For the first time in history, all 5 top beauty pageants are dominated by women of color. I think that in a time where society has questioned the beauty of melanin skin. We, women of color needed this. 2019 will always be remembered as the year in which women of color dominated top 5 beauty pageants.
Below is part of the conversation between a journalist on CNN and the ladies.
Interviewer
When you think of this moment, what does it mean to yo? what does it mean to women of color, young girls and boys who are watching.
Nia Franklin ( Miss America)
“Well, I think black women need this. It’s a symbol that shows that no matter where you are from, what country you’re from, whether you live in America, you can be part of something great. It was just back in 1940, that black women were allowed to compete in the Miss America organization. And it took 30 years in 1970 when Cheryl Browne became the first black to step foot on the Miss America stage. So it’s huge and I’m so glad that people are recognizing this moment. “
Interviewer
It’s huge but you’ve been getting into that moment and I know that you’ve dealt with some of this. There has been pushbacks like something as simple as your hair right? And you got a lot of pushback in that about what you should look like if you are going to be a part of this pageant. This sends a very clear message about what you should look like, you should look like yourself
Cheslie Kryst ( Miss USA )
Exactly, exactly and that you don’t have to fit a certain mould in order to be successful in pageantry and other arenas. And so it’s exciting for me to just be a part of this. Exciting for me to know that I can be an example for other people. Because there are certain examples I was able to follow that inspired me. Like when Ursula Burns was the CEO of Xerox, when Barack Obama was made president of the United States. I think seeing this figures was essential to me and as a woman of color I’m happy I could share this moment with my sisters.
Interviewer
And from an international perspective what does it do for you ?
Zozibini Tunzi ( Miss Universe)
Like she said, when she saw those people do those things , she fell like she could do it too. I mean we can’t be what we cannot see. So I think that’s why this is so important because young girls can look at us and feel like they too are important…
One thing I’ve learnt from this is that nothing can limit me especially my skin tone or even just how I style my hair. Be it braids, low cut or Afro, I remain African and beautiful.
What about you? What’s one thing you’ve learnt from this ?
Generally, time spent at the beauty salon is considered as ladies time somehow. If you often visit the beauty salon either to do your hair, makeup, manicure, pedicure, facials etc you would know that every discussion mostly revolves around beauty, men, money and fashion.
Recently, I visited a salon to do my hair and one of the hairdressers (a beautiful dark lady) there looked at me and said, “chai, black is fine.” “I want na dis kind fineee black” This prompted the lady whose hair she was doing to narrate a story of a guy who was so dark that some people thought he was wearing black socks. So, one of them decided to touch his leg, to confirm whether their thoughts were right or wrong. Of course, they were wrong. You can imagine how the dark guy must have felt.
Well I’ve been in his shoes. So many times people have touched my hands or face to see if my dark complexion will fade away. Like seriously, what nerve!!!! I was really impressed with the hairdresser, even after hearing the story, she still went on to say how much she loved that kind of black. Then she said, “ natural fair skin too is nice because we all are Africans. The only problem is when you see a light skinned girl, you would never know if it’s actually natural or bleached. But when you see a dark girl from afar, you’re hundred percent sure that it’s natural.
I really feel encouraged seeing other dark girls love their skin as much as I do
Then there’s this thing about colors. What color will fit a dark girl? Some say bright colors, what do you think ?
…
Speaking of beauty salons, what are your plans for your hair this festive season? If like me, you want something natural or braids, be sure to check out my post on braiding styles
Nowadays, black women are beginning to own their melanin showing that their skin really is beautiful too. With a lot of modifications that are being made to suit the dark skin such as makeup products and body lotions, the music industry isn’t left behind. Thanks to a few artist, these are amazing songs that celebrate melanin to add to your play list. I hope these amazing songs inspire, motivate and activate you to celebrate melanin more. May these songs remind you just how beautiful melanin is and also, may it reveal the beauty lying within you.
