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Taraji P. Henson Says This Year’s Black Girls Rock! Awards Is All About Love

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Getty Images/ Jason Kempin

By Sharee Silerio

This year’s Black Girls Rock! Awards is all about love. In a promotional video for the show, host Taraji P. Henson tells us that love is the force, the remedy and the solution to all that is amiss in this world, especially for the Black community, particularly for Black women.

Love. We hear a lot about it, what it means, what it isn’t, what it is, how to be it. It’s been said that to love others, we must first love ourselves.

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For Black women, this has not been easy. The duties of life, family and our careers often get in the way of us taking time to nurture and tend to ourselves. Not only that, but we live in a society that says we aren’t worthy of love, that love isn’t for us, that we aren’t good enough.

The foundation of becoming great requires love: love of self, love of community, love of being. Love is everything; love fights, love heals, love renews, it empowers, it molds, it transforms.

How are we supposed to become all we were created to be when our environment seems to do everything it can to keep us deficient of love?

There are many paths to uplift, empower and encourage Black girls and women, and Beverly Bond found her way.

In 2010, Beverly Bond brought Black Girls Rock! to the television screen by way of BET, and the show has touched hearts, souls and minds around the world since then. By honoring and promoting women and girls of color who are doing amazing things, the program affirms, inspires and teaches Black women and girls that they are extraordinary, they can accomplish great things, and that they are beautiful, from the inside out.

“I’m honored to host the ‘BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards. I love the message and I love Beverly Bond and her vision. I was lucky to be honored in 2011. It is truly a highlight of my life. Now I’m back to be part of this amazing night to honor the strong and powerful Yara, Issa Rae, Roberta, Suzanne, Derrica and Natalie. Let’s make history together as we come together as women of brains, beauty and in support of each other,” Henson said.

The show was taped on August 5 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, and celebrates women and young women of various backgrounds who have stood up for their blackness, made a difference, are rooted in who they are and boldly speak their truth.

Honorees include “Insecure” creator, actress, writer and producer Issa Rae (Star Power Award), “Black-ish” actress and activist Yara Shahidi (Young Gifted and Black Award), GRAMMY Award-winning songstress Roberta Flack (Living Legend Award), Wall Street powerhouse and pioneer Suzanne Shank (Shot Caller Award) and Community organizers Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson of The Black & Missing Foundation (Community Change Agent Award).

The show also features musical performances from SZA, Anthony Hamilton and Ledisi, along with a musical tribute to Flack.

Black Girls Rock! will air on BET Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 8:00 P.M./ET.

Take a look at the BGR! promo with Taraji P. Henson below.



Do you watch Black Girls Rock!? What do you think about this year’s theme? Are you going to tune in?
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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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Transitioning Curls To Fall Weather

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Instagram: @claire_most

by Mary Wolff

Summer has its perks, but fall can be just as magical. Since summer can be pretty trying on natural strands, lots of curlies welcome the cooler temperatures and the reprieve it brings for their strands. When it comes to transitioning curls to fall weather, there are a few must-know tips to make the most of this time of year for your curls.

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1. Do a clarifying wash!

One of the best tips for transitioning curls to fall weather is to start with a clean slate. Summer can be a particularly hard time on hair with all the sun, sand, chlorine, and sweat. A clarifying shampoo will remove all that built up product and dirt to reveal a clean, happy scalp. A few good ones to try are As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo, DevaCurl Buildup Buster Micellar Water Cleansing Serum, and CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo.

2. Replenish moisture with a mask.

Another one of the best tips for transitioning curls to fall weather is to do a deep hydration masque. The summer heat and humidity probably zapped your curls of their moisture by the time fall has rolled around. At the beginning of fall, doing a deep moisture treatment will ensure you start off on the right track. A few good ones are SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Treatment Masque, TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask, and Camille Rose Naturals Algae Deep Conditioner.

3. Cut back on products.

In the summer, your hair needs more moisture and protection against frizz-inducing humidity, but when the temperature drops a little, you can definitely cut back. Don’t neglect your strands by any means, but consider them less often. A good trick is to switch to more cream based or thicker creams in the fall because then you won’t have to compromise on the measurement hair needs and you can cut back on the frequency of treatments.

4. Play with color!

The fall is a great time to experiment with a new hair color. Since your hair will get a break for the potential damages of summer, it can be a good time to introduce some highlights or even go for a full-on color change. Reds are always a popular autumn look.

5. Get your trim done.

Trimming your hair should happen on a routine schedule. Fall is a good time for this because, in the winter, you will probably stick to more protective styles to help with growth for the coming year. If you get your trim in the fall, it’s done and your hair is ready for the next phase of the year!

'Whose Streets' Film Sheds Light on Ferguson 3 Years After Michael Brown's Death

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If you can believe it, it’s been 3 years since the brutal shooting of unarmed Michael Brown by a police officer. Following the tragic shooting, a firestorm of protests erupted in Ferguson in what will be documented in history books for years to come.

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As always, it is significant for us to tell our own stories. Peering into the lens to document one of the most explosive racially-based protests in history takes a black filmmaker’s eye. Especially one that knows the innerworkings of St. Louis culture. Thankfully, one such documentary, Whose Streets embodies just that. Co-directed by Sabaah Folayan and St. Louis-based Damon Davis, Whose Streets chronicles the infamous Ferguson protests in an up-close-and-personal way that allows its residents to reclaim their story… and their streets.


The directors sat down with Go! Magazine to discuss their Sundance Film Festival sensation that now has a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating and the inspiration behind making it.

On the title of the film, “It’s a protest chant — a call-and-response chant that goes “Whose Streets? Our Streets.” It’s really an expression by people of the fact that this is our public property — and not only that, but that public servants should be here to serve our needs,” said Folayan.

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures: Pictured left to right, Damon Davis and Sabaah Folayan

What makes the film so resonating to people is how authentic it is. “A lot of the people were people that I knew and (Folayan) knew. People who would talk to us and also people who felt comfortable on camera. It was really organic. (The documentary is) basically about people who stop taking what’s given to them and decide to take control of their own destinies,” noted Davis. “These are everyday black people with complex lives but who still have the time to go out and protest — and take on the burden of humanity that most people won’t deal with.”

