The Bold and Beautiful: My Ode to Colorful Black Women

In her song "Roses," my daughter Javanna said, "And she fifty six and fabulous. I been knew where the magic is." Pictured: My daughter's and I showcasing our individual styles at the most recent Breast Cancer Walk in Chicago

When Black women dress to impress, other races are outraged. They have disdain and their women think, ”Ugh! As if" because we want to be stylish like Cher in Clueless. Also, let's be honest; Black women were most likely on Cher's mood board. In the 90s and early 2000s, we had Regine on Living Single, Hillary Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Toni Childs on Girlfriends.

Then, in real life, we had models like Iman, Naomi Campbell, and Grace Jones. More recently, we have seen style icons show out at the Met Gala. At the most recent one, we saw  the illustrious Diana Ross donning her high fashion family tree, Zendaya slaying in a simple yet perfectly tailored suit, Rihanna in another one of her mind-boggling mommy fits, Teyana Taylor serving looks that embraced Black culture, and Angel Reese showing us why she's the true Bayou barbie.

In a Black woman's mind, she likes to get dressed to complement her brown tone. Also, why can’t a Black woman celebrate her beauty? It is not that she wants to offend or even to attract. Her outfit choice for the day is what every woman has, and that is a personal choice.

Pictured: Me at the food truck festival

It is not always a statement or belonging to a certain community due to her color choices - be it Red, Pink, Orange, and Gold. If you had done your research, if you know her history, her ancestors chose colors to represent strength, courage, femininity and most importantly beauty.

It is not her fault that you feel some sort of way because your color choices are always basic black, grey, brown, blue, green. If a Black woman chooses any of these colors, she is bound to add some color for that pop effect. 

As a creative person by nature, a Black woman will always, always, always. Need I say, always. BAM! Throw on that pop of color You must say that Red, that Gold, that Yellow and even that Orange goes so, so, so WELL with her brown skin tone. No matter the shade of Brown. Be it the lightest shade, or medium, or the darkest hue of brown, it goes so well with color. Every woman should embrace color and trust you will turn heads. People will stop and stare. They will call you a fashionista.

Hands down, people will want to take your picture and life with its many events will be your runway. So please forget what size God made you. Don’t give a damn about what the naysayers say and be brave. Throw on that yellow or orange scarf with that Black dress. When you go out for brunch, throw on that bright pink dress. If you go on a date, wear that gold dress with matching gold earrings and shoes. (He is bound to ask you for a 2nd date just to see your next colorful outfit).

Show what God gave you. He gave each woman "beauty." Own it! Show up for your life.
Dressed to the Nines. In fabulous color.

Growing up, my mother subscribed to Essence magazine. I always marveled at the beauty of a Black woman. If you haven’t already go out and buy an Essence magazine and you too will be amazed at the beauty of everyday Black women.