Yogurt in Hair Masks

June 12, 2017, 9:33 am

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by Mary Wolff

When my hair needs a little extra TLC, my favorite remedy is a good hair mask. They are easy to make at home with ingredients you most likely already have on hand, the benefits are multiple, and you can rest assured you aren’t putting any harsh additives or chemicals in your hair, unlike some store-bought products. One of my favorite tricks of the trade is using yogurt in hair masks.

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Yogurt is great for hair masks because it is packed with antioxidants and moisturizing properties.  It leaves hair soft and touchable. The moisturizing properties send frizz packing and it even helps make strands stronger if you use Greek yogurt which is higher in protein. Yogurt is already good for hair masks because it works as a base for other ingredients so you can mix and match all sorts of superfoods in your recipe. Here are a few of my favorite recipes using yogurt.

Super Soft Mask

This mask packs a punch in the moisturizing department with the use of yogurt, avocado, and olive oil. These three foods are known to be powerhouses on their own so when you bring them together in a mask, your strands will be super soft.

For this recipe, use 1 tbsp. of yogurt, ½ an avocado pulp, and 1 tbsp. of olive oil. Combine in a bowl. Make sure the avocado is properly blended to avoid any lumps.  Apply it to clean hair and massage into the scalp for the best benefits. Place a shower cap on head and wait for 15-20 minutes. Rinse out for soft, touchable hair!

Hair Growth Mask

When you are looking to stimulate a little growth, it is important to have the right proteins for your scalp. With this hair growth mask, we combine the powers of yogurt with egg for a mask that will leave hair strong and ready to grow!

For this recipe, take 2 tablespoons of yogurt, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, blend in a blender until you get a smooth consistency. Apply to clean wet hair. Make sure you massage in circular motion on the scalp since that is where hair growth starts. Put on a shower cap and wait 20 minutes. Rinse out in cold water.  It is important to use cold water instead of hot if you don’t want your head to smell like eggs all day.

There are other ways to use yogurt in hair masks. While these are my favorite recipes, you can certainly create your own concoctions using your favorite ingredients!

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Serena And Venus Williams' Dad Will Be Inducted Into Tennis Hall of Fame

June 12, 2017, 10:39 am

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Richard Williams, the father of famous tennis champions Serena and Venus Williams will be inducted into the American Tennis Association’s (ATA) new Tennis Hall of Fame! He will be honored for his efforts in coaching the Williams sisters, who hold 30 major singles titles between them.

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Mr. Williams will be the very first inductee of the ATA’s hall of fame in celebration of the association’s 100th anniversary. ATA’s Centennial Celebration Gala will be held on August 2nd, 2017, where Mr. Williams will be formally recognized.

“The ATA has had a rich and colorful history and we will be honoring our past while focusing on the strategic plans for the next 100 years for Black Tennis in America,” ATA President Willie Emerson said. “ This is an exciting year and we have many exciting events planned.”

Raising and training tennis players definitely had its challenges, whether it was fighting off gang members in Compton and fighting off the prejudices of the white-dominated tennis world. Check out the following video where he discussed his early challenges with the Toronto Star.

His “tough-love discipline and unapologetic blackness” was certainly controversial in the league, and along with the Williams sisters being among the oldest on the court, the family certainly stood out for more reasons than their powerhouse skills and talents. Regardless of the controversy, it looks like Mr. Williams was doing something right. Look at them now!

“Williams will be recognized for his success as a coach to his Compton-born daughters, who have received numerous accolades for their successes in the Summer Olympics and Grand Slam tournaments," said the ATA. “For about 20 years, the sisters have steadily been credited as top-of-the-line tennis players, with Serena leading as number one. When paired together in double tournaments, the two are practically undefeatable and have won 22 out of 23 titles.”

Congrats to Mr. Williams! Given the tennis icons he has helped raise and train, this honor is certainly much deserved!

Source: Essence

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Tonja Renée Stidhum is a writer/director living in Los Angeles by way of Chicago. She is the co-host of the movie review podcast, Cinema Bun Podcast. She is made of sugar and spice and everything rice... with the uncanny ability to make a Disney/Pixar reference in the same sentence as a double entendre. You can follow her on Twitter @EmbraceTheJ, on Facebook FB.com/tstidhum, and Instagram @embracethej. You can find more of her work on her About Me page, https://about.me/tonjareneestidhum.

Should You Take Biotin Supplements?

June 12, 2017, 10:52 am

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by Mary Wolff

We all want beautiful, healthy hair. If there were a pill that promised to give you healthy, strong hair, pretty nails, and promoted hair growth, would you take it? Of course, you would! This is the premise of biotin supplements. They claim to offer all of these benefits and many curlies are jumping on board with it. However, there are a few things we should keep in mind about biotin supplements before you try it.

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What Is It? 

A daily vitamin, biotin supplements are a pill form of complex B vitamins. It is available in many different dosages on the market, but it should be noted that none are approved by the FDA. It is reported to help hair growth and hair health by helping your body metabolize energy while transporting carbon dioxide from cells. 

Does it work?  

There is no concrete evidence that biotin supplements work. While some have reported a notable difference in the overall health of their hair and nails, others have seen no difference at all. The key here is that biotin pills are suggested to only offer benefits to those people previously suffering from a biotin deficiency. The body naturally makes and absorbs biotin. If a person has a deficiency in this area, the supplements may help improve this aspect. For those with no biotin deficiency, there will most likely be no noticeable change, and your body will simply process it and get rid of it like it does any food or nutrient in excess. It should be noted that very few people actually have a biotin deficiency and the brittle nails and unhealthy hair are a sign of an underlying health condition, unhealthy lifestyle or care, or an insufficient diet. 

What are the side effects? 

Before you decide to test this out for yourself and just hope for the best, you should know there are a few side effects associated with biotin supplements. If you do not have a biotin deficiency and you take too much, you could end up with undetectable side effects such as high blood sugar, slower release of insulin, and decreased vitamin C and vitamin B6 levels. You could also end up with a rash which may be the only physical sign that biotin is a problem. In this article, some NaturallyCurly editors noticed an increase in breakouts and pimples. For this reason, it's incredibly important to consult your doctor before taking a new supplement to make sure it will actually benefit you instead of causing harm. 

Benefits of Plantains for Hair

June 13, 2017, 8:13 am

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Photo Credit: North of Lagos

by Mary Wolff

There are a ton of healthy foods that are reported to help with the life of your hair. When choosing the right one, you might overlook plantains. These fruits might be overlooked for their counterpart the banana, but there are some great benefits of plantains for hair that make them worth a second look. Here are a few benefits of plantains for hair that make them a great addition to your diet or hair care routine.