The film, which came about when Folayan went to Ferguson to do a public health study, invoked a poignant reaction from Sundance audiences who confirmed learning about a side of the story they had never known.

In that sense, alone, the film had done its job.

Whose Streets will be released in theaters on August 11. To learn more about Whose Streets, visit its website here.

I am thoroughly excited to see this film! Will you be seeing this important documentary? Let’s chat 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.

Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson's '2 Dope Queens' Podcast Headed to HBO

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Photo courtesy of 2 Dope Queens Facebook page

Jessica Williams (“The Daily Show”, “The Incredible Jessica James”) and Phoebe Robinson’s (“Broad City”) popular podcast “2 Dope Queens” is being adapted into a four-part hour-long television series for HBO!

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Launched in 2016, “2 Dope Queens” is a weekly standup and storytelling podcast featuring Robinson and Williams’ stories about sex, romance, race, their hair journeys, living in New York, and Billy Joel.

The comedians, who are also BFFs, will host the series, which will debut on the network next year.

“Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson prove you can be hilarious and socially conscious at the same time,” said Casey Bloys, president, HBO Programming in a statement. “We’re looking forward to bringing these very funny, talented women and their unique points of view to the HBO audience.”

Phoebe Robinson said, “2 Dope Queens and HBO going half on a TV baby? A dream come true! The work wife and I are beyond thrilled that the formula we’ve perfected over the past four seasons of doing the podcast (Ignorance x Cocoa Butter + Comedic Honesty) is being brought to this network.”

Jessica Williams added, “We are so stoked to be partnering with HBO for these specials. Excited to add a couple more Khaleesis to the network!”

Williams’ other credits include “People Places Things”, HBO’s “Girls” and the Upright Citizens Brigade comedy troupe.

Robinson is the author of the “New York Times” bestselling book “You Can’t Touch My Hair (And Other Things I Still Have to Explain)”. Her other appearances include “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore” and “I Love Dick”.

Jessica Williams, Phoebe Robinson and Chenoa Estrada will executive produce the show.

Check out the latest episode of “2 Dope Queens” below.



Do you listen to “2 Dope Queens”? Are you excited about their new show?
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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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Google Homepage Celebrates 44th Anniversary of Hip Hop

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Google Doodles have become so ingrained in pop culture that I don't know many people who aren't excited when they see a Google Doodle honoring their fave historical person or moment.

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Today marks the 44th anniversary of hip-hop and Google isn't holding back with the dopeness! Starting with a video intro narrated by the illustrious hip-hop icon and former host of Yo! MTV RapsFab 5 Freddy, the Doodle takes you on a journey from elongated instrumental sessions at dance parties to Coke La Rock taking the mic to hype up the crowd and drop a rhyme over the beat for the first time.

After that brief and fun history lesson comes the climax: an actual online turntable you can spin, equipped with a tutorial. Fab 5 Freddy hips you to DJ jargon like the crossfader and once you pic some records to spin, the tutorial gives you a history lesson with each single.


Let's talk about how I'm channeling my Spinderella right now!

Masterfully done, Google! Soooo, basically, no one is getting any work done today, right?!


Source:Google

What do you think about Google's tribute to hip hop?
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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.

5 Ways To Achieve Softer Coily Hair

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Source: @davmd_

by Mary Wolff

If you have coils, you know how delicate they can be. They can be more prone to breakage and require special care. Many naturals with this texture wonder if there are ways to soften their strands without taking on damage. Here are the top 5 ways to achieve softer coily hair for your best strands ever!

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  1. Don’t skimp on moisturizer. Coily hair can shrink when it dries which can lead to a crunchy feeling. To get that softness back, make sure you use a leave-in conditioner every time you wash and condition. This will help make sure strands are moisturized and soft. A few good leave in products are Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner, Ouidad Moisture Lock Leave-In Conditioner, and Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner.
  2. One of the most contested of the tips is to cut back on the oils. While oils are great for sealing moisture into hair, you can overdo it. When you apply too much oil to your strands, you are actually drying them out faster. A good rule of thumb to get softer coils is to examine your oil routine and cut it in half. For instance, if you use an oil 6 days a week, try going down to 3 days a week, and check in with your hair to see if that makes a positive difference.
  3. Spot check your hair throughout the day. Coils can sometimes have a higher porosity than other curl types, especially if they have been chemically treated, so they absorb moisture faster. If you are moisturizing your coils every morning, check them throughout the day to make sure they aren’t becoming dry. You can refresh your hair with either water or your favorite leave in. The key is to spot check hair to avoid overloading it where it doesn’t need it. For example, don’t apply it to your roots to mid-shaft if you only feel hardness or dryness at the tips.
  4. Drink plenty of water. This tip might seem a little off, but we should all know that what we put in our bodies will inevitably show up on the outside in terms of our skin, nails, and hair. When you don’t drink enough water, your hair will become dry and coarse. If your strands seem a little less than soft lately, consider adding a few more glasses of water to your day.
  5. Avoid sulfates as much as possible. These little additives can make hair dry which will make it feel less soft. While sulfates are used to provide a deep clean, they can be harsh and stripping for natural hair. If you haven’t already checked your products for sulfates, you need to get on it. Some will say sulfates are fine as long as you only use them for clarifying purposes, but there are actually clarifying shampoos free of sulfates. Why use them if you don’t have to? A few good clarifying shampoos without sulfates include Twisted Sista Luxurious Clarifying Shampoo, SheaMoisture Sacha Inchi Oil Omega-3-6-9 Rescue + Repair Clarifying Shampoo, and Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir Clarifying Sulfate-Free Shampoo.

Senegalese Model Khoudia Diop Wants To Show Young Girls "It's Not Bad To Be Dark"

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Photo by Joey Rosado

Khoudia Diop, the now 20 year old model from Senegal, West Africa is continuing to redefine the standard of beauty. Known as 'melaniin goddess' on social media, she created the name to give meaning to dark skin girls, showing them “it’s okay to be dark and that different is beautiful.” Mission accomplished, as her page displays gorgeous photography of her deep ebony blue skin.

