African American Ballerina Misty Copeland has shattered a 75 year strong ceiling at the American Ballet Theater and has soared to the organization's top spot as its first African American Principal Dancer. Despite feature roles in such productions as Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Sleeping Beauty, the 32 year old Kansas City native, who joined ABT in 2001 and named Soloist … [Read more...]
[Video] Taraji P. Henson Wins Best Actress and Makes History
By Shantell E. Jamison Taraji P. Henson made history last night. The Empire star and Baby Boy actress became the first Black woman to win “Best Actress In A Drama Series” for her role as Cookie Lyon on the hit Fox show. Henson beat out fellow nominees Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder), Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife) and Keri Russell (The … [Read more...]
Five Powerful Women of the Civil Rights Movement You Should Know, but Probably Don’t
Although I understand the idea behind Black History Month, I’m not a huge proponent of relegating our history to only one month of the year. We need to celebrate our heroes and sheroes year-round; however, since it is Black History Month, this is a great opportunity to go beyond the usual narrative of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks to highlight some of the little-known … [Read more...]
Why White People Should Understand Why We Take Ferguson Personal
By Bil Mooney-McCoy I have made it a point to avoid writing about controversial issues in public forums, preferring face to face conversations in the context of pre-existing or developing relationships. But I am uncharacteristically compelled to offer these thoughts and suggestions in wake of the events in Missouri last week, particularly as I’ve read postings from friends … [Read more...]
One Man Examines Why He Did Not Want His Wife to Go Natural
The natural hair explosion seems to be taking over certain parts of the United States. African American women everywhere are getting away from the relaxers and some are even letting go of their weaves. They are owning and wearing their hair in its natural state and embracing their coiled coifs and natural roots. Just turn on any television and you will see Black women and … [Read more...]
Accepting Your Child’s Natural Hair Texture
What words would you use to describe your child's hair texture? As you ponder that question think about which descriptive words you will use and consider if those words are positive and uplifting to your child. Thick. Curly. Kinky. Nappy. Coily. Some of these words are accepted and some are rejected. 4a. 3c. 2b. are commonly used abbreviations for a hair typing system that … [Read more...]
Italian Vogue Runs Piece On “Slave Earrings,” Apologizes For “Bad Translation”
File this under Some folks just don't get it. From Yahoo!: In this month's Italian edition of the magazine, a trend story on hoop earrings bares the headline "Slave Earrings." The text accompanying the image of a model wearing the circular jewelry reads: "If the name brings to the mind the decorative traditions of the women of colour who were brought to the southern … [Read more...]