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• They help with hair growth. Eating plantains or applying them directly to your scalp can help with generating new hair growth. Plantains are packed with high levels of vitamin C which helps your hair health in a few ways. It helps the scalp have proper circulation to encourage new growth by supporting the follicles. It also helps the body to absorb iron which is needed not only for new growth, but also hair retention to keep the follicle strong. 

• They are great for moisturizing hair. Plantains have a high level of vitamin E which is a known way to moisturize strands. Applying a plantain mask to your strands will leave them hydrated and soft thanks to this essential nutrient. 

• They soothe an irritated scalp. From the combination of vitamin E and the naturally emollient properties of this super food, they are great for soothing irritation, dryness, oil production issues, and other scalp concerns. When your scalp needs a treat, plantains are one of the best options for overall scalp health. 

• They can also give your skin a boost by providing necessary nutrients. Plantains are rich in vitamins A and B6. These two vitamins play a crucial role in keeping skin healthy and young. When you add plantains to your diet, you get skin that is positively glowing! 

There are two ways to reap the benefits of plantains for hair. You can eat them and allow your body to absorb the nutrients. This is an acceptable, and tasty, way to get these benefits. If you are looking for something a little bit more immediate in terms of results you can also apply plantains directly to your hair and scalp.

To apply plantains to your hair or scalp, simply un-peel 1-3 ripe plantains, depending on the length of your hair. Mash them in a bowl or food processor until they become paste-like. This will only work if the plantains are browning and ripe. Apply to hair and scalp, massaging into scalp in circular motions. Put on a shower cap for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse out of hair and finish up with your favorite conditioner. Your hair should be notably softer and healthier.

5 Coily Hair Myths

June 13, 2017, 8:17 am

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by Mary Wolff

When it comes to hair myths, there are plenty to choose from regarding curly hair. While some myths are from old wives tales, some myths are from a complete lack of knowledge about natural hair. Here are 5 coily hair myths that people continue to falsely believe. 

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1. Coily hair is stronger than other curl types

Coils give the appearance of strength because they are usually packed with volume. People assume that the bigger the hair, the stronger it must be, right? Wrong. Coily hair is actually thinner than the other curly hair types. 

2. Coily hair is weaker than other hair types

While coily hair is not necessarily stronger or thicker than other types of curls, it doesn’t mean it is unhealthy. Many times, people will incorrectly assume your coils must be delicate and unhealthy because they are thinner. You can have thin hair that is as healthy as it can be for that texture and not have breakage, dryness, or other signs of trouble. The health of your hair depends on you, not the texture, type, or thickness you’ve been blessed with!

3. Coily hair should avoid water

Many people, especially those outside of the natural hair community, believe water causes frizz and dries out coils. For coils, water is super moisturizing since dryness can sometimes be an issue. 

4. The best way to moisturize coils is with store bought products

Again, the best way to moisturize coils is with water since that is the purest form of moisture hair needs to be replenished with to stay healthy. Store bought products like oils and conditioners are intended to seal strands to lock the moisture in place. 

5. Coily hair is more work than other types

Let’s be honest, all hair types require work to get the desired look and health you want. Coils do not necessarily require more care than other curl types or patterns. 

While there are certainly other statements floating around about this type of curl, these are the 5 coily hair myths that seem most popular.  Remember, coils, just like any other curl type, are beautiful so rock them with confidence, and forget what you’ve heard in terms of myths! 

How A Single Mom Of Four Gained The Courage To Earn Her PhD

June 13, 2017, 8:44 am

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Sharita Mathis-Lawson earns a PhD from North Carolina A&T State University

Written by Erickka Sy Savane

When Sharita Mathis-Lawson found herself a divorced mom of three teens, with a fourth child from a recently failed relationship on the way, it would have been easy for her to throw her hands up in defeat. Just a few years shy of her 40th birthday, this is not how she envisioned her life would turn out. But instead of giving up, she turned to her go-to in times of crises and uncertainty: School.

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“For every child I had, I was in school,” says Sharita of getting pregnant with her first child while in undergrad, her second while getting her masters degree, and a third during a brief stint in law school. Though it had been 13 years since she’d set foot in anyone’s classroom, it was Iyanla Vanzant’s two-year personal development program that called her name.

“I was so broken and depressed when I discovered Iyanla and her work so by the time she tweeted about her school, I knew I had to be there,” says Sharita who showed up to the first day of school, fully preggo, prompting a perplexed Iyanla to ask, “How do you plan to finish this program?”

Though Sharita didn’t have a clear answer at the time, she knew that finishing it was a matter of life or death. So she dug her heels in and got to work. Not only did she finish Iyanla’s program, Sharita got accepted into the PhD program at North Carolina A&T University (the first time she applied), and did both programs for a full year.

Now, with Iyanla’s school behind her, it was time to give serious thought to how she would finish her PhD. She couldn’t deny that commuting 90 minutes to class everyday was taking its toll, as was the financial burden of trying to maintain the same lifestyle she had when she was with her child’s father. So, in an unprecedented move, she downsized everything and moved her family to Greensboro to be closer to school. Her teen girls were not happy.

Sharita's teen girls

“We were living in a much smaller place, they missed their friends; it was a rough transition,” explains Sharita, who also had her own doubts. Was she being selfish? Ultimately, she went with her gut.

Her next big challenge came when she was hired as a graduate assistant at her school to help poor performing students do better.

“At first, I had no idea how I was going to make that happen,” explains Sharita, “but then, as I thought about my own life and what helped me stay in school, it was purpose, and having a vision. So with the tools I learned from Iyanla’s school, I began helping students create a vision for their lives, and then we figured out how a degree could support that.”

Full Story on Madame Noire.

What do you think about Sharita's story? Share a challenge you overcame in the comments!

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Warriors Decline White House Invitation

June 13, 2017, 9:37 am

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Written by Tiffani Greenaway of MyMommyVents.com

The Boston Celtics in 1963. the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1980. The tradition of winning sports teams visiting the White House dates back to at least 1865--but this year's champs may not make the trip.

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The Golden State Warriors are the best team in the NBA--defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in a five game series last night. Traditionally, winners head to Washington to greet the President, but the Warriors have made it pretty clear that they're not exactly looking forward to it. Reports say that the team has unanimously declined a White House visit.

NBA champion Warriors skipping the White House visit, as a unanimous team decision per reports.

