My Black is Beautiful

Proctor and Gamble has gone full steam ahead with their My Black is Beautiful Campaign. The campaign which began in June is featured in the December issue of Essence and provides grants to organizations focused on the uplift of black girl’s self-esteem. Although I am always wary of so-called altruistic efforts of big business I guess I can take the good if I’m going to take the bad.

I’ll be completing the questionnaires from time to time that’s included in their Discussion Guide. Please feel free to join me.



My Beauty Journey

1. When do you feel most beautiful?

I really feel the most beautiful right after a bath. Some girls may have better clothes but I got them bitches beat when I’m naked.

2. Who did you think was the most beautiful girl in school when you were growing up? Describe her.

I thought the most beautiful girl in school was a girl named Shelby. She had very thick long black hair, wore suede saddle shoes, and had gotten boobs early like me. She had braces and was what some people call thick, as in solid. I remember her mom looked like a giant to me.

3. If you were very different in appearance, did you feel equally beautiful or less than beautiful?

I don’t think I ever really compared myself to her. We looked very different so I guess I felt it was like comparing apples and oranges. I didn’t feel ugly, but not exceptionally gorgeous either.

4. When did you first discover you were a black girl?

I don’t ever remember not being aware that I was black.

5. In what ways is being a Black girl different from just being a girl?

I think the first inklings that there is a difference is apparent in kindergarten or first grade. The codes of conduct for black girls seemed different from those of white girls. They seemed to be a bit more free in their emotions and interaction with authority figures. I had a very clear idea about how to behave. I was very quiet and shy most of the time.

6. How have your family and upbringing influenced your perception of what’s beautiful?

I was always told I was beautiful. It never occurred to me that I wasn’t special. I was praised A LOT, but I wouldn’t say that prevented bouts of low self-image, but the constant praise and attention to grace shaped my appearance and carriage. My family is very big on being ladylike.

7. What aspects of you personal beauty/style do you most enjoy?

It’s really recently that I’ve felt the freedom to experiment with my look and my style, so I’m having fun with trying new things. My hair is different. I wear different colors. I guess it’s a result of being married, that unconditional love washing all over me, and having my own money.

8. What messages about your black beauty have you kept? What messages have you deleted?

One message I’ve kept about black beauty is that size doesn’t really matter, or rather athleticism is appreciated. Big legs, muscular calves and arms and bellies. Messages that I’ve deleted are that light is right. I used to want to be butter pecan instead of Chocolate Deluxe, but the old debate seems stupid now. I’ve also decided to rid myself of the nappy=bad message. A lot of us still hold tight onto that one. I’d like to see a black actress do a movie without a weave for once, let alone without a relaxer.