In her TEDxSHHS talk “I search 4 it blinded: the power of self-love and self-esteem,” Caira Lee discusses how to she practices self-love and self-esteem. Lee uses Kendrick Lamar lyrics and a beautiful illustration of her own journey to speak about the power of absolute self-love. She demonstrates that your body, size, race, sexual orientation are assets that don’t need fixing. To her, these are characteristics that we should embrace.
Today, Black folks from all backgrounds and across multiple identities are affirming their beauty and self-worth by posting selfies under the hashtag #BlackOutDay. The movement, which began on Tumblr and has since moved to Twitter and Facebook, has been a huge success.
Nigerian singer Dencia has been vigorously defending for her skin bleaching cream, Whitenicious, for months. The popstar has been accused of promoting white supremacy with the product that she claims is intended for use on dark spots.
She recently attacked Lupita Nyong'o on Twitter for delivering critical words for the singer and the product in her speech at ESSENCE's Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
Despite the flack she's received for her endorsement, Dencia refuses to back down. She appeared recently on British television to debate image activist Phinnah Ikeji of Black Role Models UK about the potentially damaging message the product sends to young Black girls
Asha Hadiyah aka Sassy Soul Rebel is a DC Native who moved to NY not too long ago to pursue her dreams of becoming an up and coming R&B artist. She has a soulful, sultry voice that could melt anyone's soul. Keep a look out.
In this video she share's her journey to loving herself and embracing her authentic self.
In 2006, 16 year-old Kiri Davis directed the short documentary film "A Girl Like Me" in which she explored the origins of low self-esteem and self-hatred in Black women and girls. Davis cut out the middleman and speaks directly to young women about the trials of Black girlhood. She also recreates the famed "doll test" which was an essential piece of the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling. Take a look. Do you see yourself in these young women?