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Photo courtesy of The Colored Girl

‘Melaniin goddess’ is all about promoting diversity, which aligns her partnership with The Colored Girl campaign; their entire portfolio is dedicated to celebrating beauty in women of color. She shares their goal: “to inspire, empower, and uplift”.




What’s new from Khoudia? Well she recently stared in the Make Up For Ever’s #BlendInStandOut campaign, which poses the question, “What do you stand for?” In Khoudia’s case, she stands for anti-bullying, because she knows all too well what it feels like.













These days, she is creating more visibility for black women, bringing awareness to the cosmetic industry, especially for those who skin tones are often overlooked. Khoudia knows the struggle of trying to find complexion products that match her skin tone. Make Up For Ever has options that not only work for her, but also everyone.







"I wanted to show girls that it’s not something bad to be dark, that different is beautiful, she told Glamour in an interview. It makes me proud to help girls realize that they don’t have to change who they are."

What do you think about Khoudia Diop's photos? How important is it to see models from diverse backgrounds represented in the media?
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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.

Shonda Rhimes Signs Multi-Year Deal to Move Shondaland to Netflix

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Photo courtesy of PMK

By Sharee Silerio

Shonda Rhimes is making moves again! The game-changing, hit-making writer, producer and showrunner is bringing her talent and production company, Shondaland, to Netflix! Her longtime producing partner, Betsy Beers, makes the move as well.

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If you’re like me, then you started watching “Scandal”, Rhimes’ beloved, powerful, riveting, trailblazing show with a black woman lead, on Netflix.

A couple of episodes into the first season, I was hooked. The dialogue, drama, acting, storyline and Olivia Pope #blackgirlmagic by way of Kerry Washington was something fresh, exciting, and in some ways empowering.

I was SO happy that I could binge-watch multiple seasons in a matter of days, LOL, including become a member of the gladiator clan.

As Netflix helped catapult Rhimes’ success and increased her reach to fans around the world, it makes sense for the two to partner together. In this new four-year deal with the giant streaming network, she will create and produce new series and other projects.

This offers a new platform for her to tell stories, in the ways she wants to tell them.

“Shonda Rhimes is one of the greatest storytellers in the history of television,” said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix. “Her work is gripping, inventive, pulse-pounding, heart-stopping, taboo-breaking television at its best. I’ve gotten the chance to know Shonda and she’s a true Netflixer at heart -- she loves TV and films, she cares passionately about her work, and she delivers for her audience. We’re so excited to welcome her to Netflix.”

Beers added, “I am a huge fan of the talented team and amazing programming at Netflix. The ability to create content for our new partners is an exciting challenge. I am grateful to everyone at ABC for their continued support and I look forward to beginning this next chapter at Netflix.”

As the first African-American woman to achieve the rare 100-episode milestone three times in her career, for “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Private Practice” and “Scandal”, this new chapter sets her up to break new ground again.

“Shondaland’s move to Netflix is the result of a shared plan Ted Sarandos and I built based on my vision for myself as a storyteller and for the evolution of my company,” Rhimes said. “Ted provides a clear, fearless space for creators at Netflix. He understood what I was looking for -- the opportunity to build a vibrant new storytelling home for writers with the unique creative freedom and instantaneous global reach provided by Netflix’s singular sense of innovation. The future of Shondaland at Netflix has limitless possibilities.

Our current shows will continue to thrive on ABC and Shondaland will be there every step of the way. I could not have asked for a better home to begin my career. I continue to be grateful to work with so many talented people – especially our studio gladiator Patrick Moran and our most powerful and brilliant champion Channing Dungey.

Starting today, we are thrilled to begin creating new Shondaland stories with Netflix. Everyone at Shondaland is honored to expand both our audience and our creative identity with Ted and the entire team at Netflix.”

From including diverse characters, telling authentic, heart-wrenching stories, and achieving success on her own terms, Rhimes has provided a roadmap for what it looks like to make an impact on the entertainment industry.

Are you a Shonda Rhimes fan? What do you think about her deal with Netflix?
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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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

Chance The Rapper Just Donated 30,000 Backpacks to Chicago Students

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It’s back to school time! In order to joyfully bring in the occasion, Chance The Rapper is continuing his charitable spirit and will be providing Chicago students in need with supplies. That’s right, Lil’ Chano from 79th teamed up with STATE Bags to donate 30,000 backpacks to children living in Chicago’s most impoverished neighborhoods, distributed through Chance’s SocialWorks empowerment charity.

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“What too often gets lost in the negative narrative swirling around the city’s most underfunded and embattled communities is the undeniable love, hope, and pride that is bursting from these very neighborhoods and the incredible, resilient kids living within them,” per an official initiative press release. “This is the story STATE co-founders Scot and Jacq Tatelman have seen firsthand, and the one they are committed to sharing with the world.”

Scot and Jacq Tateleman will be joining the artist to personally handed out the bags to thousands of Chicago kids and their families at the Bud Billiken parade this past Saturday. The parade is Chicago’s official back-to-school affair.



Chance even surprised the parade-goers with a free concert!





Overall, it was such a positive event. With Chicago’s reputation rife with crime and gang activity in the national news, it was nice to see that this event was filled with pure joy and a giving spirit.




So, now that it’s back-to-school time for the kids from the Chi, what does Chance have to say to those students?




Chance is definitely one of the good ones!

Source: EBONY

What do you think inspires Chance The Rapper to give back so often to his community? 
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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.

Dave Chapelle Finally Meets Dylan From 'Making The Band'

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You're not a true Dave Chapelle fan if you're not familiar with his famous Making The Band skit, where he imitates hip hop artist Dylan.

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Well turns out, Dave Chapelle had never actually met Dylan in person until this past Friday at a House of Vans party Chapelle hosted.

