SHOPPE BLACK

How GirlTrek Inspired a Love Letter to Black Women

8 mins read
girltrek

My interview with GirlTrek is one that has been in the making for a while now—I just didn’t realize it.  My first encounter with them was last year. I was in New Orleans, spending Christmas and ushering in 2016 at the home of my future parents in-law.  I came across GirlTrek’s website while doing research for a health-related post. At the time, I didn’t really pay much attention.

girltrek
In New Orleans with Shantrelle

Next, Shoppe Black content contributor extraordinaire, Mavis Gragg, mentioned GirlTrek in one of her recent posts. Then, a few months ago, my fiancées childhood BFF, Jewel, was in town for work. During one of our conversations, I found out that she is actually GirlTrek’s National Director of Communications.

girltrek
Jewel

We spoke more about the organization and I was immediately impressed by the impact they are having on the lives of thousands of women across the country. I asked her to please set up an interview with the co-founders, Morgan Dixon and Vanessa Garrison.

girltrek
Morgan and Vanessa

Fast forward to my scheduled conference call that took place the day before yesterday. When I called Vanessa, she was grabbing a bite to eat at a Peruvian food spot in DC. We chatted briefly about the difference between DC and Philly before Morgan hopped on the call.

girltrek_20buttons_original

I began the interview by asking how GirlTrek started. Morgan explained that it started 20 years ago. That’s how long she and Vanessa have been friends. They started walking together and eventually grew a following of 10,000 women.

15280718042_0bc5db4b8d_z

Since then, GirlTrek has grown to over 75,00 members. According to Vanessa, the more accurate number is most likely double that since they weren’t really keeping an accurate count in the beginning and several unofficial chapters have since sprung up across the country.

9727052098_b5c53e8115_z

Both women are deeply concerned with the fact that of the over 20 million Black women in America, 57% are obese and are leading in every obesity-related disease across the country.  According to Morgan, the root cause of obesity and the related diseases is connected to a history of racism and poverty.

25810371575_801c5590a0_z

Black women have historically had to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders and put everyone before themselves, sometimes neglecting their own health. Now, she says, it’s time for Black women to take that power back and reclaim their health, starting with making the commitment to walk for at least 30 minutes a day.

15094404950_784ed9e711_z

I let Morgan and Vanessa know that as a Black man, I feel it’s my responsibility and the responsibility of other Black men to do what we can to ensure the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of Black women.

I asked what ways they feel Black men can support their wives, partners, or relatives who are GirlTrek members. How can we support Black women in general?

15281109525_a82e21be34_z

That question seemed to catch them off guard. It was pretty obvious they weren’t expecting to hear that. They thanked me for asking and explained that it is vital that Black women receive support from the Black men in their lives.

sade-min

According to Morgan, the best way to be supportive is to create an environment that allows Black women the time for self-care. Another way to be supportive is for Black men to take care of themselves mentally, physically, and financially so that the women in their lives don’t have to do so while trying to figure themselves out.

15281110575_9eda6ddf70_z

Vanessa and Morgan are troubled by the narrative that is being told about Black women. We’ve all heard the negative stereotypes, so no need to get into all that. However, what concerned me was that based on our conversation, there seemed to be a sense that Black men just aren’t here for Black women.

That we are the ones perpetuating a negative narrative associated with Black women. Morgan said that from what she sees in the majority of cases, the only time love or appreciation for one’s partner is expressed, particularly online, is between a Black man and a non-Black woman or a Black woman and her non-Black partner.

kid-joy-jump-2

I explained that this is far from the truth. First, I am surrounded by far too many loving, caring, funny and brilliant Black women to subscribe to any type of negative stereotype or narrative about them. Second, my woman and I have absolutely no qualms about expressing our love for each other verbally, physically, or digitally. In fact, we do so regularly and often get playfully teased about it by our friends.

I also explained that I have conversations with my closest friends about how amazing and beautiful Black women are ALL. THE. TIME. Especially about the women that we are dating, engaged to, or are married to. I think one issue is that the negative minority are way louder than the majority of Black men that adore Black women. Maybe they have more time on their hands to be on social media talking nonsense, who knows.

But to be clear:

Dear Black Women,

We see you. We see you in all your glory and greatness. In your high and low moments. We see you because you stand out amongst the crowd. Your magic is undeniable. We see you because we are looking for you wherever we go. Wherever you are is where we want to be. You are our complement and we are yours. Not in a sexual or romantic sense, but universally. We know you were made by the hands of the Creator, and that alone imbues you with a power and a grace unmatched on this Earth.
 

Love,

Black Men

(by TJ Dean)

Click here to watch GirlTrek’s mini-documentary that highlights what happens when women walk. 

 

–Tony Oluwatoyin Lawson

You might be interested in

22 Black History Month Events in the UK this October

10 mins read

Black History Month celebrations have been taking place in the UK since 1987. A Ghanaian named Akyaaba Addai-Sebo is credited with getting it started in the UK. Back then, Akyaaba worked as a coordinator of special projects for the Greater London Council. The Council selected October because the month coincided with the Marcus Garvey celebrations and London Jubilee.