— Downtown Josh Brown (@ReformedBroker) June 13, 2017

Back in May, team coach Steve Kerr was vocal about his feelings toward 45, calling him a "blowhard" who "couldn't be more ill-suited to be President." Warriors star Stephen Curry made it known that he wasn't a fan when Under Armour's CEO Kevin Blank called the commander in chief an asset. Curry told The San Jose Mercury News, “I agree with that description, if you remove the ‘et.’ ”

While #Dubnation may skip a visit, other NBA players feel differently. "That visit is more than how you feel about the current administration," said retired player Kobe Bryant. "It's about the guys next to you, about the flag, about the kids out there who look up to you and the United States. But, honestly, it's a tough call."

No official team announcement has been made.

What do you think? Should they or should they not go visit 45?

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Tiffani Greenaway is the wife and mom behind MyMommyVents, a New York city parenting blog. Her tips have been seen on Yahoo Parenting, Mommy Noire, and Fit Pregnancy. Find more of Tiffani's work at mymommyvents.com.

Facebook: https://facebook.com/mymommyvents

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mymommyvents

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymommyvents/

Is Peroxide Safe for Use in Hair?

June 14, 2017, 8:49 am

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by Mary Wolff

Hydrogen peroxide is nothing new. It has been a household staple for generations and serves a multitude of purposes. While the most commonly used application for this liquid is helping to disinfect scrapes and cuts, it can also be used to lighten hair at home. But is peroxide safe for use in hair? Lots of naturalistas wonder this very thing so let’s take a closer look.

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While peroxide is great for other household needs, lightening hair probably shouldn’t be one of them. Peroxide is similar to bleach and lye, but considerably gentler. The fact that it is gentle enough to use on scrapes and cuts leads some people to believe it is safe for hair. However, peroxide is still a chemical compound and a somewhat harsh one at that. Is peroxide safe for use in hair? Yes. Is it good for your hair? Absolutely not.

When you apply peroxide to your hair, you are introducing a chemical compound to your hair. Hair is not made up of chemicals. It is made up of proteins, keratin, and cellulose. All of these elements are negatively impacted when they come in contact with chemicals. Peroxide can weaken the bonds of your hair, cause loss of moisture, and damage the cuticle. If you already have hair that is slightly damaged or dry, applying peroxide may make things even worse for the health of your hair.

Many people think that by diluting peroxide, they can use it on their hair to get a lighter shade of hair. Even when diluted, it will not change the fact that it is a chemical compound that will wreak havoc on the organic compounds of your hair.

It should also be noted that there are variations in peroxide. If you use peroxide higher than the standard 3% to try to lighten your hair, you may end up with a worse fate. Hair loss can occur from using concentrated levels of peroxide on hair.

Unlike other lightening methods, this one’s permanent until new hair grows in its place. You are stripping the hair of color pigments completely to bleach it. Until new hair grows in, you will be stuck with the color.

With so many reasons not to use peroxide on your hair, it makes sense to just leave this trend alone. Your curls will thank you in the long run!

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Benefits of Peppermint Oil

June 14, 2017, 9:58 am

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Photo Credit: Taren Guy

by Mary Wolff

Nature has given naturalistas a lot of natural remedies to soothe, revive, and bolster our curls. One of the best nature has to offer is the healing peppermint plant. There are many benefits of peppermint oil that make it worthy of adding to your hair care routine.

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Benefits

• One of the best benefits of peppermint oil is that it is antiseptic and antifungal. It can be used to clarify a scalp that is struggling with an overabundance of bacteria and fungus to leave it clean, healthy, and happy!

• It's a natural way to fight dandruff. It can help remove dead skin cells, remove underlying fungus of dandruff, and help eliminate the itchiness of this scalp issue. 

• Peppermint oil also helps to balance out the pH of the scalp. When the pH of the scalp is out of whack, it can lead to a host of unpleasant situations, as well as making the scalp unable to create new growth.

• While you may not think of an oil as being beneficial for dealing with an oily scalp, peppermint oil is great for helping with this issue. When you have an overproduction of natural oil, it is often from the pH being affected. Since peppermint oil helps with this, it can also help balance out oil production. 

• It is also great for hair growth! Peppermint is a naturally stimulating oil that will improve circulation when massaged into the scalp. It can help improve circulation needed to promote new growth. It also helps with maintaining the strength of the follicle at the root level to help retain hair for those dealing with hair loss. 

How To Use It 
Since peppermint oil is safe for contact with skin, you can simply massage a few drops into your scalp in a circular motion. Keep in mind, it is a concentrated oil and is strong so you may want to dilute it with a few drops of water if your skin is sensitive. You can also add it to other treatments to create a multi-purpose hair treatment. Peppermint oil is a great carrier oil meaning it will blend well with oils such as jojoba oil, almond oil, basil oil, and more.

When you need a little boost, the cooling healing powers of peppermint may just be the thing! Try it for yourself and reap these great benefits for your overall scalp and hair health.

Have You Tried This Black-Owned Men's Grooming & Beard Care Company?

June 14, 2017, 10:10 am

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Photo Courtesy of Nature Boy Products

Self-care and grooming is just as important to men as it is for us women. Although there is an abundance of skin care companies that sell products for women, there are very few that cater to men, especially black men. That is why I was excited to chat with the Founder and Artisan of Nature Boy Products. His product line focus is facial hair and skin, composed of natural ingredients that heal, soften and smell great. Keep reading to learn more about the journey, products offered and what we can look forward to in the future.

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Q: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. Please introduce yourself.
A: My name is Jacob Quetant and I am from Pasadena, CA. I attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona where I obtained a Marketing Degree. I am the Founder and Artisan of Nature Boy Products.

Q: Would you tell us how your company began and share what current products you offer?
A: I was inspired in 2014 to create something for my own beard. I couldn’t find anything to purchase from local beauty supply stores. At the same time, my family was starting to use natural products and that inspired me to speak with barbers and friends about men grooming needs. Overtime I developed more ideas and the company evolved from there. Our product line consists of Beard Oil, Black Soap, Beard Balm, Beard Conditioner and a Beard Brush. We just celebrated our 1-year anniversary this month.

Image courtesy of Nature Boy Products

Q: Do you have any new products being developed?
A: The leave-in conditioner was just released on our 1-year anniversary. We are also collaborating with another black owned business to create a really cool looking, futuristic comb. We are pretty excited about it.

Q: What is Nature Boy's philosophy and how did you come up with the name?
A: As a child I would often wonder off by to play by myself and I was at peace being alone, especially in nature. Fast forward…. I ended up living along this peaceful mountainside. The environment restored my creative juices and the Nature Boy name just came to me.