Chapelle's famous sketch comedy series aired back in March 2004. For years, we've heard the quote "Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan." Dylan was briefly a member of Bad Boy's Da Band. And although it's been well over a decade, we haven't heard much from the band since.


“For those who grew up watching me…you know how epic and amazing this was. My first time meeting @chappellercmh. My album is coming Sep 15th. I guess the stars lined up at the perfect time. Bless up to @wyclefjean @diddy and everyone else I reunited with this year,” said Dylan in his instagram post.




via GIPHY



But we all wanna know. Did Dylan really spit that hot fire?
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Mike "Orie" Mosley is the managing editor for CurlyNikki.com and a cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the founder of www.afrotrak.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

Try This DIY Curl Cream

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Photo: @mussettee

by Mary Wolff

When looking for a quick fix for you curls, sometimes the answer is lurking in your kitchen. Many naturals enjoy playing mixtress and creating concoctions for the health of their hair. Making a DIY curl cream is one of the easier ones to create to get great results.

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While there are lots of DIY curl cream recipes, this one will give definition while adding moisture to strands. It uses all-natural ingredients that are easy to find so you don’t have to search a bunch of sites to order things. In fact, you might even have these ingredients on hand already if you are skilled in mixing DIY solutions. The shea butter and coconut oil are rich in moisturizing properties to leave hair soft and hydrated. The aloe vera offers a sealant that will lock in hydration while helping with holding the definition. Rosemary oil is used to aid the scalp in circulation which leads to healthy hair. The apricot kernel oil is rich in linoleic acid which helps to moisturize hair. This DIY curl cream can be used as a pre-styler or a moisturizer. It will fight frizz, define curls, and leave hair hydrated.

Ingredients



  • 1/4 cup of raw shea butter
  • ¼ cup of pure aloe vera gel
  • 1 tsp apricot kernel oil
  • 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
  • 10 drops of rosemary essential oil

  • Directions

    1. Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler. If you don’t have one, you can make one with a pan half way full of water and a bowl placed inside the water. Be careful to avoid burns!
    2. Stir until the two oils are evenly mixed into one.
    3. Place the bowl containing the melted mixture of the oils in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes or until the liquids are partly solidified.
    4. Using a hand mixer, whip the oil until it takes on a creamy consistency.
    5. Add the apricot kernel oil and continue blending until mixed in.
    6. Add the pure aloe vera gel and continue mixing until all elements are evenly combined.
    7. Add the Rosemary oil as the final ingredient.
    8. When you are finished, the finished products will be a soft white mixture that is smooth and easy to work into strands. If it’s still lumpy, keep whipping until its fluffy and airy.
    9. Transfer to a mason jar or other closed container with a lid. You want to avoid letting water get into the mixture since it may cause things to separate.

    How Dr. Sebi Reminded Us That Food Is The Only Medicine We've Ever Needed

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    How many times have you tried a new diet that didn't work for you?

    How did you come across this diet?

    And if you thought it'd work, WHY?

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    Too often do we find ourselves adopting lifestyles that "look" like they will do just as much good for us as the girl we saw in the video or on the commercial. That's the essence of consumerism.

    Take consumerism and sickness, mix them together, and wallah! You have Big Pharma down your throat with medical bills up to your nose.

    It should be clear that major pharmaceutical companies don't give a rat's bottom about your health unless it means that they're taking your money and digging your grave very similar to drug overdose, the leading cause of death for Americans under 50.

    Conventional medicine only makes some us of sicker while lack of education on food science leaves many of us absolutely clueless. This is why it is up to us to take control where we can—our diet.

    According to a world-wide known healer, Dr. Sebi, food is the only medicine we need. Through food, herbs, and holistic healthy practices, each individual can turn his or her life around for the better. More specifically, by eating foods that are genetically optimal for our bodies, we can reverse disease and increase longevity.

    Who is Dr. Sebi?
    Dr. Sebi, born Alfredo Bowman in Honduras in 1933, is known around the world as a natural healer and vegetarian herbalist who believed that food could and should be used as the body’s medicine. Through food, he believed, one could cure herself of all disease.

    Bowman himself suffered from illnesses such as obesity, asthma, diabetes, and impotency (erectile dysfunction). He was a self-educated man, having never attended formal schooling, who emphasized the importance of thinking outside the box of traditional western medicine, which could not cure him of his sickness. In 1985, Dr. Sebi, director of USHA Research Institute, began posting ads in publications like the New York Amsterdam News newspaper about USHA Research Institute’s success in finding a cure for AIDS and other diseases. He was arrested on February 10, 1987 - two years later - for practicing medicine without a license, selling products that were not FDA-approved, and making “fraudulent” claims about his ability to cure a disease that was said to have no cure. Forced to appear in front of the Brooklyn Supreme Court, Bowman was found not guilty by a jury of six men and six women on two counts of practicing medicine without a license. In fact, Dr. Sebi provided witnesses who testified that as a result of USHA’s dietary program, they had experienced improved health.

    Before Bowman’s death in 2016 after being taken into custody while traveling in Honduras, he helped dozens of individuals change their diets and ultimately their lives by sharing his non-textbook knowledge about food and its effect on the body. There are numerous recordings of his teachings and interviews he did. Having worked with people like Steven Seagal, Michael Jackson, and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes (she was actually visiting Sebi in Honduras when she died in a car accident), Dr. Sebi is known to those who choose to know him.

    What is the Electric Food Diet?
    Dr. Sebi continuously shared his discoveries about food, creating a dietary program that he found to be “consistent with the African genetic structure.” The foods that he recommend are non-hybrids as Bowman explains in “Eat to Live” that hybrid foods require starch in order to be bound together. Starch is an acid.

    The Electric Food Diet, also known as the Alkaline Diet, is based on the premise that foods can influence the body’s pH levels. This essentially means that the foods you eat can either make the body’s environment more acidic or more basic (alkaline), where acidic means a pH in the range of 1 to 6 and alkaline means a pH in the range of 8 to 14 - a pH of 7 is considered balanced. Since disease thrives in acidic environments where excess mucus begins to spread throughout the body, depleting vital organs in the body of oxygen, Dr. Sebi believed that one could reverse this process by removing blood and starch from her diet.