We can all agree on how important it is to remember, acknowledge and celebrate the important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. This October, several events all over the UK will be doing just that:

BHM Events in the UK

Afro Supa Hero (Liverpool) Through December 31st : This exhibition provides a snapshot of Jon Daniel’s personal journey of self discovery, through his collection of pop cultural heroes and heroines of the African diaspora.

screen-shot-2016-08-30-at-12-19-49

Contemporary African Art Fair (Westminster) October 6th – October 9th: 1:54 will spotlight the work of over 110 African and African Diasporan artists. The 2016 edition of the fair will feature 40 galleries from 18 countries.

screen-shot-2016-09-21-at-16-54-35-574x438

The Dandy Lion Project (Brighton) Through October 30th: The first comprehensive exhibition of its kind, The Dandy Lion Project highlights young men and women in cityscapes, defying stereotypical and monolithic understandings of Black male identity. The exhibition presents more than 150 images from over thirty photographers and filmmakers. For a list of screenings, panel discussions and more, see our recent interview with the exhibitions curator, Shantrelle P. Lewis.

Black History month

Africa on the Square (Greater London) October 15th: This popular event returns to Trafalgar Square to celebrate African arts and culture. Expect a fantastic line-up of entertainment including live music, DJs, dancing and a talent show.

africa-on-the-square

Dakar 66: Fifty Years On (Liverpool) October 14th: In April 1966, legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington traveled to Dakar, Senegal, with his orchestra to play at the first “World Festival of Negro Arts.” This screening tells the story of the event using photographs, rarely seen documentary films and newly filmed interviews with participants.image-20160316-30227-1n3uldl

One Night In Miami (Westminister) October 6th – December 3rd : Shortly after winning the world heavyweight boxing title, 22-year-old Cassius Clay – soon to become Muhammad Ali – celebrates in Miami with close friends Malcolm X, Sam Cooke and Jim Brown. The UK premiere of Kemp Powers’ fictionalised drama imagines what might have happened in a tiny hotel room as the Civil Rights movement stirs outside.Black history month

Twilight Talk: The Birth of Cool (Bath) October 13th: Professor Carol Tulloch will showcase and share stories and images of black fashion and style in Britain, drawing on the research for her recent book ‘The Birth of Cool’. “This obsession with dressing well is almost part of the DNA in the black community”, noted Tulloch in a recent interview and this talk at the Fashion Museum will explore those thoughts further. Includes wine reception.screen-shot-2016-08-12-at-12-43-00-1

Motown the Musical (London) Through October 28th: It follows the legendary career of Berry Gordy and the creation of his musical empire, Motown Records. The story begins in 1983, on the evening of the 25th anniversary celebration of Motown, and Berry Gordy is looking back on his career.

jacksons-xlarge_trans91zn7kff98z1fgcdj0hsrl4uhgzw3foej5v1fxss0ae

 Vasco Araújo: Decolonial Desire (Islington) October 7th – December 3rd: In this exhibition, Portuguese artist Araújo uses photography, art installations and video to explore how the trauma of the colonial encounter continues to haunt the modern world. This is the first solo show in the UK for this internationally renowned artist, and includes new commissions and never-before-seen works.Black History Month The Black Jacobins – Brixton Radical Reads book group special (Brixton) October 14th: Join the reading group to discuss C L R James’s The Black Jacobins. In 1789 the West Indian colony of San Domingo supplied two-thirds of the overseas trade of France on the labour of half a million slaves. In this classic work, CLR James chronicles the only successful slave revolt in history and provides a critical portrait of its leader, Toussaint L’Ouverture, ‘one of the most remarkable men of a period rich in remarkable men’.Black History Month

Black Words Matter (Brixton) October 28th: Black History Month couldn’t be complete in 2016 without reference to the Black Lives Matter movement happening in both the US and the UK. Brixton Library is therefore throwing the microphone open to a poetic response to examining what’s going on. Poets and performers are coming together to speak through spoken word. Black History Month Father Comes Home From The Wars (Part 1, 2 & 3) (London) Through October 22nd: This trilogy of short plays premiered at the Public Theater in New York. They are the first three of nine short plays that will follow one African-American family through generations up to the present day. Parts 1, 2 & 3 are performed together in one evening.Black History Month

Benji Reid: A Thousand Words (Manchester) Through December 17th: In a series of sumptuous and tantalising portraits Benji Reid captures both the vulnerability and strength of his subjects. Built around a spectacular re-staging of Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’,  A Thousand Words is provocative and playful and sure to capture your attention.Black History Month

The Young Nigerians (Camden) October 22nd: Inua Ellams brings together eight of the most vibrant, versatile and exciting Nigerian poets living and working in England as part of the Roundhouse’s celebration of Black History Month.

inua-ellams-poet-nigeria

Liverpool Black Community Trail at the International Slavery Museum (Liverpool) Through October 30th: The Liverpool Black community is the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1750. The Museum of Liverpool has a free trail exploring Liverpool’s Black community.