Q: What contributed to your decision to start formulating natural grooming products for men?
A: It was a combination of things, my environment, good friends and my girlfriend who always used coconut oil and opened my eyes to the DIY approach. Also, a friend of mine was surveying men regarding their grooming needs around the same time I participated in an event where Dr. Sabi (a Honduran vegetarian herbalist, pathologist and naturalist of holistic medicine) was speaking. Listening to this 82-year man (with the energy of a 30 year old) resonated with me. I started eating more natural foods, researching and working with natural herbs. It was a no brainier that I should make it for other men as well.

Image courtesy of Nature Boy Products

Q: What has been your biggest challenge and success thus far?
A: Time and energy management - everyone tells you to build a team and to not try to do everything by yourself. I was able to be the artisan, photographer and packaging designer. I have to keep my Instagram page current while balancing my family life. I had to learn to prioritize my ideas and take one step at a time.

Q: What differentiates Nature Boy products from other men grooming lines?
A: Creative packaging sets us apart from others. It is very important that people know and feel the love that is put into our products. I want men to feel like they are getting a gift for themselves.

Q: For the entrepreneurs and anyone contemplating taking the entrepreneurial leap, what advice/ encouragement that you would give them?
A: Don’t rush to launch after you have an idea. Once you create a product, understand that is just one finger on the hand of creating a business. Make sure you understand everything else that goes into it.

Jacob Quetant, founder of Nature Boy Products

Invest time in social media and understand that you will not please everyone. Find your niche, plan effectively and master it. Stay true to your brand and put as much energy into your presentation as your products. Lastly, make sure you educate people and feed their spirit so they feel just as excited as you are.

Q: How can we stay in the know with the latest news about you and Nature Boy products?
A: You can sign up on our website to receive newsletters, follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Also, look out for us on YouTube in the near future.

You can shop for Nature Boy Products here. 

What do you think about the products?

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Monica is a Milwaukee native, wife, mother of two, step mother of one and working professional.  In her spare time she enjoys reading,  shopping and following the current trends of natural hair, beauty and health, all while pursuing her Bachelors Degree in Business Management and Leadership. You can follow her on Instagram@allbeautyandhair and Twitter @allbeautynhair.

Family Who Won Powerball Jackpot Wants To Donate Earnings To Fight Poverty

June 14, 2017, 11:37 am

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A lottery success story with a purpose! Last year, the Smith family of Trenton, New Jersey won a $429 million Powerball jackpot and they are truly putting their money where their mouths are. In a true “paying it forward” venture, Pearlie Mae Smith and her seven children announced via a press conference in May that they planned to help the community with their winnings.

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“It was like affirmation from God because we each have dreams that we want to fulfill in this life, and do for our community and do for each other and for our families and we have been funded to do that,” said Valerie Arthur, one of Pearlie Mae’s Smith’s daughters, in the post-win press conference.

In an effort to make the most impact, the family collected their winnings in a lump sum and each member received roughly $25 million after taxes. After tackling financial needs and obligations such as student loans, they invested their money through their Smith Family Foundation, which focuses on creating short-term and long-term grants “to empower [the] community, cultivate leaders and transform lives by providing funding and leadership development to Trenton based organizations,” per the website. Dedicated to financially supporting education, neighborhood development, children and families, the foundation celebrated its one year anniversary just this past month -- also, the one year anniversary of the family’s jackpot win.

The foundation website reads, “The seeds for the foundation were planted decades ago in the South Side of Trenton, where Seamon and Pearlie Smith raised their children on values of hard work, love of God, and giving back.”

The foundation’s Program Manager and family member Harold Smith strives to go directly to the source, funding programs that help change the systemic causes of poverty. “Rather than just helping them find food or give away food, we can make it so they now have the ability to obtain employment, get their proper education in order to be able to go out and get their own food,” he told NJ.com.

“When people think of the city of Trenton, we don’t want the first thing they think of to be gangs and violence,” Smith added. “We want people to think of a vibrant city, a city that’s on the upswing, a city that’s bringing new life into the community, the capital of the state.”

This is such a generous effort of the Smith family and it is certainly inspiring for those of us committed to giving back, even in smaller ways.

What do you think about this family's donation? Can it help rebuild Trenton?

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Tonja Renée Stidhum is a writer/director living in Los Angeles by way of Chicago. She is the co-host of the movie review podcast, Cinema Bun Podcast. She is made of sugar and spice and everything rice... with the uncanny ability to make a Disney/Pixar reference in the same sentence as a double entendre. You can follow her on Twitter @EmbraceTheJ, on Facebook FB.com/tstidhum, and Instagram @embracethej. You can find more of her work on her About Me page, https://about.me/tonjareneestidhum.

Season 2 of 'Insecure' Is Here And It's Hella Lit

June 15, 2017, 8:32 am

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Issa Rae is back and as Insecure as ever.

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Everyone’s favorite Awkward Black Girl is returning to HBO this July for the second season of her critically acclaimed show Insecure. It’s been almost eight months since the show ended its phenomenal first season, and fans have been eagerly anticipating the show's return after HBO announced it would be renewing the series.

Yesterday, writer and creator Issa Rae dropped a new trailer, and it’s got the internet lit. As Calvin Harris’ Slide ft Frank Ocean plays in the background Issa gets caught up in a daydream of a teaser trailer, hinting at things to come. Her situation with her maybe boyfriend Lawrence is still “hella confusing”. Her wandering eye to her maybe more than a side piece Daniel is still hella tempted.

The 50-second trailer doesn’t offer much more than that, but there are a few things that stayed tried and true, despite Issa’s cliffhanger growing pains. Her group of friends (or frenemies?) is still by her side, and her style, if anything, has stayed consistent it not taken up a notch.

The trailer ends….well awkwardly, setting the tone for the next season. The star of the series got caught slippin at a red light, a cardinal sin in the world of Los Angeles.

Fans can look forward to the premiere of HBO’s Insecure on July 23 at 10:30 pm.

Did you watch Season 1? What did you think about where we left off? What are your predictions for Season 2?

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Alma Hill is a freelance journalist, actress, and mother living in Orlando, FL. A frequent contributor to online and print media publications, she believes that the words from our mouths will change the world. Born in Charlotte, NC, she's a millennial with an old soul who appreciates a good meme as much as a Miles Davis album. Brave souls can follow her on Twitter @_mynameissoul, but you have been warned. 

Steve Harvey Tells Flint Resident To "Enjoy Brown Water"

June 15, 2017, 9:35 am

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Just when you think you’ve heard the trashiest thing someone has ever publicly said, someone goes off and tops it. Well, “congratulations” to Steve Harvey for winning that crown.