    Below is the nutritional guide provided by Dr. Sebi that lists all the vegetables, fruits, herbs and other foods consistent with this diet:


    Should you adopt the Electric Food/Alkaline diet?
    Yes and no.
    Dr. Sebi was a firm believer that textbooks could not provide the knowledge that one’s own self-discovery and experimentation could. Although Dr. Sebi was, and still is, trusted by many and has cured dozens of illness, it is always important to do your own research before adopting any type of diet that requires a drastic transformation in your perspective of food.
    I ask myself this, “If my granny lived to be 98 years old and in her last years I watched her still eat turkey necks down to the bone, what does this mean for me?”
    So, challenge yourself first with questions you can’t answer. If you decide that the Electric Food diet is something that could help you, start with baby steps. Find support groups in your neighborhood and online. Check out Ty's Conscious Kitchen where you can find Dr. Sebi inspired recipes created by Tyrone Pendland II, chef and creator of Ty’s Conscious Kitchen. Again, do your own research as it will enhance your experience and make you feel confident in changing your lifestyle forever.

    What do you think about Dr. Sebi's teachings? Is this diet something you'd try? Why or why not?
    ****************************************
    Ariel is a 23-year old SoCal native, working professional, and Alumna of the University of California, Berkeley. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and through her studies, acquired a passion for gaining knowledge that would improve the quality of her life and further allow her to interact with and touch people in a positive way. You can follow her own blog, The Freewoman Diaries, at www.thefreewomandiaries.com

    Bruno Mars Donates $1 Million Of Concert Revenue To Flint Water Crisis

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    During his concert over the weekend in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Bruno Mars announced that he was donating $1 million to support victims affected nearby by the Flint Water Crisis.

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    "I'm very thankful to the Michigan audience for joining me in supporting this cause," Mars said in a statement. "Ongoing challenges remain years later for Flint residents, and it's important that we don't forget our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster. As people, especially as Americans, we need to stand together to make sure something like this never happens in any community ever again."

    Mars announced that the revenue from the concert would be donated to the Communnity Foundation of Greater Flint.

    A post shared by Bruno Mars (@brunomars) on


    "With a grateful heart, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is honored to accept this inspiring donation," CFGF president and CEO Isaiah M. Oliver added in a statement. "We know Bruno Mars' $1 million gift will be transformative to the children and families of Flint. He understands the issues faced by Flint citizens, and we are touched by his concern and generosity."

    Source:Rolling Stone

    What do you think about Bruno's donation to Flint? 
    ********************
    Mike "Orie" Mosley is the managing editor for CurlyNikki.com and a cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the founder of www.afrotrak.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

    Law Professor Works To Rescind Hairstyle Policies That Discriminate Against Black Women

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    By Sharee Silerio

    Inspired by her personal experiences and cases across the country, Berkeley Law professor Angela Onwuachi-Willig is using her expertise to fight against and eliminate hairstyle policies that discriminate against Black girls and women.

    To exist and be accepted as we were created is a battle the Black community has been fighting for years, and it is one we are still in the midst of.

    Continue Reading


    I personally know Black women who have been petted like animals as a person of another race felt their hair. I know Black women who were viewed as “ghetto” because their hair was dyed a bright color. I know Black women who straighten their hair so they are deemed more professional.

    I have been a Black woman afraid to wear my hair in an “ethnic” style, because of what my predominantly white company and clients would think. Wearing my hair natural was out of the question. Wearing my hair in Senegalese twists invited blank stares. I could not be who I was in the place I spent most of my day. So I left.

    This is why “Don’t Touch My Hair” is one of my favorite songs on Solange’s critically-acclaimed, woke, beautifully Black album, “A Seat at the Table”.

    Black women and girls in this nation and around the world don’t always have the option to walk away, especially if they have a family to take care of, or if the environment where their hair isn’t accepted is the same place where their education is supposed to be a priority.

    Over the past several years, various U.S. institutions, from the government to schools and workplaces, have told the Black community that what naturally grows out of our heads, and what we were born with, is “abnormal”, “wrong”, “unnatural” and unacceptable.

    This May, a high school teacher at a private school told a Black Tallahassee teen that her afro needed to be fixed, wasn’t neat and needed to be put in a style.

    The same month, two Black twin girls at a Boston charter school won the right to wear their braid extensions at school after they were kicked off of their sports team, banned from prom and received hours of detention for refusing to change their braided hair.

    Last year, after a Black woman in Alabama refused to cut off her locs under the conditions of the insurance company where she was employed, a federal appeals court deemed discrimination against traditionally Black hairstyles acceptable.

    “This decision portends continued difficulty for Black women who want to wear natural hairstyles in the workplace—and, by extension, schools—because it set forth faulty reasoning that other courts will likely rely on,” Onwuachi-Willig said in an interview with the UC Berkeley School of Law.

    Policies in schools and companies that ban hairstyles such as cornrows, braids, twists and afros disproportionately, mostly, impact Black girls and women, and the number of institutions enacting them are growing.

    “The reasons most commonly provided are that such hairstyles are faddish, extreme, distracting and unprofessional,” said Onwuachi-Willig, who has researched grooming code policies since 2006, and in 2010, wrote a paper on employer hairstyle guidelines. “What’s troubling is that banning these hairstyles essentially tells Black girls and women—nearly all of whom have tightly coiled hair or coiled hair that grows into an Afro—that the hair they were born with is faddish, extreme, distracting and unprofessional. It sets up a standard that appears neutral in its language but is actually racially discriminatory.”

    When Onwuachi-Willig started research grooming code cases, she noticed that most scholars failed to realize “how these policies essentially started with the hair texture of white women as the baseline and, in so doing, told Black women that their natural hair is unacceptable.”

    She added that these policies “discriminate against Black women by imposing costs in time, money, pain, and emotional well-being.”

    In collaboration with law school professors Trina Jones (Duke), Kimberly Norwood (Washington University-St. Louis), and Wendy Greene (Cumberland), Onwuachi-Willig co-drafted letters to various officials encouraging an end to discriminatory policies.