 

untold-stories-unknown-soldier

 

The Price of Memory (Leicester) October 5th: When Queen Elizabeth II visits Jamaica for her Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 2002, she is petitioned by a small group of Rastafari for slavery reparations. The Price of Memory follows the reparations lawsuit, the legacies of slavery and the Rastafari’s quest to return to the homeland of their African ancestors.

the-price-of-money-1-1200x600-c-default

The Knife of Dawn (Camden) October 6th: A chamber opera in one act set in Martin Carter’s prison cell towards the end of a month-long hunger strike in 1953. Martin, a Guyanese poet and political activist, was incarcerated without charge whilst fighting for independence for his country, called British Guiana at the time.

the-knife-of-dawn-623x438

Julian Joseph in Concert (Camden) October 9th: For the London Piano Festival’s closing concert, Julian will create a unique mixture of pieces to include a selection of his own compositions. Julian has performed extensively for over two decades, firmly establishing himself as a towering figure in the contemporary jazz world.

julianjoseph2010_600x346

South Africa: The Art of a Nation (Camden) October 27th – February 27th: In this exhibition a diverse range of art from across the ages tells a story that stretches back 100,000 years. From rock art made by the country’s earliest peoples to works by South African artists at the forefront of contemporary art, the exhibition features beautiful and important objects, which illustrate South Africa’s rich history.

british-museum_bmw-art-car-12-199112902

A Tale of Two Cities @ Goldsmiths Black History Month (London) October 18th: A celebration of Black British music through the ages from the original dub sounds of Mad Professor, to the prophetic poetry of Zena Edwards and the nostalgic short documentaries of Caleb Femi.

Black History month

“Love Jones” screening + After Party, “Just Got Paid” (London) October 14th: This event will screen the film, “Love Jones”. Two urban African-Americans, Darius (Larenz Tate), an aspiring writer, and Nina (Nia Long), an aspiring photographer, share an instant connection after a chance meeting at a Chicago club. After party(separate event) to begin right after.

320

‘Obama: Job Well Done?’ A BBC (BBAF) Black History Month special (London) October 21st: In 2008 Barack Obama became the first African American President of the United States of America. Black people believed in Barack Obama. Black people loved Barack Obama. Black people delivered for Barack Obama. But did President Barack Obama deliver enough to demonstrate that he loved them back? This one-off special Black History Month debate will seek to explore this.

7ca6f53cb

–Tony Oluwatoyin Lawson

You might be interested in

Beyoncé is the Latest Celebrity Tech Startup Investor

1 min read

Beyoncé aka Queen Bey isn’t a stranger to the business world. She owns the “athleisure” brand, Ivy Park, and has an investment in music streaming company, Tidal as well as a beverage brand, WTRMLN WTR.

Beyoncé

Now, she has joined likes of Carmelo Anthony and Nas, becoming an investor in a technology related startup. Her management company, Parkwood Entertainment has invested $150,000 into Sidestep, an app that allows you to pre order concert merchandise, skip the line and either pick it up at the show or have it delivered to you.

Beyoncé

Talk abut a come up. In two weeks this company went from selling t-shirts and other Beyoncé related merchandise during her Formation World Tour, to receiving an investment that is more than likely about to make them a multi million dollar company.

Smart move on their part. In this digital age, the user data you collect is just as valuable as the product or service you sell. Sidestep is in a position to collect this data and provide artists with a better idea of who is buying and what they are buying. It’s also a win for the fans who don’t want to spend time waiting in ridiculously long lines just to get a band t-shirt.

Looks like Bey isn’t gonna lose her Forbes spot any time soon.

Beyoncé

 

–Tony Oluwatoyin Lawson

 

You might be interested in

The Dandy Lion Project Arrives in the UK Just In Time for Black History Month

16 mins read

I discovered the Dandy Lion Project a few years ago while I was scrolling through my Facebook timeline. As a guy who appreciates a good suit, I was immediately impressed by the photography but was even more impressed by the project’s curator, Shantrelle P. Lewis. She was fine then and is fine now.

Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed The Dandy Lion Project meet critical praise from several notable artists as well as publications such as The New York Times, Huffington Post , The Guardian and others. Dandy Lion has toured throughout the US and is now about to be viewed in my birth country, the UK. I wanted to find out what Shantrelle’s thoughts were on where here curatorial baby is at this point. This is what she had to say:

Dandy Lion
Classic Man, Photo Credit: Marc Baptiste

SB: Sup babe? Are you ready for me to ask questions that I already know the answer to?

SPL: (Laughs) I stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.

SB: Awesome. So, how long have you been working on The Dandy Lion Project?

SPL: I first curated Dandy Lion in November 2010 at my homegirl, Ngozi’s pop up gallery in Harlem. Dandy Lion is the first and largest comprehensive exhibition of its kind. For the past six years, I’ve widely explored the contemporary phenomenon of global Black dandyism. My curatorial work, which is largely rooted in African-centered methodologies and an Africana Studies framework, allowed me to delve into the subject matter from an almost anthropological approach.

The current iteration of The Dandy Lion Project is the product of several years of writing, researching, traveling and exhibiting various aspects of Black dandyism, Black masculinity, contemporary photography, trans-Atlantic cultural aesthetics and style.

Sam Mingle, Photo Credit: Arteh Odjidja
Sam Mingle, Photo Credit: Arteh Odjidja

SB: They say imitation is the best form of flattery. Dandy Lion was recently imitated but can’t be duplicated. What are your thoughts on that situation?

SPL:  Hey, if First Lady Michelle can be copied, I guess I can as well! (Laughs).

SB: True. So how has Dandy Lion influenced larger conversations in art, academia or popular culture?

SPL: While this is primarily a photography exhibition, this work has been presented in various mediums, as essays, and papers, short films and performances. There is a growing community of scholars, artists, cultural producers who have built upon the Dandy Lion as a conversation. I’ve also worked closely with the scholars and photographers who did this work long before me – namely Dr. Monica Miller, Daniele Tamagni and Rose Callahan. I think it’s rather pertinent to acknowledge and reference the intellectual predecessors of one’s work, which I have consistently done.

