“Young, Black, and Amazing” – Advice from the New Essence Editor-In-Chief

I’ve always read the editor’s column of Essence magazine, but it was brought to my attention (from my mentor Rachel) how beautiful and brown skin representin’ the new Editor-In-Chief is, Constance C.R. White.  Not only is she representing women of color in the print industry, she’s rocking her fro loud and proud.  It’s always a surprise to see new faces, new management, and new writers in your favorite magazine but her work has been well received and I really appreciate it.

This month’s issue discussed all aspects of black women power.  In her column entitled, “Young, Black and Amazing”, I was not only reminded how amazing it is to be black woman but she gave some great advice for us twentysomethings.  It’s really hard out here and through dissapointments and challenges we face when establishing a career its always good to have a support system of powerful black women to look up to. Constance White is definitely a powerful black woman to look up to and so her advice month hit room for me.

She listed 15 things a YBA should know so here are a few:

1. Ask yourself, what do I want to be doing at 40?

2. Make a plan and work it. You can tweak it along the way.

3. Reach out. You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here for you.

4. Save a little bit every week, even a single dollar

5. Don’t accept negative things others say about you. If they have an observation, tell them to make it constructive

6. You are responsible for your actions

7. Video dancer is not a profession.

“Whatever you dream, there is a Black woman who has done it. You can do it, too.”

You can follow her on twitter @CWhiteEssence and of course he column monthly on Essence 🙂

Theophilus London x Cole Haan Limited Edition Buck

On Tuesday (September 13th), Theophilus London teamed up with Cole Haan to bring you limited edition blue suede buck. He claims his fashion inspiration comes from his dad’s closet and I believe it.  This Brooklyn based MC has hit the ground rolling setting his own style and share with us great music. If you are local go check him and the shoe premiere out at the NY location Cole Haan Soho on Prince Street. I’ve had a pleasure to see him live and he’s quite the character.  I’m glad he’s able to expand as an artist not only in music culture, but the fashion scene as well. Fellas, blue suede?

You can check out his latest video for “I Stand Alone” off the debut LP Timez Are Weird These Days.

Afro Chic’s Pick: Keracare Hair Product Review

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you are kicking off your productive week and speaking of productive, I haven’t been so proactive on my natural hair care posts. Although my regimine has been the same all summer I tried a new shampoo and condition from the Keracare Hair Product line; Hydrating Detangling Shampoo and Dry & Itching Scalp Conditioner.  I received some very positive results so I’ve decided to share with y’all. Below are the product claims and then of course my spill.  If you have any feedback do share with us in the comment box below =)

Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo is a beauty bath for hair that produces a rich lather as it lightly conditions and cleans hair. pH-balanced and excellent for relaxed, permed or color-treated hair. Contains natural botanical extracts. Decreases interfiber friction. Repairs trichorrhexis nodosa (damaged areas along the hairshaft) and fly-away split ends. sImproves cuticle alignment. Concentrated formula.

Benefits
• Moisturizes hair as it conditions hair for a healthy-looking appearance and feel.

• Removes excess oils from hair and scalp without over- stripping hair.
• Helps minimize hair breakage.
• Seals hair cuticles as it repairs damaged hair.
• Superior detangling for easy wet and dry combing.
• Leaves hair soft and shiny.
• Economical to use.

My Claim:  Before washing my hair I had used a lot of gel based products on my hair for a couple of weeks so this shampoo was very succesful at cleaning my hair with only two small lathers.  I liked the smell of it, although it was not enough for me.  I loved to smell my hair for a couple of days so I was kind of disappointed.  Overall the shampoo made it very easy to detangle when it came to my conditioning process.

Dry & Itchy Scalp Conditioner

The technologically-advanced KeraCare Dry & Itchy Scalp Moisturizing Conditioner is the first product of its kind to effectively combat a dry and itchy scalp. Actively relieves itching. Rehydrates and rebuilds fibers’ outer structure to help minimize hair breakage. Gentle enough for frequent use on relaxed, permed, color-treated or natural hair.

Benefits

• Moisturizes, cools and soothes the scalp.
• Regular use helps prevent dryness, itching and flaking before it starts.
• Promotes healthy-looking scalp and pliable hair.
• Superior detangling for easy wet and dry combing.

