Search Results: Lauren Murray
Colin Kaepernick is a celebrated athlete, public figure, and most importantly, citizen of the United States sparked a conversation and lifted the veil on American football when he first chose to sit down for the National Anthem during his pre-season games with the 49’ers.
His stance maintained that he did not feel comfortable supporting a country, a flag, and an anthem, when people like him were being gunned down in the streets every day, and the injustice over Black lives was just that: unjust. This has resonated with millions of Americans and football fans, as an outpour of supporters have emerged from all walks of life. However, there was also an incredible amount of outrage over many of Kaepernick’s opinions. Statements were made about his lack of respect for his country, his privilege as a half white male, and his privilege as an athlete. Here are some things we can take away from Colin and his protest and what he has shown us by choosing to have an opinion.
Freedom of expression
The First Amendment grants all citizens of the United States the freedom of expression. While these freedoms constitute speech, religion, and the right to protest, it is quite often overlooked exactly how impactful this Amendment actually can be. Through his mode of free speech, Colin has taught us that no matter what arena you are in, if you desire to protest peacefully, you can. That is your right, and this country has afforded you this. By choosing to disengage in a practice so representative of the liberty of the USA, he is exercising his right to peacefully protest. And who are we to stop him? Sure, we can be opinionated about his actions, but just as you can speak on your opinions and act on them, he can too. The key point here is doing this in a peaceful way.
Bravery
Putting on a brave face is very different from actually being brave, and I think one thing we can learn and take away from Colin is that bravery is not manifested in just one way. Bravery can be the soldiers that fight for our country every day. It can be the Muslim woman continuing to wear her hijab in the face of a time where we are “Making America Great Again”, or bravery can be a football player choosing to sit for something. Rosa Parks chose to sit, and is she not brave? Colin is showing us, through his role model status and visibility, that being brave is not for one person. It is for everyone, and can be seen in many different ways.
The Rediscovery of the Black Athlete
Colin has created a movement of the rediscovery of the Black athlete as a catalyst for political conversation. Sports, while they are a source of entertainment, also played a huge role in the civil rights movement, the anti-war movement in the 1960’s and so on. From Muhammed Ali protesting against being drafted to fight in the Vietnam War, to Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier and integrating baseball, to Jesse Owens performing in the Olympics’ by running and winning in front of an “alt-right” crowd in Germany. However, this isn’t anything new. Our athletes have been taking political stances for a while, and we need to recognize that and not act brand new when they protest.
To sum it up
As I sit here sharing my thoughts on what we can learn from Colin, I am currently at the State playoff game of a high school football team. The call for the National Anthem is made, and everyone stands. Players on the opposing team take a knee, while all players on the home team stand. Shouts begin that the opposing team is disrespectful, or that they are followers, and do not understand the gravity of kneeling. But why can’t they show their discontent for a country that has so eagerly proven time and time again that their young black life does not hold substance? They aren’t hurting anyone. They aren’t shaming anyone. They are using their voice in the best way they can in the arena they are most familiar with. And if it takes one brave football player to start a dialogue in one of the favorite pastimes of America, then all the more power to you brother. Protest on. You have a voice.
Selva Beat is an environmental lifestyle print and digital magazine based in Austin, Texas with an intention of changing the face of environmentalism through education and the promotion of equal representation simultaneously.
Editor in chief Magdalena Antuna is a creative director and eco-conscious make-up maven who has made it her personal mission to put environmentalism in a framework of creativity that makes being an environmentally woke woman accessible to everyone, regardless of race or background.
“When I was a kid, I did not think I could become an environmentalist because most of the women were not women of color,” says Magdalena, “so it is exciting for me now as a person who is ‘calling the shots’ to be able to make choices, like the models we choose and the people we feature to represent the diversity that I never got to see as a teenager and a young woman.”
So–why palm oil? What’s the problem?
Palm oil is an issue right now for a number of reasons. From deforestation coupled with animal endangerment, land grabs, displacement of indigenous people, pollution from mostly illegal slash and burn clearing of land and the fight for labor rights, the harvesting of palm oil is growing at a rapid rate.