Dandy Wellington photographed by Rose Callahan in NYC on Jan 19, 2013
Dandy Wellington photographed by Rose Callahan in NYC on Jan 19, 2013

SB: Definitely. I would imagine that working on one project for several years can become a bore after a while. How have you kept yourself interested, excited and engaged?

SPL: You know I’m a Gemini and that I need mental stimulation which normally comes through new and various things so it would be easy for me to be bored. However, having worked with the same subject matter for such a long time, I’m always challenging myself to find new ways to make the work fresh. With each iteration of the show, I try to introduce some conversation that wasn’t previously present. I’ve added various angles to the discourse that has made the conversation much more nuanced.

Dandy Lion
UBIQUITOUS Swag, Photo Credit: Hanif Abdur-Rahim

SB: Speaking of new angles, word on the street is that you are now adding women to the show.

SPL: Yeah. Over the past several years, I’ve been approached on several occasions by various people, inquiring about why I chose not to put any women, particularly masculine of center women in the show. Initially, I wanted to create a safe space where cis-gender Black men – regardless of sexuality, could dialogue. I realized, however, that if I were serious about having a conversation about Black masculinity, it would be rather imprudent of me not to extend the conversation to include masculine of center women and transmen.

In 2016, with our more sophisticated understandings of gender, one simply can’t discuss masculinity, particularly in the African Diaspora and not include women. There are endless examples of dandyism by feminine and masculine of center women. The expressions are infinite and further illustrate the reality of a non-monolithic global Black community. With the significant stage that Brighton Photo Biennial affords The Dandy Lion Project, I felt that I’d be remiss not to interject a conversation about Black dandy women in the discourse. It simply felt like the smart and the right thing to do.

dscf6729
Holley Murchinson, Photo Credit: Adrian Octavius Walker

SB: That’s cool. I’m sure it’s opened the exhibition up to entirely new audience.

SPL: It has! People have been thanking me. It just provides a space of inclusion, while pushing cis-gender, heteronormative dominant narratives that tend to exclude others from participating in conversations.

SB: Is that the only new element in the exhibition?

SPL: No. Beyond adding the masculine of center women, I’ve also added several new photographers to the project. A few were artists that I’ve wanted to work with for a few years now – namely Baudouin Mounda, Omar Victor Diop and Osborne Macharia. I had been following Baudouin’s work on the sapeur, mainly because they’re so vibrant! Also because he’s the only Congolese photographer that I knew who was shooting such incredible photos of the sapeur.

I met Omar at Black Portraiture[s] in Florence last year but was already familiar with his meticulous and exquisite self portraits and studio portraits. With the support of his gallery, Magnin, it was great to finally be able to include his work as well. I came across Osborne Macharia’s Dandy Grannies more recently when several friends tagged me in social media posts about them. Even though they’re fictional, the images are brilliant! And, they add a light and playful tone to the exhibit. I’m also super stoked to finally have been able to work with Marc Baptiste and include his portrait of the quintessential Classic Man, Jidenna. 

Photo Credit: Osborne Macharia
Photo Credit: Osborne Macharia

Also, there are a few other designers – British Ghanaian menswear designer Delores, whose recent collection is being featured and American based Sierra Odessa, who has taken some timeless black and whites of R&B singer, Leon Bridges. Lastly, for the first time, I’ve added photos of New Orleans social aid and pleasure clubs and second lines to the line up featuring photos by my homeboys L. Kasimu Harris and Shawn Escoffery.

SB: As you already know, I was born and raised for a short time in the UK.  I feel that each city is distinct with its own flavor. How has your experience been in Brighton as a Black American woman. How do you think the Brighton community, which very LGBTQ friendly, will receive the show?

SPL: While I’m hyper conscious of my identity as a Black woman, I’m also very conscious of my privilege as a straight, cis-gender woman. So during a recent prep trip for the biennial, I noticed some colorful street art around Brighton that said “Party Against Prejudice #Don’t Hate Gyrate.” I was told by Mariama Attah, Photoworks Programme Curator that the group was promoting queer pride, good times and anti-hate.

Dandy Lion project
Photo Credit: Delores Oblitey

Thanks to my friends, I’m constantly exploring ways that I can create more nuances in my work so that it’s not superficial. While the exhibition has already been inclusive of queer subjects and photographers, I’m hoping that with the expansion of Dandy Lion’s checklist to include images of queer and masculine of center women, Brighton’s diverse community will find even more points of entry for the exhibition. To borrow a phrase from Paris is Burning,  I think the children both “up and coming” and “legendary,” will be pleased with the show.

SB: What are your thoughts about Brighton as a town in general?

SPL: Brighton is a very welcoming community. The past few times I’ve visited, I’ve had to wear all white from head to toe because of my initiation into Yoruba priesthood. I’ve successfully completed my year long initiation but still remember how warmly I was received a few months ago.  So many complimented me on my outfits, as if it were a fashion statement. I can’t say that I’ve been to another community during this process where while feeling hyper visible, I seemed to be welcomed and fit right in.

Shantrelle Lewis in Brighton
Curator Shantrelle P. Lewis in Brighton

SB: Lastly, what do you want my fellow Brits to walk away with after coming to see the show?

SPL: For starters, it’s Black History Month in the UK. In the same year as the majority of the population voted for BREXIT, I think Dandy Lion is the perfect exhibition, to highlight the diversity of the Black community and dismantle and debunk problematic narrative of Black men and women.