My Claim: If you are like me and workout a lot the sweat always tends to kink up my hair and tangles it up when I wear my twists so I was very pleased with the results of this conditioner.  I applied a small amount to my hair and after 5 minutes I combed it through from the roots to the tip with ultimate ease.  Not to mention the cool feeling soothed my scalp, it felt amazing.  I think I gassed it up enough, you get my point. lol

Sundays in the Redwoods: Chrisette Michele, Shiela E., The Whispers and More

It’s finally here. The kick off for the “Sundays in the Redwoods”  Concert series in Oakland, California where people from all over the bay area gathered the Woodminster Amphitheater to celebrate different genres of music each weekend. Hosted by the Oakland’s office of Parks & Recreation, the community is given different series of concerts for the fall; World Music Day (Sept 18th), Soul Symphony (Sept. 25th, The Rythmn Section(Oct. 2nd), and Talking All That Jazz (Oct. 9th).  The artists headlining the upcoming series will be recording artist Chrisette Michele, The Whispers, Shiela E, Silk E., Latoya London, The Oakland Symphony, and Dos Four.  This year I plan to attend at least one of the series and report back to you guys!  Get your tickets now because it is sure to sell out FAST!

Tickets are a $10 general adminssion $125 VIP tables, Gates open at 1 pm and starts at 2pm every Sunday.

You can get them online as well as view the program guide for future reference http://www.sundaysintheredwoods.com/

New Music: J. Cole’s “Can’t Get Enough” and Balla et ses Balladins

My best friend are always listening to world music so when she came across the original song that J. Cole used on his latest single “Can’t Get Enough” it was only right to share.  I like when artists step outside their studio box and get musical inspiration from back in the day and even different cultures.  Shows true artistry and craft.  What do you guys think?

Paulette by Balla et ses Balladins

Can’t Get Enough by J. Cole feat. Trey Songz

New Video: Goapele x Play

Check out the visuals for the hot new single “Play” by Oakland’s own Goapele. I love how she puts play into perspective using simple visuals that compliment her subtle voice. Enjoy!

First Lady Michelle Obama graces October Essence

I can’t wait until September 12 (or earlier cause I subscribe) until I get the October 2011 issue of Essence just so I can hold this powerful copy in my hands.  If you are anything like me; young black woman, ambitious, aspiring, and reeking with goals in life then of course you would find the First Lady, Michelle Obama, to be an inspiration.  I really appreciate her efforts to encourage young women and people in general to follow your dreams, stay healthy, and live your best life.  Ladies need to stop modeling Kim K. and get with the Obama program =)

 

Afro Chic’s Pick Friday Mix: ERIMAJ – Conflict of a Man

I had a chance to see Bilal live this week (AMAZING!) and met a dope artist by the name of Chris Turner who not only sings for Bilal but is also apart of the upcoming band, ERIMAJ.  Formed by Houston native and dummer Jamire Williams, ERIMAJ (his name spelled backwards) has been a moving and grooving sensation for underground bands today. The group includes; Corey King (Music Co-Director) Matthew Stevens, Chris Turner (on the vocals), John Ellis, Vicente Archer and Jason Moran on the piano.  Their latest single “Conflict of a Man” tells a story and the visual definitely paints a pretty picture. I’m hoping that I’d get a chance to see them live in the bay area…. *hint hint* lol

You can download ERIMAJ “Conflict of a Man” here.

British Songstress Watch: Kadija Kamara x Talking 2 Myself

Europe is taking over, slowly but surely these soul artists are creeping into my speakers and making a statement for music today.  Check out upcoming British artist, Kadija Kamara and her official single “Talking 2 Myself” which is off her latest EP Changes.  She’s caught my attention with her soulful sound and gorgeous mane. The video you see below is of her accompanied by her guitar roaming the streets of London portraying the idea of getting attention and heard as an artist.

Her Changes Album EP was released in February of this year and be downloaded here.

Music Monday: Play x Goapele

About damn time! Check out new music, “Play” by Goapele which is on her upcoming album Break of Dawn, set to be released October 25th.  Her sound is sexier and smoother this time so it will be interesting to know what she’s been working on all this time.

Press play and tell me what you think?