Since it can only be sourced 10 degrees above or below the equator, the stretch of land from which the oil is being extracted is a limited, bio-rich patch. As an incredibly high yielding oil, it can be used in almost anything–additionally, it can be named over 200 ways, with one familiar label including Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, making it cheap to produce but incredibly dangerous for the eco-system in the long run.
By taking the legwork out of locating palm oil-free and vegan products, Selva Beat continues to make waves.
Issues are sold all over the United States, allowing its readers to have a unique experience every time with a diverse group of contributors focused on creating pieces that tell their own stories of how being environmentally friendly has changed them. Selva Beat’s online aesthetic is quite captivating also, with their use of off-the-wall color palettes, truly making their product and magazine something to rave over.
Palm oil-free makeup
Over the next week, we will be sharing my sit-down with Magdalena as we discuss beauty routines, hair products, and skincare products for those wishing to partake in the palm-oil free lifestyle. And with the holidays right around the corner, Mag suggests some top beauty products right now that will make perfect gifts for your friends and loved ones.
Eye Shadow: Shiro Cosmetics
Shiro Cosmetics is known for their products being incredibly versatile, affordable, and bright. Many of their eyeshadows can be dupes for MAC products, so yes, you can save the world while not forgetting entirely about your beloved big name makeup brands. Their eyeshadows can also be mixed with lip gloss to create various shades. Best part: you get two items for the price of one. Note that not all of Shiro’s eyeshadows are confirmed to be palm-oil free, only the ones without magnesium stearate.
Lips: Axiology
For lips, Axiology is the way to go. Smooth, silky, and moisturizing, it does it all. Coming in a vast array of colors, this lipstick brand is for the natural who wants to start a gradual palm oil-free lifestyle. The Enlighten shade is a perfect periwinkle for the fall.
Face: Root
For face products such as bronzers and foundations, Root is the way to go. Often times in the vegan and palm oil-free industries, foundation colors are geared towards lighter shades, essentially erasing representation for darker toned women to be environmentalists. Root solves a portion of this problem by offering over 41 different shades of mineral foundation for cool, warm, and neutral skin tones. Note that not all of Root’s products are palm oil-free but they are working on it. Look for the symbol on individual products or send them a quick email to double check.
For more information on where to find these products and for an extended list of beauty products that are palm oil-free and/or vegan, Check out Selva Beat.com, and stay tuned next week for an in-depth look at palm-oil free products for your skin!
Follow Selva Beat on Twitter @SelvaBeatMag, Facebook, and Instagram @SelvaBeat
BIGCHOPHAIR, a natural hair extensions company, is based out of Garden City, New York and has been saving scalps and protecting edges all over the hair community. As a small, black-owned business which is also female led, owner Melissa Etienne has admirably changed the game with her brand of extensions. Available in wefts, lace closures, bulk, u-part wigs, clip-ins and full wigs, Etienne offers five different hair type options so that they can be as close to a customer’s real texture as possible.
I’ve always had passion for hair.
I wanted to become a hairdresser and have my own hair salon. I always did hair for my friends and family, but once I started doing hair for people I didn’t know, I realized that I liked to do what I wanted to do to people’s hair and not what they wanted me to do! I learned quickly that being a bossy hair dresser wasn’t going to work and that instead, I should go be a boss.
There are goals that I’ve set for BIGCHOPHAIR and they still haven’t been reached so until those milestones are met, I’m still waiting for the pinch myself moment.
My biggest obstacle, which I am still trying to overcome, is opening a location. At the moment, BIGCHOPHAIR is online. I offer a local pick-up in Long Island, but I do not have an actual location. I’ve been in business for four years now; at least once a week, I talk of opening a storefront. I do see it in our future but the time isn’t right just yet.
It’s very hard to separate myself from my work.
So, I force myself to practice self-care by dropping my son to school every morning.
I have the option to do bus service but I choose not to because dropping him off allows me to head straight to the gym after. That morning workout really sets me up for a wonderful and productive day.
I love supporting black-owned businesses.
As a business owner myself, and knowing how much work and dedication goes into it, makes me feel so vulnerable to other black owned businesses. I purchase things even if I do not need to. The most recent purchases I made were with Juvia’s Place, Rue 107, and I’m heading over to The Wrap Life’s website as soon as I’m done with this interview.