1) Black Is beautiful by Flavour
I can see her from afar, She just dey shine like a morning light, I can see very clear She just dey shine in a broad day light (hey), And she was walking And i was watching Every step and the move she was making. She is adoring i am admiring her hips
Beauty is a natural thing, Original thing and a mysterious thing hey, Rise up ma voice and sing i thank the lord for a beauty queen. Cos your black is beautiful Beauty from my own, Baby your black is beautiful (baby moo) Beauty in disguise And your black is beautiful (ahhhhh) Black is beautiful hey, And your black is natural, (ahhhhhahh) black is original Oo oo ohoo Oo oo ohoo Oo oo ohoo yoo yoo yoyo, mama moo
Cha cha chei, She is black she is proud and she knows it, She is cool and i everybody likes it, She is bold and she very very humble, She is strong and can never never fumble, She is courageous (ahh) azagitarious the kind of woman I can take for serious,
Beauty is a natural thing, Original thing and a mysterious thing hey, Rise up my voice and sing i thank the lord for a beauty queen, Cos your black is beautiful (beauty for my own) Baby your black is beautiful baby moo, Beauty in disguise hey, and your
And your black is Africa, Your black is Jamaica, And your black is Arabia, Your black is Jamaica, And your black is Nigeria, Your black is beautiful oooo dudu tu tuuu duduuuu, huu huu selooom your black is beautiful.
2) Black woman by Danielle Brooks
You look at me like I’m unfamiliar Like I’m brand new Like you never knew that you liked them thick I’ve been carrying this weight In a world beneath these braids And I’m confused Would you take the pain that came With all the parts you wanna claim for you
[Pre-Chorus] You want my thighs You want my stride But not this melanin You want my hair But you don’t care For this complexion
[Chorus] I’m a black woman I’m a black woman Cornbread fed Sweat tea sippin’ Nubian Queen with the skin that glistens I’m a black woman
[Verse 2] Sixteen sittin’ on the cold floor In the corner after school Recovering from your cover up When you told me I wasn’t right for you It wasn’t hard to believe ‘cus when I watch TV I would never see A leading lady look like me Familiar package with less pigment I ain’t ignorant, it’s just reality
[Pre-Chorus] You want my thighs You want my stride But not this melanin You want my hair But you don’t care For this complexion
[Chorus] I’m a black woman I’m a black woman Cornbread fed Sweet tea sippin’ Nubian Queen with the skin that glistens I’m a black woman
[Bridge] The world tells me there is space for me If I cinch it up And I soak it in The world tells me it’ll all be mine With some lashes on And some lighter eyes The world tells me it’ll work for me If I let ’em do a little surgery The world tells me it’ll change for me With some longer nails And some lightening cream
[Outro] But I’m a black woman (Lose myself to prove myself) I’m a black woman (We’ve come too far to right these wrongs) ‘Cus I’m a black woman ‘Cus I’m a black woman
Thanks!
Here’s the link to the part one of amazing songs that celebrate melanin
Nowadays, black women are beginning to own their melanin showing that their skin really is beautiful too. With a lot of modifications that are being made to suit the dark skin such as makeup products and body lotions, the music industry isn’t left behind. Thanks to a few artist, these are amazing songs that celebrate melanin to add to your play list. I hope these amazing songs inspire, motivate and activate you to celebrate melanin more. May these songs remind you just how beautiful melanin is and also, may it reveal the beauty lying within you.
I started with this song because it was released just few days ago. The collaboration speaks of how black women need to unite in order to overcome. Did you know Lupita could singggg??? While we await the video release, as the song says, « we melanin chicks ‘bout to run the world» [Ciara:]That’s that chocolate, chocolate
[Ciara:]
That’s that chocolate, chocolate That melanin Ow!
