Black History Feature: My Favorite Zora Neale Hurston Quote

"Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can anyone deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It's beyond me."  ~Zora Neale Hurston

 

Black History Feature: Essence Magazine

May 1970, the first issue of Essence magazine. Barbara Cheeseborough was the cover model.



Essence magazine has maintained a mission to celebrate, empower, and inspire the black woman for 40 years. Let's hope they get back on track very soon... 

Black History Feature: Beverly Johnson



August 1974 Vogue magazine, Beverly Johnson makes history as the first black woman to grace iconic magazine cover.



Black History Feature: Academy Award Winners

2009 - Mo'Nique, Best Actress in a Supporting Role



2006 - Jennifer Hudson. Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Dreamgirls.

 

2004 - Jamie Foxx. Best Actor. Ray.

 

2002 - Halle Berry. Best Actress. Monster's Ball

 

2002 - Denzel Washington. Best Actor. Training Day.



1996 - Cuba Gooding Jr. Best Actor in a Supportinf Role. Jerry McGuire.



1989 - Denzel Washington. Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Glory.



1990 - Whoopi Goldberg. Best Supporting Actress. Ghost.



1963 - Sidney Poitier. Best Actor. Lilies of the Field.



1939 - Hattie McDaniels. Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Gone with the Wind



That's all folks!

Black History Feature: Madam C.J. Walker



Sarah Breedlove better known as Madam CJ Walker



Thank you Madame C.J. Walker for your contribution to African American hair care and your remarkable business savvy. Here are a few facts about the first black female millionaire:

• Tired of losing her hair, Madam C.J. Walker created her own hair care products, Wonderful Hair Grower and Vegetable Shampoo.
• Launched her business selling door to door. 
• Conducted product demonstrations in churches.
• Opened Laila College, a beauty school to train Walker Hair Culturists.
• Purchased her very own factory where her products were made. Opened a second beauty school.
• She was a philanthropist and a tireless activist.
• Developed the Madam C.J. Walker Hair Culturists Union of America, which was a group sales agents who sold hair products just like the Avon, Mary Kay, and Tupperware sales reps of today.
• Conducted the first national sales meeting for her sales agents.

For more information:
Madam CJ Walker

Black History Feature: Vintage Ads

Various beauty and fashion print ads from 1970 to 1976.

Black History Feature: Diana Ross & Sammy Davis Jr.

I love this picture of entertainment icons, Diana Ross and Rat Pack member, Sammy Davis Jr. This picture was taken in 1968 on the set of The Hollywood Palace, a variety televison show that ran from 1964 to 1970. Sammy Davis Jr. hosted the episode where Diana Ross and The Supremes were the musical guests. 

It appears the picture may have been taken during a commercial break. Sammy in his custom made tuxedo looks like he was getting into his zone. I like the expression on Diana Ross' face because you can't tell what she was thinking. Was there tension between her and the other Supremes? Was Sammy being a diva? LOL! Oh to have been a fly buzzing around that set.

Miss Ross looked amazing. The tousled hair, white gown, chandelier earrings. Black Hollywood Glamour!!!!

Haute Vintage Fab

My fellow blogger, ChiTown Fashionista, posted this picture on her blog yesterday. The picture of six African American women (Howard University students) was taken by famed photographer, Addison Scurlock. I just had to share this with you guys.

EVERYTHING about this picture is talking to me. In a past life, I imagine I lived during this period of time because I've always loved cloche hats, pearls, broaches, dainty gloves, and having a fox (faux) stole has been my lifelong dream. Everyone looks so elegant and they're at a college football game! I wish dressing up like this was still in style. I wonder what the ladies were gabbing about as they intently watched the game... Cute players? Debating on what to wear to the dance later that evening?

This picture has given me some much needed style inspiration because I love to dress up but I rarely do anymore. Its okay to get a little jazzy with your attire even if the occasion really doesn't warrant such fancy threads. Stand out among the rest and own that style moment.

What do you think of the picture?

For more information:

http://www.blackhistoryalbum.com/

Addison Scurlock Exhibit

Addison Scurlock Article







picture courtesy of Black History Album