My advice to other black women entrepreneurs:
Reach out to other female entrepreneurs and have open dialogue with them about your goals and strategies. Let them do the same with you. Maybe you are going through something someone else already went through so they can offer you advice. Do not struggle alone, you must have an outlet.
3 quirky facts about Melissa:
- Favorite protective style: Clip-ins and wigs are great because you can take them off and care for your own hair.
- Song you are vibing to right now? Beyonce’s Hold Up–that’s my jam!
- Quirkiest habit you have on wash days? I leave conditioner in for about 15 to 20 minutes and while I do that, I put a face mask on–so I am conditioning my face and hair at the same time!
Keep up with Melissa and BIGCHOPHAIR
Follow BIGCHOPHAIR on Instagram
Follow BIGCHOPHAIR on Snapchat @BIGCHOPHAIR
Like BIGCHOPHAIR on Facebook
Visit BIGCHOPHAIR.com and use the code CURLY for 20% off your next order
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As natural hair continues to have higher visibility in the media, the question that arises is this: Is natural hair now being shed in a positive or negative light?
” src=”https://diana-cdn.naturallycurly.com/Articles/Hi_pjimage-49.jpg”>Are our kinks, curls, locs, and twist-outs becoming a fad, or is the world wholeheartedly embracing everything that is being a natural self-identified woman or man?
Hairstyles that emphasize an individual’s natural curl pattern have grown exponentially within the past couple of years with celebrities, models and influencers comfortably rocking their natural hair in public and in the eye of the camera lens.
We read blogs that have become huge financial industries through the natural hair community in their own right, as well as companies that have completely shifted their products from being once only tailored to women with relaxers to being all about embracing curls, and so on. One could even say it is fun being a person with natural hair now–it takes nothing to Google search a description about your hair followed by thousands of images matching your search. This opens doors to further education, inspiration, and motivation of natural hair that is available to your fingertips. Being a curly in 2016 is all about embracing who you are at your core, manifesting what you were born with, and celebrating your uniqueness.
On the flip side of the spectrum, we have the cherry pickers of the natural hair community who can accept one style or texture while tearing down another.
Just recently, a law was passed by the Supreme Court stating that it is perfectly legal to deny employment to someone with locs, thus allowing discrimination in the workplace to be a viable consequence of choosing to embrace one’s hair texture fully and profoundly. There have also been countless news stories about little girls in school who have been sent to detention for ‘breaking school dress code policies’ by simply wearing their natural ‘fros out. With this negativity against styles that clearly show the kinks and the texture of natural hair, it is almost safe to say that natural hair is only cool if you have a hair type that is 3c or below.
How can we as a community embrace the looser curl, while simultaneously tearing down our fellow natural counterparts who so valiantly wear their hair in different styles?
As cultural appropriation continues to rear its uninformed and insensitive head in the media through ‘boxer braids’ or ‘mini buns’ tutorial videos, we also see celebrities embracing their natural hair textures, but very few who have the confidence to rock their tight curls that historically and unfairly have been called “nappy”. For instance, Leslie Jones in all of her boss Ghostbusters glory, despite being constantly ridiculed for her looks. She chooses to be a queen in her own right, celebrating the existence of who she is, all the while rocking a mean TWA on the red carpet. We also have Lupita Nyong’o, who continuously amazes with her natural hairstyles that we could only dream of obtaining.
So the question remains, is natural hair becoming mainstream?
For complete aesthetic purposes I would say yes, and I would say this yes in a disappointed tone. But if you want the real answer, then no. Natural hair, despite its wins over the years, still has a long way to go before it is fully accepted. In order for this to happen, as a diverse group of people, we need to let go of our idealized fantasies of what should be deemed acceptable and what should not. We must also accept the beliefs, intricacies, differences–the beauty of what is natural hair and everything that comes with it.
Natural hair is not a spectacle and it is not a distraction. It is not degradation and it is not dirty. It is the way my hair grows out of my head, and it should be accepted as such, not just when it is convenient for the world to stand behind.
Follow Lauren on Instagram for more curly and self-love inspiration @leauxren
Read why we should all consider doing Saunya’s Heart Detox.
August has been a month of strength, resiliency and all around athleticism in the naturally curly hair community. As the month comes to a close and we look forward to September, check out some of the top stories featuring curly haired women.