[Ester Dean:]
(Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) Yeah, we killin’ ’em Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) We be killin’ ’em With all that chocolate, chocolate
[Ciara:]
CeCe’s my name (Uh), love is my game (Yup) Blue and green’s my color, I stay reppin’ my team (Ooh-ooh) My girls in every shade, mhm, we put that “S” in “slay” I’m lifting up my queens, fixing crowns, that’s my thing Uh, she cute as fuck, junk in that trunk My sugar, cinnamon, yeah, girl, he love that melanin
[Ester Dean:]
(Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) Yeah, we killin’ ’em Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) that’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) We be killin’ ’em With all that chocolate, chocolate
[Ciara:]
My daddy call me princess (Uh) Feel so royal when he rockin’ me (Uh) Breaking my good foot, prop a knee (All night) Uh, a hot, cold summer day He drinking melanade Them boys go loco, loco Yeah, he love that chocolate Uh, he cute as fuck CeCe did good He’s such a gentleman Yeah, girl, I love that melanin
[Ester Dean:]
(Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) Yeah, we killin’ ’em Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) We be killin’ ’em With all that chocolate, chocolate
[Ciara:]
Hey, ladies (Yeah?), are you ready (Yeah?) To hit (Yeah?) that melanin (Melanin) Go Ester, go Lupita, go LaLa, go City Girls (Ow!) Go Yolanda, go Sienna, go Veena, go Robin Go Gabbie, go Jackie, go Jeniffer, go Kelly Go down, go Erica Good assist, you did that
[Ester Dean:]
(Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) Yeah, we killin’ em Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) We be killin’ ’em With all that chocolate, chocolate
[LA LA:]
Well, my name is LaLa Stay so poppin’ and phantomy (Whoo, whoo) Hustle all day, that’s a queen in me (Whoo, whoo) I walk on the block like, “Damn, I’m heat!” A Butter Rican bae, mami, mami, I get paid (Cha-ching!) Your baby daddy’s fave, I’m that big drip, I’m the wave She copper thin, she stackin’ thick (She bad) Stay settin’ trends, yeah, girl, that’s that melanin
[Ester Dean:] (Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) Yeah, we killin’ em (Lupita, let’s go!) Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate
[Lupita Nyong’o:]
It’s Troublemaker back on the scene Stay getting that green, Wu-Tang called it C.R.E.A.M. I ride with the team, my hustle’s a dream I’m Mexican born, but a Kenyan queen (Ayy, ayy) Like Kipchoge, pushing the limits One hour and fifty-nine minutes? (Mhm, mhm) I keep it so classy, cover girl, you know I’m sassy (Okay) My hue on dark chocolat’ (Chocolat’) Movie deals, I get a lot (I get a lot) Yeah, ’cause I’m a brown-skinned girl These melanin chicks ’bout to run the whole world
[Ester Dean & J.T.:] (Uh) That’s that melanin (Ow) Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) Yeah, we killin’ em (J.T.) Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate
[J.T.:]
I’m black girl magic Skin like expensive fabric (Baye) He like it better when I’m ratchet I’m a boss-boss, chick’s still askin’ (So?) Kitty power, kitty power, kitty power (Ho) Gotta make ’em pay by the hour, ’til you broke City Girl ish, gotta let the world know I’m a bad chick with a lace or a ‘fro She thick as fuck (Mhm), she bad as ish I’m worldwide, and I’m a felanin’ Go CeCe, go LaLa, go Resha, go J.T Go Maggie, go Cardi, go RiRi Go Layton C-I-T-Y wid it, city girl, I’m light wid it (Ow) Brown skin, I’m fine wit’ it (Ayy) Go Mary J. Blige wid it, ayy Break it down, both sides wit’ it (Break it down) Bring it up, spread the ground wit’ it (Spread the ground) O-T, outta town wit’ it Had to add a lil’ brown wit’ it
[Ester Dean:]
(Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) Yeah, we killin’ ’em Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) That’s that melanin Yeah, that’s that chocolate, chocolate (Uh) We be killin’ ’em With all that chocolate, chocolate
2) Melanin by Romain Virgo
Roman Virgo
Ayyyiii Its the Melanin! Ouu yeah I love you everything Yeah yeah yeahDont you know that Black don’t crackThere’s no need to be ashamed of your skin They won’t tell you but its a fact You got class, let it last Keep it genuineYou must have got me Got me in a trap Cause everytime I keep coming back Cause they dont got a thing on you And they can glow just like you do And I want the whole wide world to see That you are beautiful to me I love my chocolate skinYou are royal, you are queen Dont you change that beauty within Lift your head up, lift it with pride And You dont have to worry I’m always here by your sideYou must have got me Got me in a trap Cause everytime I keep coming back Cause they dont get a thing on you And they can glow just like you do I want the whole wide world to see That you are beautiful to me I love my chocolate skin You better love yourself don’t hate yourself embrace yourself my dear Cause you look beautiful in every single thing you wear Stay just the way you are Don’t you change a thing Woozess power in your melaninI know you got me Got me in a trap Cause everytime I keep coming back Cause they dont get a thing on you And they can glow just like you do And I want the whole wide world to see That you are beautiful to me I love my chocolate skin It’s the melanin uh huh ouu yeah I love you everything yeah yeah yeah It’s the melanin uh huh yeah I love you everything you everything Your everything