I’d love for the show to not only be visited by photography lovers and contemporary art enthusiasts but it’s important for me that the exhibition be attended by young people, and senior citizens, and Black cultural organizations and rude boys and families as well. Per my usual hope for every iteration of the exhibition, I hope that people walk away with a deeper appreciation for the diversity that exists within the African Diaspora and knowing that Blackness, and masculinity are not monoliths.

SPL: Since we’re chatting, can I give a few shout outs?

SB: Thanks for making it seem like I have a choice in this matter.

SPL: (Laughs) I’d definitely like to acknowledge The Museum of Contemporary Photography who has taken this on as a traveling exhibition and who helped to take this show to entirely different level. Also I’d like to acknowledge the staff of the Photoworks in advance for all of the hard work they’ve done in making Dandy Lion’s UK premier big stuff!

Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge Sara Shamsavari and Arteh Odjidja for pushing the project as artists for so many years and all of the gentlemen they have photographed. And Chantal Miller, Michelle Escoffery, Gabrielle Smith and Paul Ryan for their support in making sure that the next couple of weeks will be a funky good time.

Dandy Lion curator Shantrelle P. Lewis and exhibiting photographers L. Kasimu Harris, Rose Callahan, Sara Shamsavari, Arteh Odjidja, Jamala Johns and Radcliffe Roye at MoCP in Chicago, April 2015.
Dandy Lion curator Shantrelle P. Lewis and exhibiting photographers L. Kasimu Harris, Rose Callahan, Sara Shamsavari, Arteh Odjidja, Jamala Johns and Radcliffe Roye at MoCP in Chicago, April 2015.

SB: Anyone else?

SPL: Nah, I think that’s it. Oh and my fiancé for all of his support.

SB: I was about to say….

SPL: (Laughs)

For more information about The Dandy Lion Project’s UK premier visit: www.bpb.org.uk. On view September 30th through October 31, 2016 at the University of Brighton Photo Galleries – 154-155 Edward Street, Brighton, UK BN2 0JG. 

Public Programming:

Friday, October 7th | 5 – 9pm

Black Dandy Film Screening, Panel Discussions and more! Featuring: Rich Black, Delores Oblitey, Samsom Soboye, Sara Shamsavari, Shantrelle P. Lewis, Michael McMillan, L. Kasimu Harris, and Dr. Ylva Habel

Location: University of Brighton, 154-155 Edward Street, Brighton, BN2 0JG

Saturday, October 8th | 10am – 5pm

Dapper Day | Photo Studio sessions, Artists Talks, Film Screenings, DJ and more!

Location: University of Brighton, 154-155 Edward Street, Brighton, UK

For all The Dandy Lion Project inquiries, contact thedandylionproject(at)gmail.com for more information.

You might be interested in

Black Owned Plus Size Brands You Should Know

1 min read
black owned plus size

A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, suggests that “the average woman now wears between a size 16 and 18, which corresponds to a Women’s Plus size 20W.”

Before this study, most believed the average American woman was a size 14. This, however, is outdated information from over a decade ago. According to the study, “In light of this overlap in sizing classification, frequent reports of female customers being frustrated about the general fit and sizing of clothing is understandable.”

This report (and common sense) inspired us to provide you with a list of Black owned plus size brands.

Black Owned Plus Size Brands

JIBRI 

black owned plus size

Feminine Funk

black owned plus size

Chic And Curvy

Bella Rene

black owned plus size

Curvaceous Couture 

Olivias Bridal House

Fenty for Men

 

Savage x Fenty Vol. 3 Did That! Shop The Best Looks From The Show | The Curvy Fashionista

Eleven60

Monif C. 

Nakimuli 

12743666_10153908820856530_5086210003187668705_n

Rebdolls 

My Beautiful Fluff

Fluffy Since Birth Plus Size Curvy Cut Shirt My Beautiful Fluff

Christian Ome’Shun 

black owned plus size

Dear Curves

Kin By Kristine

Shavonne Dorsey 

Ayamani Design Co

Pop Up Plus

Zelie For She

Courtney Noelle

Gwan By Charon

 

Lavenders Jungle

Phat Girl Bouteeque

Diva Kurves

Image of Grey BODY Sweatshirt (Multi-Color)

House of Fashun By Shun Melson

 

Promote your business

Want to invest in Black-owned businesses? Please complete this brief form.

You might be interested in

The Black Joy Project: Putting Smiles On Black Faces

9 mins read

A few years after my great grandmother, Ramona passed away, my grandma, Maria, told me that the pain she felt from losing her momma was something she got used to. “Eso nunca se quita,” she told me as her eyes traveled to a time that seemed brighter. It never fully goes away.

14212654_10206617606818838_6867066905530184613_n
Grandma Maria

In February of last year (almost 12 years to the day of Ramona’s passing) my uncle and grandma’s son, Ali, had a fatal asthma attack. We didn’t get a warning or an opportunity to say goodbye. I’m still getting used to that surreal feeling of loss and am accepting it may never fully go away.

14355996_10206714647284789_1164908580_n
Uncle Ali

As the year progressed, the universe continued to place challenges in my way.

Last year I was also a part of political actions, both in person and through the written word, to call out the violence against Black bodies. There were vigils, marches, visual campaigns, poems read, tears shed, contagious laughter laughed, loving hugs, breathes lost, breathes taken, shocks and silence. A collective of moments that were powerful, healing and at times triggering.

