should the backlash be considered reverse racism? Or should a White woman be able to represent a HBCU? Either way, Miss Churchill’s win will spark interest on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges across the states.  Securing the win of Miss Hampton, Nikole Churchill is headed to the Miss Virginia pageant.

She also sent an open letter to President Obama, soliciting his presence to speak on racism at Hampton University. Read the letter below:

 

 

To: President Barack Obama

October 11, 2009

Aloha Mr. Obama!

My name is Nikole Churchill, a senior nursing major at Hampton University. This past Friday October 9, 2009, I was honored to be crowned Miss Hampton University 2009-2010. It truly was the best night of my life! With that being said, I am sad to say…… that my crowning was not widely accepted and many negative comments regarding my win have been shared throughout my campus.

It would be much easier to say that possibly some were not accepting of the news because I wasn’t the most qualified contestant; however, the true reason for the disapproval was because of the color of my skin. I am not African-American. Despite the unfortunate beliefs that some are saying I should not have won, I am desperately trying to focus on those who believe in me and support me and my goal to represent this beautiful, multicultural campus the very best way that I can. I would love your help!

I am hoping that perhaps you would be able to make an appearance to my campus, Hampton University, so that my fellow Hamptonians can stop focusing so much on the color of my skin and doubting my abilities to represent, but rather be proud of the changes our nation is making towards accepting diversity. People are even nicknaming me, “lil Obama” because of various reasons. This is truly an honor as well!

I am also from Hawaii (Wahiawa) and I am hoping that you can assist me in opening some closed minds and help share some aloha spirit throughout my campus. I feel as though you could relate to my situation, which is why I immediately wanted to contact you. I was interviewed last night at the HU vs. HU football game by news channel 13 and I mentioned how individuals such as you and myself are making changes in hopes people can stop placing so much focus on our skin color by letting that define what we can, cannot, should, and/or should not do. Dr. Harvey welcomed me last night to the family with open arms and I was beyond honored when he told me that he is behind me 100%. I am proud to represent Hampton University and I am so proud having you to represent our home, our country. Your support with my crowning as Miss Hampton University 2009-2010 would be graciously appreciated. Please reply, I will be looking forward to it!

-Nikole Churchill

Virginia Beach , VA

Win a PurPose Tee from SistaGirlz.com

Win your PurPose Tee from SistaGirlz.com!! Send emails to deja [at] sistagirlz [dot] com for your name to be entered into the drawing.  The  drawing ends November 6, 2009.  Include the following in your email:

Name

Shirt Size

Color : Black or Hot Pink

Mailing Address

Back view of shirt:

“I live my life on Purpose with a Purpose.”

The Rundown….

 

Newlyweds Christina Milian and The Dream popped up on the red carpet for The BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta this past weekend. Not sure if I feel the outfit, but hey, I’m not the one taking pics on the carpet, either. 

Christina just acknowledged her preggers status a couple of weeks ago. She and hubby The Dream a.k.a. Terius Nash, should have a little bundle of joy sometime in February or March. The Dream already has a daughter with his ex-wife, singer Nivea.  

So….I don’t know where Aunt Debbie Allen was going, but I am NOT feeling the eye make-up. However, her teal/emerald gown is stunning. 

Hip-Hop Baby Mamas Tiny and Toya just got signed for another season of their hit reality show on BET. I think I watched all of one show. Hmmm. Somebody must have been watching, because they have had some of the highest ratings in the history of the network. I just wish BET would spend money on QUALITY programming. Just my thoughts, people.

Serena Williams is catching alot of flack over the pictures in ESPN Magazine. She appears nude on the cover and in various states of undress inside the mag. The spicy flicks have upset the ITF (Int’l Tennis Federation) and they are thinking of fining her $500,000 and possibly disqualifying her from the 2010 Australian Open. Wow. But really, can they do that? I’ll keep you posted. Meantime, Serena, if you’ve goti, flaunt it!

Divas Out and About!

