Lifestyle 06/04/20

Black Lives Matter

Just like so many of us I’ve been watching, listening, praying, and trying to learn what role I can play in the Black Lives Matter movement.

I still don’t know exactly, what I do know is that it’s my duty as a person who influences in so many ways (style, beauty, lifestyle little things) to use this influence/platform to speak up about social injustice.

I’ll use this blog post to share movies that inspired me and my family. Share influencers of color who are outspoken and inspire me in so many ways, whether with their words, beauty, kindness, boldness, or amazing fashion sense.

Also share IGTV’s that have been super informative for me and helped me to do my part, even if it doesn’t seem like much it’s something. And I’ll add whatever else comes my way that I believe it can shed light for you as well.

Movies to Watch Now

These movies are either incredibly inspiring, or the hardest things I’ve ever watched, but they are all eye-openers. Use your discretion when watching some of them with your kiddos. We watched all of them as a family except for Precious, which still haunts after 10 years, and I’m not sure when will be the right time to watch it with them…maybe now.

Harriet – The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman‘s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

This was the most inspirational movie I’ve seen in a while and it’s a real story! Not only family-friendly but a must watch!

12 Years a Slave – In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

This was a tough one to watch as well but needs to be watched.

Invictus – Nelson Mandela, in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

This is a much lighter movie to watch, yet carries a lot of weight if that makes sense. Family-friendly.

The Help – An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960s decides to write a book detailing the African American maids’ point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis.

I read the book which is so much better, but you’ll laugh and cry in this sad and sweet portrait of life in the ’60s in America. Family-friendly.

Precious – In New York City’s Harlem circa 1987, an overweight, abused, illiterate teen who is pregnant with her second child is invited to enroll in an alternative school in hopes that her life can head in a new direction.

One of the hardest if not the hardest movie I’ve ever watched, crying again just by rewatching the trailer. And it doesn’t even show the worst. Watch with caution and make the decision to share w the fam.

Influencers Whom I Love to Follow

Some of these gals are personal friends, some acquaintances, some I’ve only known via Instagram, and some have been more recent follows.

They each inspire me in their own different way, but all have been even more inspiring to follow in the midst of this much-needed revolution! I hope you take the time to check them out and follow the ones who inspire you 🙂

Nikki – @newtexacali , Vanessa @vanessa_oblinsky, Chelsea @chelseaolivia13, Kasey @kasey_crowe, Sierra @eclectickurves, Jennifer @jennifermagley

Jenee @highlowluxxe, Brandy @authentically.b, Monica @awedbymoni, Chelsea @chelseaasoflate, Rochelle @iambeauticurve, Mignonette @mignonettespeaks

Feel free to share what inspires YOU, as I’m in learning mode and eager to be a part of this historical change we so desperately need to have.

Here are some IGTV videos that have inspired and educated me, along with a few photos that state facts from Black folks feeds!

Understand Black Hair

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What if you had a DAILY reinforcement that parts or all of you are “undesirable” and absolutely NOT beautiful? HAIR: Another topic black men, women and children have to worry about in our work places and schools. There are “policies” about how we can and can not wear our hair. Many black hair styles are considered unprofessional, forcing us to limit our self expression and feel pressure to wear styles that are connected to “European” beauty standards. In my opinion many of those styles are unrealistic for textures of black hair. This is not a “ my hair is curly and I wish it was straight or my hair is straight and I wish it was curly” issue. This is the systemic stripping away of identity and self love. As natural hair continues to blossom in our communities, Black people have to go on a journey to figure out how to love their whole selves. This is one of many ways that Black people are affected every single day. I hope this helps raise awareness for those who did not know. Look at our hair with adoration because the things it can do is an art form.

A post shared by Brandy Gueary (@authentically.b) on Jun 2, 2020 at 6:43am PDT

The Casual Acceptance of Racism

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We would be inclined to think it is just the murder of George Floyd that has our streets filled. What I remember feeling in that moment was the casualness of all of the things we have experienced in this country. There will be those that try to exploit the anger and mourning. Who would use this as an opportunity to sow that discontent, to distract from what the real issues, and use criminality to poison the conversations around what we ought to be talking about.

A post shared by Kim Foxx (@kim_foxx) on May 31, 2020 at 4:41pm PDT

The Right To Be Angry

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A post shared by JENEE’ • Style Expert 📍NYC/DC (@highlowluxxe) on Jun 2, 2020 at 11:38am PDT

Black Owned Restaurants in Indy

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Link in bio. If we missed you, comment your business below and we’ll continue to update! Please share!! #eathereindy

A post shared by EatHere Indy (@eathereindy) on Jun 1, 2020 at 1:46pm PDT

I’ve posted a few videos on my Instagram stories on the worldwide protests and I love this quote I saw in one of them: “2020 isn’t the end of the world, it’s the start of a new one!”. And “More change has happened in the last couple of days than in the last 20 years. DO NOT STOP!”. How refreshing!

Lastly, I won’t pretend I’m a resourceful spot or that I know so much about all of this, I really don’t. I’m learning, and I had to share the little I do know, and that has inspired me to be a better person with you all. I’ll be updating this post as I find materials I can think can be educational or inspiring for us together!

More sources:

Beijos,

-K