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Steve Harvey recently took to his morning radio talk show with chagrin over the Cleveland Cavaliers losing the NBA Finals in game five to the Golden State Warriors. One listener from Flint, Michigan called telling Harvey -- a Cavaliers fan -- that Cleveland didn’t “deserve jack.”

Well, this apparently set off Harvey so much so that he went in on the caller, taking the lowest of blows by joking about the Flint water crisis. The conversation was recorded and posted on social media.

On the video, one could hear his co-hosts telling him that he should apologize, but Harvey double-downed.

"I wasn't talking about the city of Flint," Harvey retorted to his co-hosts, "I was talking about him."

"He gone call in and say Cleveland don't deserve jack and he over their bathing in all that silver water," he added.

Though referencing the caller in third person, the caller was still on the line at the time and then when they realized, he told the hosts that his name was “Dee” and he was from “Flinttown.” That’s when Harvey ended with the kicker, “And one more thing… enjoy your nice brown glass of water.”

What?! First of all, every good comedian knows that the best and smartest jokes are delivered when you “punch up,” not “down.” Harvey has said a bunch of questionable things in the past, but with this, he has reached a new low. There is absolutely nothing funny about the Flint residents who have suffered for years with tainted water in a first world country with access to clean water.

One of the most popular representatives of the fight for clean water is Amariyanna "Mari" Copeny, better known as "Little Miss Flint." Copeny appeared on Harvey's television show last year on June 13. She took to Twitter to express her grievances and disappointment at the comedians disrespectful joke.

Hey @IAmSteveHarvey remember me? Yea, the little Flint girl...please dont make water crisis jokes #FlintWaterCrisishttps://t.co/Jh9JcehaCg

— Little Miss Flint (@LittleMissFlint) June 13, 2017

However, Fifth Ward Flint City Councilman Wantwaz Davis was not surprised. "I cautioned people after the Steve Harvey show not to take this person serious," Davis said in reference to his appeared on Harvey’s afternoon talk show in March of last year. "He's an opportunist. He's all for show." Davis claimed that Harvey even made light of the dire situation back then by telling people to pack up and leave.

"That was beyond reality," said Davis. "How could Harvey tell these poverty-stricken people with no hope and no job to just pack up and leave?"
"It made me extremely disappointed and upset, but I was nowhere near fooled by who this man is," Davis added.

As for Harvey, himself? We haven’t yet received an official comment on the matter from him or his spokesperson. However, in another video posted on Facebook, his co-host apologized on behalf of the morning radio show.

Source: MLive

What do you think about Harvey’s “joke?” Is it ever appropriate to make light of such a situation?

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China McClain Embraces Her #BlackGirlMagic in Inspiring Instagram Post on Natural Hair

June 15, 2017, 12:46 pm

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Actress and singer China McClain of Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm” and “Daddy’s Little Girls” has grown up!

The 18-year-old from Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” recently posted an inspirational photo of her wearing her natural hair on Instagram, asking why we [black women and/or women of color] allow society to tell us who we are and what we should and shouldn’t look like, from the way we style our hair, to the clothes we wear, and our melanin skin.

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Why do we let everyone else tell us what we should look like? How we should dress? How to wear our hair? What we can't do based on our appearance or the color of our skin? Haven't ever really worn my hair natural but I'm sick of straightening this magic. I'm a black girl and I'm hella proud✊🏿 And whether you are black, white, brown, yellow, red, green, or purple you should be proud too because you're BEAUTIFUL. Okay I'm done, luuu you all🙏🏿

A post shared by China (@chinamcclain) on Jun 5, 2017 at 8:51am PDT

Her post is encouraging for women and girls around the world who just want to be free.

Let’s not allow others’ expectations of us to influence who we are, how we express ourselves, and who we become.

We are created just the way we are meant to be, and the best way to be grateful is to accept and love all of who we are, unconditionally, regardless of what others think or say.

Not only is China stepping into her own, but she’s flying career-wise! Next month, you can watch her in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Descendants 2”, then on the CW’s upcoming black superhero drama “Black Lightening”, as the retired hero’s youngest daughter.

Take a first look at China’s #blackgirlmagic in the series below.

Justice walks like thunder and strikes like lightning. #BlackLightning is coming soon to The CW! pic.twitter.com/amDvuo8hpq

— Black Lightning (@blacklightning) May 18, 2017

Seeing China bloom from the witty, feisty little girl she was into the fun, fierce and confident young woman she is today is beautiful!

Let’s take a page from her #proudtobeblack book and choose to be who we are, fearlessly!

What do you think about China’s IG post? What do you think about more black actresses embracing their natural hair?

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Sharee Silerio is a St. Louis-based freelance writer, Film and TV writer-producer, and blogger. When she isn’t creating content for The Root or The St. Louis American, she enjoys watching drama/sci-fi/comedy movies and TV shows, writing faith and self-love posts for SincerelySharee.com, relaxing with a cup of chai tea, crafting chic DIY event décor, and traveling. Review her freelance portfolio at ShareeSilerio.com then connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

10 Black Films to Watch on Netflix This Summer

June 15, 2017, 3:10 pm

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By Sharee Silerio

Summer is officially less than a week away, which means that off days, hot days and vacation days are right around the corner.

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If you’re like me, and you like to watch TV shows or movies in your free time, especially those that feature black directors, actors, etc., then Netflix has you covered! Although there is plenty of content to choose from, most times it’s irritating to find something to watch, which means that after about five scrolls for something interesting, I give up (cue shrug emoji).

Well, if you want to stop flipping and scrolling, and want to get straight to a few good options, then we have just what you need!

Check out this list of ten black films to stream on Netflix this summer, including their trailers. From a trailblazing independent film to a Nigerian comedy, and movies starring some of our favorite black actors and actresses, it shouldn’t be difficult to find something you will feel good about binge watching, when you should be adulting.

1. Hunter Gatherer (2016)

Director: Joshua Locy
Stars: Andre Royo, George Sample III, Kellee Stewart

This drama chronicles Ashley Douglas’ (Andre Royo) release from prison, and his first order of business is to pick up where he left off with his love interest, but she has moved on. In an attempt to get on his feet and win her back, he starts a peculiar hustle with a local loner who runs his family’s business.

2. Boy Bye (2016)

Director: Chris Stokes
Stars: Wendy Raquel Robinson, Omar Gooding, Veronika Bozeman, Shondrella Avery, Ross Fleming

In this romantic comedy, single entrepreneur Veronica (Wendy Raquel Robinson) meets a sexy man (Ross Fleming) who she falls in love with at first sight. He helps her to believe in love again, until she learns that he’s keeping a big secret.

