Author: Mr. Bailey

The Root posted an article April 9, 2019 headlined, “Beautycon 2019 Put Black Women Front and Center.” This shows the progress of NYC to make a conscious effort to recognize how many of the popular culture’s beauty trends stem from black culture. Historically black people have been ridiculed for their natural features and taste in fashion. Normally these facets of our culture and buried until a “whiter skinned person ‘endorses’ the look.”

For example long nails, eyelashes, bold oppositions to make-up choice were used as ammunition to shoot down the self-esteem of the black women for years. Their skin color has been deemed a threat and less sexy, yet tanning salons became a multi-million dollar industry for the unmelaninated to darken their skin. And for those that cannot benefit from this treatment created something better… spray skin (spray tan). They are so desperate to endorse our look they will literally spray paint their bodies “professionally.” This blog is not saying that the others want to be black but I am saying that the envious ridicule of Black Americans normally find its way into Popular American Culture.

NYC using their 5th ever Beautycon to put black women as the main attraction show the progression that the beauty industry has made in the last couple of years. To me it seem like ever since the introduction of Fenty Beauty products by Rihanna the world has come aware of how all their fashion choices are dependent on Black Culture. I am glad to see that envy is turning into appreciation and this shows progress.

P.S. BeautyCon LA better not retract the progress! BeautyCon LA is June.

OneUnited Bank is the largest black-owned bank. This bank has been empowering black people by placing black images on all the cards they issue to their customers. Their motto is “Join the Movement.” Last month they released the Queen Visa Debit Card as a part of their royalty collection. The bank stated that the campaign is celebrating, ” a new generation of Queens in America who are claiming their thrones.” This mentality is important for all black Americans to understand the power the black communities posses. The card was purposely released during Women’s History Month hence, “reclaiming the throne.” OneUnited Bank President and COO Teri William is stated that the bank was created to encourage the black community to celebrate themselves and their past. Black women have been contributing greatly to the growing of Black Owned Businesses, women firms have grown  percent since 2007.

OneUnited is the greatest bank in America to be a part of regardless of race. This bank promotes and assists its community with financial literacy and offer affordable services with unique banking options such as simple interest-checking.

 

 

D.L. Hughley is  a comedian that has been an extremely prominent figure within the national black community. His material typically addressed the current state that black Americans live in the United States. I think it is ironic that someone that speaks often about the “revolution” struggles to respect women, especially black ones. In 2012 D.L. Hughley stated that he has, “never met an angrier group of people” than black women; his said this in an attempt to promote his book. His book was titled, “I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up.” Mr. Hughley obviously needed some help with his perceived image of black women.
This year Hughley is gearing up to release a TV show. When he was asked about his previous comments about black women and whether he truly believes they are angry he responded with feedback that ended in a James Baldwin quote, “to be Black and conscious is to be angry all the time.” He states, “It’s not wrong to be angry, it’s wrong to not know why.” I agree that there are a lot of reasons to be angry as a black American, though his comment does not help black women with their constant battle of sexism in American and black communities. I still am upset that know one has taken the time to teach D.L. Hughley how damaging his words are in the progress of the movement. The battle of sexism within the black community reinforces the stereotypes form in all other non-black american’s minds.

These two women are running the mayor of Chicago. Lori Lightfoot (left) and Toni Preckwinkle (right) the only two probable candidates for mayor. March 3, 2019 an article was published by Sun-Times that discusses how these two women pose a threat to men of the Chicago area.  
The claim was made that, “Black women are successful because white men set them up for success as a more palatable alternative to black men.” I believe that is appeared that Black men in 2019 cannot stomach to see a woman in influential political roles, but they would go so far to claim white people assisted them in this endeavor. The progress of black women is constantly watered by people blaming assistance as the only reasons for their success. Sexism in the black community has historically been a problem. I pains me to see that a city like Chicago could have such problems with Black women progression. This goes to show that no matter the time the past is liable to repeat itself.
These women have a life of accomplishments that prove them worthy of this role, yet black men cannot accept this. The article concludes by saying, “Lightfoot and Preckwinkle have pledged to bring equity and new resources to Chicago’s beleaguered and bereft black communities. By many measures, it’s black men and boys who need them most.”