Gabby Douglas still slays, Twitter trolls and all.
As if competing wasn’t stressful enough, here come the hair police clowning Gabby Douglas about her edges. Well, here at NaturallyCurly, we praise your resilience, Gabby. Keep flying high.
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Hot off the press is a new magazine dedicated to Natural Hair.
CRWN, set to release its first publication on August 27th at Afropunk Fest, is yet another source of the natural hair community. Cheers to empowering each other–one coil at a time.Riri Williams of Marvel Comics has decided on a name for the fro-tastic superheroine.
She will be called Iron Heart. We can’t wait for this to come out so we can snatch it up.
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New momma Teyana Taylor and her adorable daughter Iman Tayla are debuting their headwrap line just for babies.
BRB, #swooning. (Oh yeah, baby Junie has her own Instagram page now, too.”>
Frank Ocean re-emerges with Blond and Endless.
Y’all. After what felt like about forty years of waiting, Frank Ocean finally released his highly anticipated album, Blond in addition to a visual album, Endless–giving us not just one, but TWO more reasons to continue to fall in love with him. We forgive you, Frank.
2016 Rio Olympics had a curly girl breakout star.
None other than gymnast Lauri Hernandez wore her beautiful curls, which managed to stay intact and frizz-free during those insane tumbles. Lauri, please tell us. What is your Holy Grail product, girl? The people want to know!,0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15″>; margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% – 2px”>;” data-instgrm-version=”7″>
Zendaya Coleman, continues to break barriers for young women of color.
Everyone’s favorite Girl Next Door has been cast as the first black Mary Jane Watson in the upcoming Spiderman movie. Ahh, #proudBlackGirl moment.
Refinery29 loves curly naturals just as much as we do.
Peep these famous women with their natural hair. All of these curls are so gorgeous!Like what you see? For more articles like this, sign up for our newsletter!
In a hair rut? Follow us on Instagram for inspiration.
You might have heard about the type 4 natural woman who had a professional stylist from Denny Kemp Salon tell her that her hair was “an animal that can’t be tamed.” Bianca Dawkins of Minneapolis was a victim racial and texture discrimination. Our type 4 contributor Lauren Murray has written an open letter to Bianca, as well as others like her who have faced prejudice based on their appearance and hair type.
Dear Bianca,
The saying normally goes “Heavy is the head who wears the crown,” and oftentimes we find that as natural haired women, our crown is not heavy literally, but instead, figuratively. It is heavy with the assumptions and negative perspectives of others are what makes it a burden. We have been taught that our hair is our crown, an extension of our soul. Our hair is our manifestation of our self-image. It is unique, glorious and beautiful. But with this gift, comes a lack of understanding, a lack of cultural awareness and a lack of empathy.
I am sorry.
From one natural haired woman to another, I empathize for your hair being compared to an animal that has not been domesticated. I am sorry that your hair was mocked and scoffed–that its true beauty and merit was not recognized. There is a serious lack of natural hair education that is occurring and for what? Because yours has texture–whether it be waves or kinks? What’s the problem?
The solution starts with education and a deep innate need to want to understand what is the resilience that is naturally curly hair. Cultivate the knowledge that is needed for the natural hair community to thrive when we decide to go to the salon. Share your wealth with others.
Natural hair is not for the one-dimensional stylist who can only do blowouts and pixie cuts. But it is for the stylist that wants to learn, and the stylist that wants to become a true master of their craft, who can embrace different textures and not be scared in the face of a 4c curl. We have been fighting for years for the comparisons to stop that African Americans and their hair are modern gorillas. Or that natural hair is unmanageable and nappy. Better yet, the idea that you have to use some ‘elbow grease’ to get it to lay down. That’s not true. Stylists just need the proper knowledge. There is so much diversity within the hair community and many people waiting to embrace your texture with open arms.
We see you Bianca and we feel for you.
The next time you feel like someone is texture managing your hair, tell them your hair is your crown, not an animal. It is important that it is recognized as such. Your hair is magical. And if that stylist wasn’t ready for it, there is another one not too far away who can do the job and then some.
Sincerely,
Lauren Murray
(A fellow “untameable” natural”>