3. 100 Streets (2017)

Director: Jim O’Hanlon
Stars: Idris Elba, Gemma Arterton, Franz Drameh

This dramatic film tells the story of Max, a troubled ex-rugby star (Idris Elba), his estranged wife and a drug dealer as their lives unite in a London neighborhood.

4. Deidra & Laney Rob a Train (2017)

Director: Sydney Freeland
Stars: Rachel Crow, Ashleigh Murray, Sasheer Zamata, Danielle Nicolet, David Sullivan

Their mother is in jail, so two sisters, Deidra (Ashleigh Murray) and Laney (Rachel Crow), plot to rob trains to pay mounting bills in this teen comedy.

5. Daughters of the Dust (1991)

Director: Julie Dash
Stars: Cora Lee Day, Alva Rogers, Barbarao, Trula Hoosier, Adisa Anderson

The first feature film with a wide release by a black female filmmaker, this classic 20th century period piece is about a multi-generational African-American Gullah family who struggle to maintain their cultural heritage while contemplating a new life on the U.S. mainland. The film became the focus of pop culture discussion last year due to Beyoncé‘s “Lemonade”.

6. Will to Love (2015)

Director: Chris Stokes
Stars: Marques Houston, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Draya Michele, Valarie Pettiford

In this romantic drama, Jamal Hawkins’ (Marques Houston) life as a successful bachelor is turned upside down when his grandfather tells them that he must get married before he dies if he wants to inherit the family fortune.

7. Little Boxes (2016)

Director: Rob Meyer
Stars: Melanie Lynskey, Nelsan Ellis, Armani Jackson, Oona Laurence, Janeane Garofalo

This comedy follows an interracial couple, Gina McNulty-Burns (Melanie Lynskey) and Mack Burns (Nelsan Ellis); and their preteen son, Mack Burns (Armani Jackson), as they struggle to adjust to their new life after a move from New York City to a small town in Washington State.

8. The Wedding Party (2016)

Director: Kemi Adetiba
Stars: Adesua Etomi, Banky Wellington, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, Iretiola Doyle

This bright-colored Nigerian romantic comedy, which had the country’s biggest opening of any Nollywood film to date, focuses on a couple as they deal with exes, fighting parents and uninvited guests leading up to their wedding day.

9. Good Burger (1997)

Director: Brian Robbins
Stars: Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Shar Jackson

“Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger, can I take your order?” We all remember this unforgettable line in this 90s classic, which follows Dexter Reed (Kenan Thompson) and Ed (Kel Mitchell) as they try to save their small restaurant when a giant burger franchise opens across the street. By the way, did we ever figure out what was in that sauce?

10. Burning Sands (2017)

Director: Gerard McMurray
Stars: Trevor Jackson, Alfre Woodard, Trevante Rhodes

Fraternity hazing is explored in this film as Zurich (Trevor Jackson) and his friends pledge during hell week, leading to a real-life nightmare.

What films would you add to the list? What are some of your favorite movies on Netflix?

********************************

Sharee Silerio is a St. Louis-based freelance writer, Film and TV writer-producer, and blogger. When she isn’t creating content for The Root or The St. Louis American, she enjoys watching drama/sci-fi/comedy movies and TV shows, writing faith and self-love posts for SincerelySharee.com, relaxing with a cup of chai tea, crafting chic DIY event décor, and traveling. Review her freelance portfolio at ShareeSilerio.com then connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Five Flint City Officials Charged With Manslaughter

June 16, 2017, 6:24 am

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Attorney General Bill Schuette takes questions after announcing new charges against two high-ranking state health officials in the fourth round of criminal charges in the Flint drinking water crisis on Wednesday June 14, 2017 during a press conference at Riverfront Banquet Center in downtown Flint. Photo: Detroit Free Press

Is justice in the waters of Flint, Michigan?

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Since 2014 the residents of the small Michigan town have been forced to bathe, cook, and drink bottled water exclusively. That year, the decision was made to change the water source from a Detroit water company to the Flint River. Despite warnings of crumbling, toxic pipes, and improperly treated water, city officials gave the switch the go ahead. Their motive? Money.

That same year, the amount of lead in the waters of Flint reached toxic levels. This issue has been widely reported and the main focus of the story, but not much has been done to prosecute anyone. The fact is, lead poisoning is treatable.

Legionnaires, however, is the undercover story, and the more serious disease. According to the Mayo Clinic website, it’s caused by bacteria which was found in the Flint water supply and can cause respiratory failure, septic shock, and acute kidney failure. Legionnaires is especially fatal in adults over the age of 50.

In 2014, an outbreak of Legionnaire's, stemming from the water in the river hit Genesee County, where Flint is located. Ten people contracted and consequently died of Legionnaire's. Dozens more were infected.

Recent documentation proves that the city not only knew that there was an outbreak of Legionnaires which had likely been caused by the poisonous pipes, they decided to withhold that information from the citizens of Flint for a full year.

Many were upset by the lack of action over the last three years, but it seems as though the other shoe has finally fallen. Five city officials were charged with manslaughter, the most serious charges that have been brought.

Since January 2016, when the court proceedings started, eleven people, mostly government are facing a total of 48 criminal charges. The five who are faced with manslaughter are looking at 15 years in prison.

It feels good to know that someone is looking out for the residents of Flint and that for once, justice is being served for a community of primarily Black and Brown people. The population of Flint is almost 60% Black. It’s rare that communities of color receive any justice at all for crimes committed against them big or small.

These very serious charges brought forth a small ray of hope in an otherwise bleak situation, but as people of color, we can’t just sit back as if all is good in Flint. Charges or no charges, the residents still need clean water. This crime was committed against people, families, children.

We have to continue the call for justice, just as loudly as the call for correction. It’s just as important to save citizens as it is to persecute criminals.

That being said how do you feel about these new charges? Do you think the state courts are doing enough? Comment below!

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The Black HIV/AIDS Epidemic is Real; Our Awareness and Prevention is Key

June 16, 2017, 6:35 am

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Dr. David Ho, an HIV/AIDS specialist, draws blood from Magic Johnson, one of the people featured in Endgame: AIDS in Black America.

During my high school and undergrad years, HIV/AIDS was a very hot topic. Coolio, TLC and Janet Jackson sang songs about it. Denzel Washington starred in a movie about it. Everyone knew to wear condoms and/or abstain from sex in order to avoid getting it. Most of all, everyone either knew or was related to a person who had died from it. These days, however, it seems like HIV/AIDS is out of sight and out of mind—and this is particularly disturbing since the disease is still disproportionately affecting and killing members of the Black community at epidemic proportions.