A couple days after my family’s first Thanksgiving without Ali, I woke up and my room felt darker than usual. The tan curtains I put up to enhance the sunlight in my room seemed to block warmth that morning and I felt heavier in my full size bed than I usually did. I couldn’t move and I didn’t want to.

I wanted a reprieve from this feeling of personal and communal pain. As someone who aims to inspire and support others to lead lives they love, I was stumped as to how to get myself out of a deep funk I had only genuinely experienced a few times in my life. I wrapped myself under the sheets tighter and stared at the high ceiling.

As I laid there, I thought about my family and comrades. I thought about how they had actively shown me in times of grief and pain how joy provided solace. That looked like check-ins at meetings, sending each other funny memes, having drinks together, laughing, sending heart emojis over group texts and saying, “I love and appreciate you” regularly.

Then an image of my mom beaming her beautiful smile came to mind. She was standing in front of a portrait of Frida Kahlo with hair rollers crowning her head with a bright pink background. Naturally, I pulled out my phone. I tapped the Facebook app and posted that picture along with this statement:

Black Joy
Mom

“Let’s bombard the internet with joy. That is resistance too. Trauma is real mi gente. Let’s trigger love as much as the pain as we share important topics we all need to be up on. Love is necessary with the understanding that peace is the exception, not the rule. #BlackJoy”

14238126_10206655609808889_8854413034782472283_n

This was how I could explain and reckon with the sadness I was experiencing and the reality of living at various intersections; namely being Black, queer, latinx and male-identifying. I listened to my spirit when it told me that I needed a new journey to healing and part of it had to be in community.

14292528_10206713877065534_8053595163428544627_n

I thought about the power of joy, and the ancestral understanding that Black joy is one of the forces that has gotten us through many trials and tribulations throughout the history of our existence. Throughout the African diaspora.

14224913_10206668926021786_9187161082541008988_n

There are numerous instances of Black joy in history, more than this piece can address. One to note, however, is the Second World Festival of Black and African Arts & Culture (“FESTAC ‘77”) held in Lagos, Nigeria from January 15th to February 12th of 1977. The opening parade to this month-long celebration had Black folks, artists and intellectuals, from around the world celebrating their greatness and contributions to the globe.

14202695_10206655651329927_1734470323996574029_n

There were delegations from every part of the world present to celebrate their dopeness and be in community in ways that may have never been possible before on an international level. Picture the opening of the Olympics: it was better. It was full on Black joy.

14344936_10206720370467865_7159633042785391889_n

I thought posting a picture of my mom beaming her beautiful smile in front of a piece of art she loved would help me work through the darkness I was fully present to and perhaps offer other black folks in my digital community some reprieve as well. One day turned into a few. A few days turned into a couple weeks and soon it became The Black Joy Project.

14329949_10206735435444480_1053618046261496354_n

An intentional corner of the Internet that could offer smiles as well as a source of joy and happiness for Black people anywhere and everywhere they needed to see someone that looked like them smiling and enjoying their lives. It serves as a reflection for that part of our existence where we enjoy our lives and share that joy with others. A happiness from Black faces across a digital platform that you can see whenever you desire it.

14355144_10206702800148618_1150438461037026514_n

I’m not the first to evoke Black joy and I will not be the last. The intention of The Black Joy Project is to serve as a regular reminder that it is ok to smile and enjoy your life; it serves to articulate the understanding that it is a direct resistance to experience joy while living in a world that tells us we are not good enough or worthy of living full lives. It is direct resistance to smile and enjoy your life when there are so many factors at play to take it from us.

14369972_10206714246474769_569251974244903879_n

Pain is real, mi gente. It sits and resides in your bones sometimes, at the contours of your being. When we can access our joy and create it, there’s a freedom there. One worth defending. It is a reason to keep going and fighting so that we, all of us in our black beauty, can feel that feeling as regularly as possible. Everyday.

14370099_10206714840089609_3453802794097625233_n

Contributed by Kleaver Cruz

Kleaver Cruz is an Uptown, NY native, a writer, dreamer and lover of travel. His work has been featured in African Voices Magazine, The Huffington Post Black Voices and La Galería Magazine among others. Cruz is the creator of The Black Joy Project on Instagram, an effort to center Black joy as a form of resistance. Kleaver believes in the power of words because they allow him to write what didn’t exist when he needed it the most.

11234005_10204373198030021_6810391143735120421_n

Please follow @TheBlackJoyProject on Instagram and post your own moments, definitions and expressions of Black joy by using the tags #BlackJoy #TheBlackJoyProject

Photo credit for the #BlackJoy Portrait Series: Dominique Sindayiganza

You might be interested in

African Fashion Brands to Keep An Eye On

2 mins read
African Fashion Brands

This month, Fashion Week events will be taking place in New York, Paris, London and Milan. Now more than ever, you can expect the presence of dope African Fashion brands or designs influenced by African culture.

Here are just a few established and up and coming fashion brands on the Continent that you should get into:

African Fashion Brands

Galago (South Africa) sources beautiful leathers and vibrant fabrics and allows you to combine them to make your own bespoke sandal.

