BRAIN FOOD ♥

Posted By: MiSS Quan

This week Avenue Pink got a chance to attend the panel discussion entitled, From Hottentot Venus to the White House: Black Women on Beauty and Bodies. The event was hosted by the New York Open Center and covered everything from Black beauty history, women in Media, structural racism, politics and social class to a critique of the recently released film, GOOD HAIR.

With the crossover appeal of celebrities like Beyonce, Rihanna and a FAB Diva like Michelle Obama in the White House, it seems Black women are the new "it" girl. There is no denying that Black is the new Black. However, there are relevant self image and cultural concerns that affect Black women and need to be addressed. Now arguably, we can't tackle all of the issues in one afternoon! But these types of events certainly are a good start.

Moderator, Michaela Angela Davis, led Susan Akkad (Esteé Lauder), Tricia Rose (Brown University) and Veronica Webb (Supermodel/Philanthropist) in an open dialog that included a lengthy question and answer segment that opened up the discussion to various stereotypes, mis-guided views and social stigmas.

Other notable attendees included: Esther Armah (Radio Personality – WBAI NYC), Fashion & Beauty Icon Edris (http://www.edrissalon.com), Fab-girl blogger “Sista Told-Ya” (http://thebeautifulstruggler.blogspot.com) and of course Avenue Pink.

This event and conversation is timeless in the sense that there are so many topics and thoughts that need to be addressed on a larger platform. Talking about topics that are unsettling or unjust, making plans to address them and following through with action is the best way to make true change.

The afternoon wrapped up with program attendees feeling empowered to talk about what they are dealing with personally as well as their thoughts and critiques on social issues, which is always helpful and fulfilling.

This event was yum, yum, yummy and GOOD for my soul!

~Miss Quan~

Total sidebar/btw: i absolutely ♥ Tricia Rose, so i needed a moment just being in her presence! lol (Shout Out to Dr. Potter @ WMU for puting me onto Tricia in like Hmmm...2003 -- Yeah MAn!)

Pics:

Panelist:

• Susan Akkad, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Diversity for Estee Lauder
• Professor Tricia Rose - Chair of the Africana Studies Department at Brown University
• Veronica Webb, Supermodel and Philanthropist