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Despite the advent of antiretroviral medication which allows many HIV-positive people to live long, healthy—on top of an overall decline in the rate and spread of infection—amfAR (the Foundation for AIDS Research) reports that Black Americans account for nearly half of all new HIV infections each year despite representing a mere 13 percent of the U.S. population. It is estimated that 14 percent of those Blacks living with HIV are unaware of their infection. One in two gay Black men will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime with 56 percent of transgender women, according to a 2009 National Institutes of Health study, being HIV-positive. About one in 48 Black women will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime. Finally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black Americans account for nearly half of AIDS deaths in U.S. since the epidemic began in 1981, and are 13 percent and 47 percent more likely to die from AIDS than Whites and Latinos respectively.

A 2014 analysis conducted by Duke University revealed that this crisis in the Black community is most critical in Southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas) where more than half of all new HIV infections are diagnosed. Mississippi and Louisiana accounted for the highest HIV-related death rates among Black men with that rate being seven times the rate of the U.S. population. Many factors contribute to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among African Americans: poverty, scant local healthcare options, shame and silence regarding sexual orientation, and an overall lack of awareness and discussion about the disease. However, with the rate of infections in the Black community being comparable to or worse than rates in third world countries, we cannot afford to maintain such a status quo.

We must educate ourselves and our families. We must face and have difficult conversations about the who, what, where, why and how of HIV/AIDS. We must own and demand prevention and treatment for ourselves as if it is a civil right. It all starts with us and the following four steps our community must be willing to adopt.

Know HIV/AIDS facts. HIV/AIDS has not been a mysterious disease for well over 40 years now. Anyone who can read and possesses a smart phone can gain knowledge as to how the disease is spread, as well as its prevention, detection, symptoms and treatment. Click here to learn the basics.

Know Your Status. There are many places to get tested including free clinics, doctor’s offices and mobile testing vans. Again, anyone who possesses a smart phone can easily find a free, confidential testing site. There are even home HIV tests available at drug stores.

Make prevention a habit. Practicing safer (protected) sex, abstinence, refraining from sharing hypodermic needles, and talking opening and honestly about HIV/AIDS are all absolutely necessary and so is political engagement. The Trump administration has proposed a $186 million cut in funding to the CDC’s HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and support services. The repeal of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) would mean a drastic rollback in medical coverage, assistance and other resources combating spread of the disease. On the state and local level, government officials must not forget that the lives, health and well-being of each and every one of their constituents matter. Lobby all of your federal, state and local representatives to take up and own the cause of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Black community.

Get Treatment. If by chance you have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, it is not an automatic death sentence as long as you are willing to adopt the steps above and seek treatment as soon as you discover your status. Click here to learn more about how you can live and thrive with HIV/AIDS.

What can we do to build awareness and prevention on HIV/AIDS in the Black community?

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Nikki Igbo is an Atlanta-based freelance writer and political junkie. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Political Science from California State University at Fullerton and a Masters in Fine Arts of Writing at Savannah College of Art and Design. When not staring in disbelief at the antics unfolding on CSPAN, she enjoys philosophical arguments with her husband, 70's era music and any excuse to craft with glitter. Feel free to check out her freelance services at nikigbo.com and stalk her on twitter @nikigbo or Instagram at @nikigbo.

Beyoncé Announces Winners of Formation Scholars

June 16, 2017, 6:53 am

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Photo Source: For Harriet

Remember when we received word of Beyoncé’s scholarship program dubbed Formation Scholars? Truly making lemonade out of lemons, Bey and her BeyGOOD initiative decided to financially assist “woke” female undergraduate/graduate students in celebration of her hit album Lemonade’s first anniversary.

Four scholarships were up for grabs and the time has arrived! The four recipients have been announced, right on Queen Bey’s official website.

And the winners are…

SADIYA RAMOS SOPHOMORE BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Sadiya is studying dance at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Originally from Suffern, New York, she began dancing at the age of six under the guidance of Arthur Mitchell at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Ramos worked with François Perron at the French Academie of Ballet as a teenager, where she acquired the instruction needed to develop her individual style and improve her performance skills.

AVERY YOUNGBLOOD SECOND-YEAR STUDENT PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Avery Youngblood is a recent Stanford University graduate, Class of 2016 and an undergraduate student in the AAS (Associates) Graphic Design program at Parsons School of Design at The New School, Class of 2018. As an undergraduate at Stanford she studied Linguistics and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity. Avery discovered that it was possible to translate her creative curiosity for design by focusing on language and the social interaction that takes place in our multicultural society, and the variety of platforms we use to connect with one another.

MAYA ROGERS GRADUATE STUDENT HOWARD UNIVERSITY Maya Rogers is a songwriter and vocalist who believes in the power that music has to heal, connect us with one another, and help us understand ourselves more deeply. Maya has returned to school to study music therapy after recovering from a traumatic brain injury in 2013. She describes her recovery as the most frightening and fascinating time of her life, and music played a large role in her regaining the ability to read, write, play music, and sing.

BRIA PAIGE JUNIOR SPELMAN COLLEGE

Bria Paige is a rising junior English major at Spelman College from Jackson, Mississippi. At Spelman, Bria is invested in her academics as she maintains membership in the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, and is a Dean’s List scholar. In addition, Bria holds various leadership positions, including Spelman Student Government Association (SSGA) Secretary of Academic Affairs and co-President of the English Club.

Per the official announcement release, the award “encourages and supports young women who are bold, creative, conscious, confident and unafraid to think outside the box.” Per the application requirements, all of these ladies maintain a 3.5 GPA or above and had to submit a short essay explaining how Lemonade inspired their educational goals.

The winners were chosen by committees from the colleges and universities that the BeyGOOD initiative partnered with: Berklee College of Music (Boston, Valencia , Berklee online and Boston Conservatory at Berklee), Howard University, Parsons School of Design at The New School, and Spelman College.

Congrats to these rockstar ladies! I’m sure they’ll make the most of the scholarship and will go on to continue making Black girl magic!

Source:Beyonce 

What are your thoughts on the Formation Scholars selected? Share in the comments!

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Tonja Renée Stidhum is a writer/director living in Los Angeles by way of Chicago. She is the co-host of the movie review podcast, Cinema Bun Podcast. She is made of sugar and spice and everything rice... with the uncanny ability to make a Disney/Pixar reference in the same sentence as a double entendre. You can follow her on Twitter @EmbraceTheJ, on Facebook FB.com/tstidhum, and Instagram @embracethej. You can find more of her work on her About Me page, https://about.me/tonjareneestidhum.