    The letters note the burden hair policies place on Black girls and their parents, particularly by forcing them to change their natural hair texture via relaxers, heat, weave and other means.

    The professors collected signatures from over 120 U.S. and international scholars, which were sent to each state’s department of education and school board president.

    Hopefully, sometime soon, Black women and girls will be able to wear their hair as they please, without judgment from the world around them. Hopefully, we can be who we are without the world telling us what we must look like. Hopefully, what naturally grows out of our heads will be less important than what we do with our minds and hearts.

    Have you been told that you natural hair is “unprofessional” or needs to be “fixed”? How do you fight hair discrimination?
    ********************************
    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 FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

    Black Couple Opens First Black-Owned Gas Station in Clayton County, Georgia

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    Fill 'er up!

    The next time you put $20 on pump 3, stop in Jonesboro, Georgia. The tiny town just welcomed the first black owned gas station in the entire county!

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    Colisha Hicks and her fiancee Fatz own the Citgo station on Tara Boulevard in Clayton County, Georgia. Although the county population is 65 percent black, few businesses in the area reflect the residents.

    Colisha and Fatz's gas station is just one of the black businesses taking part in the #BuyBackTheBlock movement. Their Citgo went viral after a friend shared a Facebook video asking for community support--a local woman called police, assuming Fatz was holding the station's owner hostage.



    “We should have something to contribute to our people and let our people know that we can do the same thing that everybody else does,” Fatz said during an interview with Atlanta's WXIA-TV.

    The couple plans to contribute a portion of their profits to the community, and have already inspired teens in the area.

    “The youth, when they see us, they’re shocked,” Fatz said. “That makes us feel good.”



    What do you think about this couple's story? How can we work to own more businesses like this in our community?
    *********************************
    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.

    Issa Rae Lets Fans Know Condoms Are Being Used on 'Insecure'

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    Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

    When Issa Rae made the leap from YouTube sensation to bonafide HBO star, millennials rejoiced. We saw Issa go from Awkward Black Girl to Hollywood, red carpets, awards shows, and interviews -- but one thing we didn't see her go for was protection on her hit show, Insecure.

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    We love seeing Issa navigate relationships and dating on screen, but fans have questioned the message the show promotes about sexual health. We're not looking to HBO to give us a sex ed lesson, but while we've consistently seen characters get it in, we've never seen them use condoms.



    "Insecure’s beauty, its greatness, is in its details," says Very Smart Brothers' Jozen Cummings. "From the way the characters talk to each other to Issa’s brief depictions of her alter ego, Insecure has thrived because it depicts a reality that is drenched in awkward moments, and one of those awkward moments for anybody who has ever taken part in casual sex is what do with a condom."

    Issa Rae took to Twitter to give Insecure fans an explanation.


    While Issa was receptive to fans' concerns, show runner Prentice Penny said folks need to chill, tweeting that Insecure is "not a PSA, documentary, non profit organization."



    Lots of fans were #unbothered by the whole issue.





    Whether you're #TeamIssa or #TeamLawrence, be on the team that's responsible. Protect yourself from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections by using protection every time.
    *******************************
    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.

    Master P Announced Owner of New Orleans Gators Basketball Franchise

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    If you've ever wondered what Master P aka Percy has been up to, well here's an update. The New Orleans native was announced yesterday as the owner of the New Orleans Gators.

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    The Gators are apart of the GMGB also known as the Global Mixed Gender Basketball League that puts professional men and women athletes on the same court. The league also focuses on equal pay as men.


    The organization issued the following statement below:

    Many business people and celebrities have their eyes on the new professional basketball franchise in New Orleans. But today, Percy Miller was able to close the deal with the GMGB organization. Mr. Miller was born and raised in New Orleans and basketball has been a passion of his since childhood. Owning the New Orleans Gators is a great fit for him and the City, bringing family entertainment and basketball together in one arena is exciting for the community. Putting professional men and women athletes on the basketball court at one time is unique. And giving women equal pay as the men will even the playing field in the Global Mixed Gender Basketball League.

    Percy Miller, the New Orleans Gators owner, businessman entrepreneur and philanthropist has appeared in numerous financial publications, including Forbes. A fervent basketball player, he has played professional basketball himself. As a team owner, he is about giving back to his community and has made Team Hope NOLA the foundation for the New Orleans Gators franchise.

    Congrats to Master P. What do you think about this basketball league? Can it compete with the likes of the NBA?
    *********************************
    Mike "Orie" Mosley is the managing editor for CurlyNikki.com and a cultural advocate from St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management from Columbia College Chicago and a Masters in Higher Education Administration from LSU. He is also the founder of www.afrotrak.com. In his spare time, he's probably listening to hip hop & neo soul music, hitting up brunch or caught up in deep conversations about Black music. You can follow him on Twitter @mike_orie or on Instagram @mikeorie

    10 Stunning Black Models You Should Follow on Instagram

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    Pictured: South African model, Thando Hopa
    Black Girl Magic is dominating Instagram. Models are taking advantage of this social media platform to showcase their beauty and diversity. Of course these are not regular bathroom selfies, their photos  are worthy of any magazine cover.

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    Whether they are simply smiling for the camera, striking a pose or gracing the camera during a photo shoot, these black models are striking, fierce and confident in their skin, while motivating women of color to embrace their own beauty. Don’t believe me; take a look at 10 models worth following today.

    Herieth Paul

    A post shared by Herieth Paul🇹🇿 (@heriethpaul) on

    This stunning Tanzanian born (Canadian decent), print and runway fashion model has appeared in editorials worldwide such as Elle Canada, Vogue Japan and Italy, and Harper's Bazaar UK. She has walked for top designers including Cavalli and Diane von Fürstenber and become known as the face of Maybelline as their New York brand ambassador. Follow here Instagram here.

    Thando Hopa

    This Albanian South African beauty is a model, actress, lawyer, writer and activist. She was scouted by a South African designer, Gert-Johan Coetzee at the age of 23 and “uses modeling as a means of challenging normative representations of beauty. Thando hopes to broaden human perception and increase social awareness when it comes to diversity.”