Girl you bad You be bad pass El Chapo Mexico Odo ye wu’eh
Jolie beautiful You be bussing my brain Ehhhhh nana eh
Give me your love your love your love Give your love to me Love to me Cherie be my queen
See this your body oooo Is worth more than my money My money
Oh my mela mela mela Oh my mela mela mela Melanin
Oh you bella Bella Bella Oh my mela mela mela Melanin
My heart go Pa pa ti pa pa Ah ti pa pa Oh mela mela mela Mela mela mela
My heart go pa pa Ti pa pa ooooo Ti pa pa ooooo Oh mela mela mela Mela mela mela Melanin
Them ah talk Talk like they know us Mmmmm See this our love See this our love This kind of love can not be touched Eeee Ma Cherie coco
Pass me your loving Pass me your loving Pass me your loving I give you am all night I’ll make you feel almighty oooo Give me your love Give me your love eeeeee
Oh my mela mela mela Oh my mela mela mela
Oh you bella Bella Bella Oh you bella Bella Bella Melanin
My heart go pa pa Ti pa pa ooooo Ti pa pa ooooo Oh mela mela mela Mela mela mela
My heart go pa pa Ti pa pa ooooo Ti pa pa ooooo Oh mela mela mela Mela mela mela Melanin
In a world where success, beauty and fame have been attributed to light skin, a few renowned Nigerian actresses who haven’t bleached have proven otherwise.
Wikipedia says,
Skin whitening, also known as skin lightening and skin bleaching, refer to the practice of using chemical substances in an attempt to lighten the skin or provide an even skin color by reducing the melanin concentration
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 77% of women in Nigeria use skin lightening products, the world’s highest percentage. Below is a list of renowned Nigerian actresses who haven’t bleached.
1. Genevieve Nnaji
This 40-year old director of the first Nigerian Netflix original is a Actor, Producer, Director, Screenwriter, Entrepreneur, Former Model. The movie, LIONHEART, was also the first Nigerian movie to win Oscar awards. Genny, as her fans call her, with her beautiful dark skin, nailed it too in the modeling industry as she became the face of many commercial brands. Among which Lux and MUD just to name a few. She remains an inspiration to millions of people in the world especially women of color and career women.
2. Ini Edo
The Nigerian actress, Ini Edo, is popularly known as brown sugar by her Instagram family. She has over 7 million followers on the app. She’s been in the movie industry for close to 20 years. Aside from her excellent acting skills, her dark skin complexion has always been admired by many. Despite her career ascent, it is soothing to know that she remains ever glowing in her beautiful skin. Hence, she earned her spot on my list of top 10 Nigerian actresses who haven’t bleached
3. Uche Jumbo
Uche Jumbo is an Actress, Film Producer, director and Writer. Amongst the films she’s produced, Damage addresses the issue of domestic violence. She’s a wife, mother and career woman. And she didn’t let complexion be a hinderance to achieving her dreams.
4. Stephanie okereke
When it comes to Nollywood, Stephanie Okereke is a legend. She’s an actress, director and model. She has received so many awards for best actress. She was also the runner up for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeriabeauty pageant of 2002. This proves that you can be dark skinned and still make it in modeling industry. Therefore, she deserves her spot on my list of top 5 Nigerian actresses who haven’t bleached.
5. Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw is also one of the veterans of Nollywood. She is an actress, politician, fitness coach and mother. Doesn’t she look beautiful for a 48th- year old woman?
The purpose of this article is for us blacks to see that contrary to what society says, we are beautiful. And we can be successful too! Fortunately, some African countries have started banning skin bleaching products. However, Banning skin bleaching products won’t work as long as fair skin is linked with beauty and success. Just like most things, skin bleaching has it’s pros and cons.
Which other Nigerian actress should be on this list? Comment below if you want to see a part 2.
Welcome back to this series: peculiar hair influencers share their best hair tips. I hope you learned something from the part 1. In case you missed it please do well to click here. Sometimes, the best way to get motivated is to listen or read success stories of others. That’s why I decided to write this article. The first part concentrated on just 3 of the influencers and in this next part, I will be continuing with the other 3.
