Orethapedia

In this Facebook society, it’s a struggle for me as an African-American woman to simultaneously be attractive and brainy. In a society where black women are expected to be ghetto and immature, one has to be brave and be more intelligent than anyone else. There I said it. I know because, I live it.

'My Black is Beautiful is a community of black women who celebrate everything that makes them beautiful, from the inside out. They lead the campaign in empowering a community'

Now watch the video and reflect:

I see brains and beauty as the absolute norm among black women and something we celebrate about one another. Yet, we are always living on the edge to be smarter, prettier and safer. Identifying and appreciating my beauty as a Black woman wasn’t easy.

I remember hearing the words as a child and teenager, ‘Pretty for a black girl.’ ‘Smart for a black girl.’  Fearing being stopped on the street or in a car is always playing in your head.

Even our professional careers are cast in shadows. Despite the growing number of black women who have put down the hot combs, straightening irons, and relaxers, natural hair is still viewed as “unkempt” and “unprofessional.” Black girls are sent home from school or threatened with expulsion for wearing their hair natural. Black women working as news anchors are criticized for wearing their natural hair on air. Mainstream society upholds the notion that wearing natural hair is a punishable act.

‘The Talk‘ video bring to life certain facts that 100% true. Being black in America, more often than not, means being judged before you ever open your mouth. It’s time we talked about honestly.