    Khoudia Diop
    A post shared by Khoudia Diop (@melaniin.goddess) on

    This Melanin Goddness, from Senegal, with deep ebony blue skin is redefining beauty standards. She’s a Paris/NYC fashion model and a social media sensation whose Instagram page encourages girls to have confidence in their dark skin – “Different is Beautiful”. Follow her Instagram here.

    Nyakim Gatwech


    This South Sudanese, dubbed the Queen of Darkness, also encourages black women to love the skin. Her Instagram account showcases motivating captions, pose versatility, and advocacy for diversity. Follow her Instagram here.

    Dora Owsusu

    A post shared by Dora Owusu🇬🇭 (@doraowusu) on


    This first-generation Ghanaian beauty was born and raised in California. Her main goal as a model is to remind young girls they are beautiful and to help boost confidence. Dora has worked with brands like Hexorn Jewelry, Beats by Dre, and Anastasia Beverly Hills. Follow her Instagram here.

    Chasity Samone

    A post shared by Chasity Samone (@chasitysamone) on

    This gorgeous model, singer, actor from Dallas, TX, has recently signed with Ross Models NYC. She is currently building her portfolio with high fashion editorials. Follow her Instagram here.

    Madisin Rian

    A post shared by MADI (@madisinrian) on


    This exquisite model was discovered by Kimora Lee Simmons in 2008. She has appeared in pages of Cosmopolitan, GQ, Essence, ELLE, Dark & Lovely and Black Opal. Follow here Instagram here.

    Adut Akech Bior

    A post shared by Adut Akech Bior (@adutakechofficial) on


    This 18-year-old Australian high school student supernova, originally from South Sudan, was the breakout face of Paris Fashion week. She is signed to several agencies including Elite Milan & Paris and is a Saint Laurent exclusive for runway. Follow her Instagram here.

    Milan Dixon

    A post shared by Milan Dixon 🌺 (@modelomilano) on


    This beauty, from Henderson, NV, has appeared in several magazines including, Ebony, ELLE and Marie Claire South Africa magazines and has modeled for Maybelline New York. You can follow here Instagram here.

    Maria Borges

    A post shared by MARIA BORGES (@iammariaborges) on

    This Angolan beauty is a Global Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. Maria was the first model to ever rock an Afro on Victoria Secrets catwalk in 2015. Her future goals include charity work in Africa and grace the cover of Vogue magazine. You can follow her Instagram here

    What do you think about these stunning models? Is there anything that stands out most to you about their style?
    ***************************
    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.

    CN Exclusive: Goapele Opens Up About Her Big Hair Chop, Offers Advice To Young Women

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    Photo Credit: Samuel Whitworth; courtesy of Goapele    

    Following the release of her latest EP Dreamseeker, Goapele has received a world of attention for her bold new haircut.

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    However, this type of representation isn’t new for Goapele, as she has been fully ensconced in celebrating the embracing of self-beauty whether it’s through her own songs or through other pieces of art. Last year, she starred in the short film Where Is Beauty, which tackled young women’s pressures surrounding social beauty and unrealistic beauty standards.

    Recently, CurlyNikki.com got to sit down and have a phone chat with the gorgeous Goapele (her cheekbones are on point, y’all!) about the feelings behind her big chop, her peers/industry’s reactions to it, and her advice to young women who look up to her and are navigating this beauty-restricted world.

    Curly Nikki: As someone who has also done the big chop, I am always intrigued at what brings a woman to make the decision. Can you share with us your thought process that led to your decision?

    Goapele: I’ve done the big chop a few times. Honestly dating back to when I was a child, my mom cut my hair super short a few times so I’ve gotten used to it… coming full circle over the last few years. As for this time, I always do it when I’m really ready for a change. I tried a bunch of different styles and was feeling stagnant. I was ready to come back to myself because I always feel most like myself in my natural hair [state].

    Photo courtesy of Goapele

    CN: Did you have any "omg what did I do?" feelings right after your big chop, especially the first one that you decided to do?

    G: It’s always scary, honestly, even though I’ve done it a few times. It feels vulnerable when you have your hair really short because it’s basically just your face with a little bit of hair to outline you. I felt so exposed, but on my most confident days, I feel so fierce and it’s empowering. It’s also so easy, because all I have to do is get a haircut, you know?

    I think the big chop is most scary because there's nothing to hide behind. I was really inspired by a trip "home" to visit family in South Africa, and saw how many women were rocking short natural hair and with the same fierce confidence as any other extravagant style and it was affirming. Coincidentally I was in a short film called Where Is Beauty right around this time and it was all about the character's hair journey and personal evolution.

    Each time, I have to go through my clothes and jewelry because I feel that these things changes your whole look. So, even facturing into the fabrics and shapes, I saw that “hey this isn’t going to work anymore” and had to work a new style of clothes to match whatever my hairstyle is. Once I get all of that together, I feel in alignment.
    Photo Credit: James Branaman; courtesy of Goapele 

    CN: I love that! I can totally relate! I’ve done my big chop and found you get to have more fun with things like accessories!

    G: Yeah! And even things like makeup with the colors and shades… it just changes the way in which your face looks and you have to figure out how to “work it” again.

    CN: Yes! I do want to talk about the perception of natural hair with you as someone navigating the industry. What were the initial reactions to your big chop (whether within the industry or outside, such as your immediate circle)? Did you receive any micro-aggressions about your hair making such a big change?

    G: When I entered the industry, I already had dreads so I already felt a little “counter-culture,” so I think people immediately placed me within the “natural hair girl” category. You know, I didn’t hear a lot from people in the industry, but more so fans and people in the public. Some people were attached to my longer hair [i.e. the locs], which I had for almost 10 years. So I got a lot of, “Whyyy did you cut your hair?!” Maybe they missed me in between projects, but even when people see me now… I probably did the first big chop nine or ten years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter and starting to work on my second album (Even Closer). So, I grew it out again and cut it again on my fourth album (Break of Dawn), and now I’m on my fifth! So, I’ve been through it all -- I’ve even colored it blonde, then gone back to black, then colored it honey so I’ve gone through so many transitions. Every now and then, I’ll walk onto stage and see people wide-eyed!