Tyra was spotted doing a photo shoot in NYC earlier today. She looks fab in her Christian Louboutin Boots! Oooh! I am so jealous! I need those shoes! LOL!

And in a town far, far away from New York City, Auntie Oprah was enjoying the State Fair. What is that in her hand? A corndog? I hear she sampled some fried butter, too. Was Paula Deen cooking out there? LOL! Shout to my Food Network Fans! 

In Oprah news, a former employee is lodging a $75,000 suit for wrongful termination. Evidently the woman fired was a flight attendant on O’s private jet. She was allegedly busted “heavy petting” with the pilot while Oprah was asleep. One of the people that saw the act was none other than Gayle King’s daughter, who was also a flight attendant on the jet. Wow. The stuff Soap Operas are made of!

How long do you mourn an EX-fiancee? Kandi Burress was spotted out at a luncheon this past weekend in ATL. Her ex fiance, AJ, was just buried last week. Is it too soon to be hitting up the party scene? Just wondering.

Jennifer Hudson has FINALLY released a pic of baby David Otunga Jr. He is sooo adorable. J-hud is reportedly back in the studio working on her sophomore album.

And Rihanna is working on her new album’s artwork. She was spotted at a photoshoot in Germany last week.

The baddest chick, rapper Trina showed up on the BET Hip-Hop Awards carpet looking FAB! I dare say almost Beyonce-esque. What do you think?

Plus-Sized SistaGirlz Do’s and Don’ts

By Danie Rae

Here are a couple of Do’s and Dont’s for all my plus-sized fashionista’s and wanna be fashionista’s!  Follow these simple rules and you can look good all year round!

DO wear bright colors, prints, and patterns. Just because your “Plus Sized” doesn’t mean you have to dress BORING!

 

 

DO NOT wear clothes that don’t fit.  Don’t be afraid to get your proper measurements and have garments tailored to fit you.  

 

 

 

DO shop at a variety of stores. Don’t limit yourself to just shopping at Lane Bryant. Do research online for other retailers (Torrid, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Asos).

 

 

  

DO NOT wear the wrong underwear. Invest in good undergarments (Spanx, Body Magic, etc.)

 

DO have confidence, flair, and spunk.  Because without it you won’t look good in anything!

Oh and always remember to be CLASSY not TRASHY!

Wildflowers by Lyah Beth Leflore

By Miss Rikki

St. Louis native Lyah Beth Leflore is back on the scene with her latest release!  She has teamed up with her mom, well known poet Shirley Leflore, for her new book Wildflowers.

 

 

 Here’s the synopsis:

Twenty-three dollars and eleven cents–that’s all that thirty-five-year-old Chloe Davis Michaels has to her name after she is driven from her home and career as a jet-setting Hollywood publicist, desperate to protect her unborn child from her crazed newlywed husband. She thought she had it all. Now Chloe seeks refuge in her Midwestern hometown to “get prayed up” by the women in her family.

Chloe’s impromptu homecoming takes us into the world of eight African-American women who make up the Davis clan–three mothers and five daughters, including Chloe, who soon discovers that the secrets she’s been keeping about her own life don’t compare to the secrets the other women in her family have been hiding.

As the bonds of family are tested, the women call upon their strong faith and spiritual teachings of deceased family matriarchs, MaMaw and Muh, in order to weather the storm.

CLICK HERE for an excerpt!

From the first few words Leflore throws you into the book.  As a reader you are caught up in the world of the Davis women and all that comes with it!  Wildflowers will definitely be a page turner!

I Am Not My Hair

By Shantell Huggins aka Ms Royalty

 

But are the starlets starting this trend or has the public been on it for a while and they are just now catching up? I do know that the TWA (teeny weeny afro, for those of you who don’t know) was being rocked well before Solange’s new cut. Also, there were far more Rihannaesque cuts in the 90s before she got her fierce trim. Cassie’s edgy style was out in the late 80s early 90s with that whole “Salt & Pepper” look.  So, are these hairstyles new and innovative or just old and haven’t been seen on celebrities for a few years? You decide… and which ever one you choose to get, continue to stay Vicious!