11012136_845151692206115_8906717418521001373_n

ENZI (Ethiopia) is a footwear brand committed to the highest levels of quality in production, design and materials while maintaining a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

black owned

MaXhosa Knitwear (South Africa) celebrates the rich heritage of the Xhosa culture through providing traditional clothing for Xhosa initiation rituals.

shoppe black

Lukhanyo Mdingi (South Africa)aims to show a sense of cross cultural influences of traditional designs; reflecting on a contemporary outlook of African aesthetics and heritage.

12790897_1692307564368046_2703348395355590840_n

Lanre da Silva Ajayi Couture (Nigeria) creates clothing for the woman who is naturally classy but doesn’t shy away from her sensual side.

shoppe black

Loza Maléombho (Côte d’Ivoire) is a fusion between traditional cultures/ sub-cultures and contemporary fashion.

slide2-1

Taibo Bacar (Mozambique) is a burst of wholesome energy for all women who identify themselves with eclectic style where the silhouette plays a central role.

Taibo Bacar

Christie Brown (Ghana) is a women’s apparel and accessories line with pieces ranging from bespoke gowns, and practical yet statement pieces to innovative accessories all inspired by African culture and art.

5

 

Thula Sindi (South Africa) is a clothing brand that cuts across the vast discrepancy that exists between unrealistic high-end designer haute couture, and everyday retail chain/bargain bin clothing.

African Fashion Brands

You might be interested in

Black Owned Businesses in Canada

2 mins read
black owned

Canada is known for many things. Currently, it’s best known as the place that everyone wants to move to if you know who wins you know what. Our North American neighbors should also be known for the many awesome Black owned businesses that exist there. Here are a few:

Black Owned Businesses in Canada

Bôhten (Quebec, Ontario & online) is an eco-luxury eyewear line handmade from reclaimed material, sourced from Africa.

13934859_1791909290947656_8066875495591344990_n

Locsuria Natural Haircare Systems (Ontario) is a “pure and natural hair maintenance line of products.”

10502278_752261651477676_8678537140188856125_n

Curl Bar Beauty Salon (Ontario) aims to provide the highest quality service and experience for your hair and beauty services.

12321219_917247485039125_1206622064139951345_n

Nannis Natural Hair Studio (Ontario) provides “a unique holistic approach to healthy natural hair with locks, braids, twists, and customized styles for a wide range of special occasions.”

10290109_722843621090943_2520580769852289905_n

Le Nil Bleu (Montreal) is an Ethiopian restaurant that offers flavourful meals.

10330244_682849441769680_1226670257617910078_n

Club Balattou (Montréal ) is “one of the first venues to bring African bands to North America in the 1980s.

CROPKora_0

Black Theatre Workshop (Montréal) is “Canada’s oldest Black theatre company and is committed to reflecting Black culture and community by developing and providing visibility for Black Canadian artists.”

12747443_945344272222285_8751320891450031187_o

Tassot Creole (Quebec)is a Hatian restaurant that offers delicious meals made from scratch.

b19693_5c79d13b8f7d4dfb9679ce12f81a4e9b-1

Le Virunga (Montréal)provides traditional African recipes that have been reinvented. “When African fine cuisine meets Québec.”

13516685_614390735390307_7756976736115743764_n

Ritz Caribbean Foods is a franchise that offers “the best Caribbean food in Ontario.”

263949_360265894047777_282195450_n

Divas Hair Design Studio (Ontario) offers “a variety of services including hair services: Virgin Hair Extensions –Weaves, Braids, Custom wigs, Dread locking, Up-dos, Color, Relaxers, Hair products, accessories and many more.”

23539_110350082330363_3955764_n

Earthtones Naturals (Ontario) was “developed out of necessity for Canadian-made premium and effective natural hair and body products.”

223_zoom_1024x1024

Shakara Naturals (Ontario) offers “natural products that help strengthen hair and improve skin.”

henna-indigo-combo-1

London Ivy Products (Ontario) is “a hair, bath & beauty line that heals, nourishes & serves multiple purposes.”

13645099_908585762584597_8410763918188016922_n

 

 -Tony O. Lawson

Subscribe and Follow SHOPPE BLACK on Facebook, Instagram &Twitter

 Ge

You might be interested in

Food Heaven Made Easy: Serving Healthy Food & Nutrition Advice

6 mins read
food heaven made easy

If you’re like me, a large part of living a healthier lifestyle includes liking pics of healthy food on social media as opposed to actually cooking said healthy food.

I’m trying to do better though, as most of us are. That’s why I reached out to the founders of Food Heaven Made Easy, the go-to source for healthy recipes and info about nutritious living.

We chatted with Jessica, one half of the dynamic duo. This is what she had to say:

SB: Tell us a little bit about Jess and Wendy.

92
Wendy & Jess

Jess: We are both Registered Dietitians. Wendy is from NYC (the Bronx to be exact) and Jess used to live in Brooklyn but has since moved back to her home state of California.

SB: How did you both meet and how did that lead to the creation of Food heaven Made Easy?

Jess: We actually met at a dinner and game night sponsored by a community organization. At the time, I had already started graduate school to get my Master’s in nutrition, and a few months later, Wendy decided that this would be a great career path for her too.

Though we went to different schools, we kept each other motivated throughout the process. Throughout this time, we ended up working together for the NYC Department of Health doing cooking demos and nutrition workshops in Harlem and the Bronx.

11701176_1086600768033892_186130259285244819_n

SB: How long have you been vegetarian and what influenced that decision?