Tchingi Prescilia
kinky me
#1: why did you decide to go natural?
I saw other people’s natural hair and I was so motivated by the texture and I knew that my hair could be same. I was so in love with its thick and kinky nature. So, 2 years ago I started my natural hair journey and I’ve never looked back.
#2: what motivates you despite the challenges
Other people! It has always been other people. Be it hair blogs, compliments, encouragement, appreciation and affirmation.
#3: what are your best hair tips
Moisture. I always sprinkle my hair with water from a spray bottle and do regular application of hair nutrients such as shea butter and homemade hair mayonnaise. Last but not the least, I do a lot of protective styling. I’m a huge fan of twist!
#4: advice to other naturals
Love your hair. No matter what people say, make up your mind to stay kinky. When you love something you take care of it. Take good care of your hair, research online for hair tips and ask questions from other naturals and hair influencers.
Naturally Elsie
naturally Elsie
#1: why did you decide to go natural?
Before, I didn’t bother much about natural hair. I preferred changing weaves from time to time until I moved to china and my hair started breaking off. It became more expensive to buy relaxers. Even after putting relaxers, managing my hair wasn’t still the easiest. So I decided to do the big chop let my hair grow afresh. Then I said to myself, “why don’t I just keep natural hair” after all, it would cost me nothing (so I thought). I started watching YouTube videos and reading hair articles which made me more interested in my hair. At first, I was only giving it a try but along the way I fell in love with my own hair. I felt more confident with my own hair than with weaves. For example, when someone compliments a weave I have on, in my mind I’m like it’s not my hair. Whereas, when someone compliments my natural hair, I feel more confident and proud because it’s my real hair.
#2: what motivates you despite the hair challenge?
The fact that I feel more confident in it motivates me. Then my hair goals… I wish to see my hair very long one day so that keeps me going. I see the hair growth of other naturals and it motivates me. Also, whenever I’ll have children, I’ll love to keep their natural hair, so I believe that I need to know how to maintain my own natural hair so that when the time comes, I’ll be able to maintain theirs.
#3: what are your best hair tips?
Tip 1: Moisture.
Without moisture, hair tends to break a lot hence depriving growth. Also, I use
olive oil as an additional moisturizer. Then I used other oils like coconut
oil, castor oil, avocado oil to seal moisture in.
Tip 2: I don’t
keep styles like braids for too long. They cause hair breakage. From time to
time, I let my hair out so as to better care for it.
Tip 3: trim hair when necessary like when hair ends are death.
#4: what advice do you have for other naturals?
Genetics matters. Avoid comparing your hair with other naturals but instead enjoy your hair the way it is now. Be patient with your hair. Everybody’s hair grows just not at the same rate. Know your hair and what works for you. Avoid applying heat on your hair. Know your hair type and the kind of products that will work for your hair type. You can find that on youtube. Last but not least, be consistent.
Actually my hair was damaged because I had kept relaxed hair for 3 years. So I went natural in 2015. I had been trimming my hair little by little. One day I asked my mum to help trim it and she went all the way down. I had no choice than to go to the barber. Actually I had been thinking of going natural but didn’t have the nerve to do it.
#2: what motivates you despite the hair challenge?
As at now, I don’t have any hair challenges but the beginning was quite challenging. What motivated me was the fact that I saw other girls who were able to cope with their hair. Also I believe there’s no way God will give us something that we can’t take care of. African hair is unique and beautiful. And it’s my hair, regardless of all the weaves and products. At the end of the day, you have to be able to look after your own hair. I believed I could do it without covering my hair and this is one of the reasons why I don’t wear extensions. Also keeping my natural hair builds my self esteem.
#3: what is your best hair tip?
Moisture is my friend. I always section my hair before washing. That saves me a lot of time.
#4: what advice do you have for other naturals?
Learn to love your hair. Avoid complaining. When you look after your hair, you look after your entire self. Avoid covering your hair with weaves, braids etc for long, because you don’t get to treat it often. When washing your hair, section it. Keep your hair in stretched styles. Know your hair porosity. Always deep condition your hair every time you wash your hair.
Ok, I think we’ve had enough for now. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t reach out to all hair influencers like you but please, feel free to drop your best hair tip or 2 in the comments section. Your tip might be just what someone else needs.
You can also ask questions. If I can’t answer, someone else will.
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