    CN: Speaking of your tunes, how has your hair journey affected your music? Has it evolved with your hair or vice versa?

    G: It’s kind of hard to pinpoint a certain song, but when I was coming into motherhood, that really changed a lot of my life. I was going to get to see what it was like to be an artist and a mother at the same time and my father also passed away… there was just a lot of transitions going on. I was just transitioning out of a record deal and becoming independent again and that’s when I put out, Change It All… that with that album I was ready for a change and a new perspective.
    Photo Credit: James Branaman; courtesy of Goapele 

    My latest project Dreamseeker is all about being who I am effortlessly. Reminding myself that I'm enough the way I am.

    CN: Well said! On that note, what is your advice to young women who are navigating mainstream beauty standards and desire to enter the natural hair journey as well as those that look up to you?

    G: I feel that it is important to listen to your own intuition. Think about what makes you feel most like yourself, what makes you feel most comfortable walking around in your own skin and what makes you feel most beautiful. And I think [beauty] can look so many different ways, especially with hair styles and the many shapes we are. Don’t let the fear of change stop you and [at the same time] don’t feel like you need to change if you feel good with the way you are.

    CN: Perfectly put! Thank you so much for joining us, Goapele!

    G: Thank you so much for having me! I always run into people on the street and they say, “omg you cut your hair, you make me want to cut mine!” and it’s always exciting to see people before they make the transformation. I know that people are always looking for representation of themselves -- including me -- so, I’m always happy when people highlight that.

    You can check out Goapele’s latest EP Dreamseeker, here. And if you’d like to learn more about Goapele and get into some of her lovely past works, head over to her website!

    *This interview has been edited and condensed*

    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.

    6 All-Day-Energy Smoothie Recipes to Help You Kick the Caffeine

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    Aren’t you tired of crashing before noon and needing a coffee refill multiple times throughout the day?

    Believe it or not, the more coffee you consume on a daily basis, the more dependent your body becomes on that caffeine-fix.

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    Trust me. I’ve been through caffeine withdrawal and it is not pretty. Headaches. On top of headaches. Anger. Fatigue. I thought I’d never make it through.

    And this was just from a month of drinking coffee consistently every morning.

    But then I discovered the power of smoothies and how they could not only help me feel confident in how I started my morning but they also gave me a longer-lasting energy throughout the day.

    Foods like cacao, Goji berries, hemp seed, and blueberries make me feel alive. Coffee just makes me feel like my eyes won’t stop moving unless I go to sleep.

    I know how hard it is to take a break from coffee, but it is so worth it. Eating fresh, raw ingredients immediately gives you a boost of energy and makes you feel clean throughout your body.

    Here, I have put together some of my favorite smoothie recipes that give me that good ol’ energy that lasts longer than the 45 minutes I get from coffee.

    Enjoy!

    NOTE: For all recipes, combine ingredients using a high speed blender. Be careful not to over-blend ingredients and if using frozen fruits/veggies, thawing may be necessary.


    Green Clarity Smoothie

    Packed with leafy greens that will clean you out, blueberries for extra energy, and ginger for an extra zing!

    SERVINGS: 1

    1/4 cup dandelion greens
    1/2 cup spinach
    1/2 cup kale
    1/2 cup blueberry
    1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
    1 tbsp ginger
    water


    Berries Berries Berries

    Antioxidant rich and naturally tangy, berries are a great way to start your day.

    SERVINGS: 1

    1 cup blueberries
    1/4 cup goji berries
    1/2 cup strawberries
    1/2 cup raspberries (or kiwi)
    1 tspn ginger
    ice


    Papaya All Through Me Smoothie

    This simple smoothie will give you that push you need for consistent bowel movements while also providing antioxidants and anti-cancer properties.

    SERVINGS: 1

    1 1/2 cup papaya
    1 cup coconut water
    1 tbsp chia seeds
    ice


    Kick Ass Cacao Smoothie

    If you want a real bang of energy, then skip the chocolate and use raw cacao bits. Rich in antioxidants, zinc, magnesium, dietary fiber and other nutrients, this superfood will give your body a natural boost that feels - and almost tastes - like coffee.

    SERVINGS: 1

    1/4 cup raw cacao bits
    1 cup almond milk
    4 baby bananas
    1 tbsp almond butter
    1 tsp cinnamon
    water


    Spinach Me Green Smoothie

    Another leafy green smoothie that with the avocado, makes a creamy breakfast.

    SERVINGS: 1

    3 baby bananas
    1 cup kale
    1/4 avocado
    1/2 cup almond milk
    1 tsp cinnamon
    water

    Feelin' Smooth Strawberry Coconut Smoothie

    This one is all about the coconut milk. A fourth cup of coconut milk contains 27 percent of your recommended daily intake of manganese, which controls your blood sugar and boosts your metabolism. Not only will you feel balanced energetically, but you'll burn fat throughout the day.

    1/2 cup coconut milk
    1 cup strawberries
    1 palm of cacao bits
    2 baby bananas
    1 tbsp cinnamon
    water

    Sometimes energy is more or less a state of mind. Eating foods that are high in sugar, salt, or fat overwork the body and prevent it from using its energy efficiently. However, a diet rich in whole, raw foods pushes the body to rid itself of toxins and run more smoothly.

    Ease off the caffeine slowly by replacing your coffee with a smoothie at least once a week. Your body will tell you what is best for you.

    Which of these recipes is your favorite? Share in the comments!
    ************************
    Ariel is a writer, lover, and certified personal trainer. With a passion for helping others improve their quality of life, she uses her knowledge and writing to connect with other women (and men) looking to change their lives. If you're in need of inspiration on love, strength, or confidence, check out her blog, The Freewoman Diaries or her YouTube Channel here. For personal training inquiries or life advice, send her an email: freewomandiaries AT gmail DOT com.
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