Jess: I have been a vegetarian since the age of 12. I never liked meat growing up and realized that being ‘vegetarian’ was a thing (around that age). I told my family that I wanted to be a vegetarian in the car one day and never ate meat since. Wendy, on the other hand, grew up eating meat and loving every bite.

She became vegetarian due to gastrointestinal health concerns. After she gave up meat, her symptoms practically disappeared within months.

IMG_0607

SB: Many people focus on what they put in their hair to keep it healthy. However what we put in our bodies also affects our hair. What is the best way to eat for healthy hair?

Jess: This is absolutely true! The most important thing for healthy hair, skin and nails is to eat a well-balanced healthy diet and to drink plenty of water. We encourage people to focus on vegetables (try to get at least 5 colors of veggies every day), fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans.

Also, Yogurt is rich in B-vitamins, which are needed for protein synthesis. B vitamins also promote the circulation of nutrients to our hair follicles, by making new blood cells. This ensures healthy hair follicles and scalps. Salmon is also a hair superfood, since it’s packed with protein, fish oil and selenium to strengthen and encourage hair growth.

IMG_0188

SB: There are so many types of diets being marketed as THE solution to weight loss. Are there any specific one that you can say are definitely a waste of time?

Jess: Yes, all of them! Kidding. But truth be told, diets don’t work. The trick is making small sustainable changes that add up to yield big results over time. No quick fixes when it comes to weight loss, just hard work and determination

 

SB: Many diseases disproportionately affect Black communities. Which do you tackle the most in your practice?

Jess: We see a lot of diabetes, pre-diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and increasingly more Gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

SB: What is the best advice you would give to someone who is just starting their journey to living a healthier lifestyle?

Jess: Start small. It’s always best to do small and attainable goals that add up and lead to big results over time. For folks who want a little more guidance, we will be publishing 28 Day Plant Powered Health Reboot Cookbook, which helps you create a more structured healthy eating plan for a month. With this book, you can fully dive into a healthy diet with structure.

IMG_0876-1

Visit Wendy & Jess at  www.foodheavenmadeeasy.com for tips and tricks for delicious living and their monthly nutrition podcast. For those interested in personalized nutrition counseling, contact Jess via her website.

Don’t miss any articles! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

Advertise your Business

You might be interested in

Dating while Black – Hard, but not Impossible!

5 mins read

Dating is a complex topic in itself, one with nuances that can be discussed for hours on end from literally every angle. Compound the mystery of dating with “Dating while Black” and you have a unique set of challenges for any eligible bachelorette to conquer.

black-couple-first-date

As a Black woman, i’ve found dating while Black to be somewhat of an uphill battle. Particularly if you prefer to keep it chocolate. Taking into account things like age, male to female ratios, financial standing, education, interests, and ambition into account; worthy partners are sometimes in short supply. Some decide to take advantage of reverse phone lookup services while using online dating apps to make sure they know what they are meeting better so they can aquire the right partner.

o-WORRIED-facebook

A male friend whom I met attending an HBCU (or as my grandma once called them, where you go to find you a good Black man) once broke down the hard facts of my likelihood in finding a Black man to marry. He used the infographic below to demonstrate how bleak my chances were. I remember being floored by the numbers and him having to order me another tequila.

WhereAreAllTheGoodSingleBlackMen-700x2644

Perhaps one of the best modern examples of the Black Woman’s struggle to successfully date a Black man has played out on popular BET series Being Mary Jane. While purposefully dramatic and at times ridiculous, Black women across the world could find elements of Mary Jane’s life in which to relate to.

being-mary-jane-season-2-h-12

And though fictional the show did pick up on themes drawn from real life, such as discrepancies in education a box many Black women look to check off in their pursuit of a Black man.

According to a National Association of Education Statistics Study as referenced in several recent articles by outlets like The Root and Black America Web.com, Black women earn twice as many degrees in comparison to Black men.

Adding to this sentiment one of my best friends, a dashingly handsome bachelor, with a great job and two degrees suggested his ‘stock’ was increasing with time. He suggested, as women get older their standards decrease, making even mediocre men appear more desirable.

This theory also suggests that men who are already highly desired (those with great jobs, no kids, and cars) become exceptionally valuable. They often use this high value to leverage their choosing power. They essentially get their pick of an already highly successful and impressive female dating pool.

Theories on male stock

This raises the discussion on compromise and settling. There’s this running perception that somehow to be a Black woman desiring to date a Black man means that you will in some way have to compromise or eventually settle. Some argue women set expectations too high or have an unrealistic list of desired traits.

Essentially, it’s hard out here for a pimp. And by Pimp I mean a mildly successful Black woman with reasonable expectations, and life partner desires. It’s hard but not impossible.

Black love still exists. Blame it on my general rejection of the medias limited exposure of Black love or perhaps my Black parent’s 34-year marriage. It’s not easy, it’s not always immediate, and it’s not impossible.

walt+ella 35yrs

It all comes down to outlook. I’m a big advocate for making the desires of your heart known to the universe and willing it to in turn deliver. There’s nothing wrong with holding out for your equal cloaked in melanin. He’s out there, even if you decide it so. Focus on your brilliance and honing the things you bring to the table, you want to be ready when he arrives.

What do you think? Share your experiences on dating while Black below!

 

Contributed by Autumn Gilliam –

Autumn is a Fashion Publicist who loves writing, travel, photography, and advocating for diversity in media. Visit her here !

 

Autumn G

 

 

You might be interested in

1 … 120 121 122 123 124 … 129