Morris Brown College's Alumni a Testament to How Beloved the HBCU is Despite Its Troubles

June 19, 2017, 7:17 am

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When I first relocated to Atlanta in 2009, I repeatedly heard about the financial struggles at Morris Brown College (MBC) and little else of its reputation in the news. But as I settled into my new home and made acquaintances, I found myself more likely to encounter alumni of Morris Brown than any of the HBCUs of the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC). My attorney friend, my husband’s barber, the barber’s twin brother, a couple of fellow vanpool riders, an ex-corporate America coworker of mine, and a smattering of entrepreneurs were all proud attendees of Morris Brown.

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Each one spoke of their alma mater with total adoration. They also were constantly active in raising money for the school, participating in campus clean ups and doing everything in their power to support the ongoing existence and success of the school. I sat down with class of 1997 Journalism graduate Tod Rose to find out why the love for Morris Brown is so deep.

“The alumni of any school feel a lifelong kindship for sure. But, with Morris Brown, there is a deep history unshared by any of the other schools in the AUC and few other HBCUs,” said Rose, a Search Engine Marketing Manager with YP. “Morris Brown was founded entirely by Blacks for Blacks in 1881. This alone sets it apart from most other HBCUs and serves as a galvanizing factor for former students. Secondly, Morris Brown had an open door policy which granted anyone who wanted to learn the opportunity to earn a college degree. This is very special because it gave thousands of people the opportunity to attend college and earn degrees.”

Named in honor of Morris Brown, a free Black man who was one of the founders of Charleston’s famed Emanuel AME Church and who went onto become the second bishop of the oldest independent Protestant denomination founded by African Americans , the college was also completely funded by African Americans via the AME church—unlike Morehouse, Spelman, Clark or Atlanta University. The AME church’s goal in creating the school was to provide “an educational institution in Atlanta for the moral, spiritual and intellectual growth of Negro boys and girls.” Motivated to attend an HBCU by a homegrown hunger for his culture and knowledge of his roots, Rose had the opportunity to attend Morris Brown when he received a full Navy ROTC scholarship out of high school.

“I qualified based on my four years of participation through high school and some great connections,” said the Atlantan who originally hails from Southern Georgia. “I started as a double-major, electrical engineering and physics. However, after my ears began smoking following a calculus test that I struggled to make a C on, it became clear to me that I should stick with my gifts: talking and writing.”

During our conversation, Rose shared with me several anecdotes about his time at the university, lifelong friends he met, support he received from faculty, and the confidence he acquired which empowered him to actively pursue anything he dared to dream.

“Being in the presence of fellow Blacks was indeed like being around distant cousins at a family reunion. There was always an air of acceptance and camaraderie among the student body above fraternity affiliation and representing your state. We all shared a common ancestry which consciously and subconsciously bound all of us.”

And just from the care and compassion in his voice, I could see exactly why MBC continues to rise from the ashes of financial instability and the loss of accreditation it suffered in 2002. Its alumni are an integral part of why the institution is still looking onward and upward.

“I remain hopeful that the right circumstances will allow MBC to become relevant again. Currently the school has about 60 students and the alumni are committed to helping. My fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inca., has been consistently raising money for the school along with other organizations and we’re planning to heighten the fundraising efforts in the near future.”

I personally can’t count how many times I’ve been invited to an alumni fundraiser held for MBC or asked to volunteer on campus in some capacity. My husband, an alum of Xavier University of Louisiana, has even participated in local Xavier alumni efforts to support MBC.

Rose explained this willingness and rallying of efforts even outside of MBC alumni circles to aid the school, “We can all understand how vitally important it is to preserve such a rich piece of American and African American history.” Morris Brown also expresses its foothold in the Atlanta landscape by remaining an active participant in social affairs such as the Juneteenth Festival it is holding on its campus this very weekend. And this is also why, like so many others, Rose’s faith in the continued existence of the school has not waned.

“I would encourage a young person considering their college choices to choose Morris Brown. Also, I would encourage them to keep an open mind regarding Morris Brown’s most recent and distant history. I would encourage them to take on a major of study in an area needed by the school that can help to galvanize support for the school.”

MBC currently offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, Organizational Management and Leadership and General Studies. The school also offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in General studies. For more information about Morris Brown College, visit their website here.

What do you think it would take to revive the campus of Morris Brown? 

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Nikki Igbo is an Atlanta-based freelance writer and political junkie. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Political Science from California State University at Fullerton and a Masters in Fine Arts of Writing at Savannah College of Art and Design. When not staring in disbelief at the antics unfolding on CSPAN, she enjoys philosophical arguments with her husband, 70's era music and any excuse to craft with glitter. Feel free to check out her freelance services at nikigbo.com and stalk her on twitter @nikigbo or Instagram at @nikigbo.

Effects Of Iron Deficiency On Hair

June 19, 2017, 7:25 am

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by Mary Wolff

We all know that our hair is effected by our overall health. When it comes to the effects of iron deficiency on hair, this statement has never been more valid. Doctors have been researching the link between lowered levels of iron and hair loss for years, and the findings might surprise you. Let’s take a closer look at effects of iron deficiency on hair.

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What is iron deficiency?
Iron is an important part of the function of the human body. When you consume foods rich in iron, the body breaks it down into hemoglobin which is needed to carry oxygenated blood cells throughout the body. Iron deficiency is when a person has a hard time carrying out this process or absorbing the iron in the first place. The symptoms of this condition range from fatigue to chest pain. It’s never recommended to try to self-diagnose this condition. If you suspect you have it, your first line of defense is to talk to your doctor.

How does it affect hair?
When it comes to the effects of iron deficiency on hair, the most common concern is hair loss. The lack of iron absorption for people dealing with an iron deficiency makes it harder for healthy cell turnover needed to generate new growth. It also makes it harder for the follicle to be retained meaning hair is prone to falling out. An iron deficiency can also affect hair by making it brittle and prone to breakage which doesn’t help if you are already struggling with hair loss. Iron issues are common problem for many women, especially as women age and the body adjusts to changing hormone levels. This makes it even more important to see a doctor when you see signs of low iron playing a role in your hair. “If you have a healthy woman losing hair it is most likely due to iron deficiency,” says dermatologist Deepali Bhardwaj, M.D., which further solidifies the impact of this nutritional element.

Are there ways to combat hair loss from low iron levels?
If your doctor diagnoses you with an iron deficiency, there are a few ways to combat the hair thinning or hair loss factor. You can add iron supplements into your diet, eat more sources of iron such as red meat, and make sure you maintain proper nutrition. For example, the body needs adequate levels of vitamin C to help with the absorption of iron so a well-balanced diet is key. Hair can only regain strength and thickness when the body is getting enough essential nutrients such as the aforementioned iron and vitamin C.

Source: Viviscal and ND TV