Dr. Karen Moore’s Post

PSA: There are groundbreaking Black fashion designers who didn't get their due recognition in history. While many of these designers have been instrumental in defining fashion epochs, their stories and influence often remain untold. Their remarkable contributions underscore the importance of diverse voices in shaping the fashion landscape. To ensure more inclusive recognition for Black fashion designers, we can: • Educate & Advocate: Incorporate the stories of Black designers in fashion curriculum and industry discussions. • Support & Collaborate: Actively collaborate with Black designers, offering them platforms and opportunities to showcase their work. • Celebrate Diversity: Organize events, exhibitions, and shows dedicated to highlighting the work of minority designers. • Amplify Voices: Share and promote the works and achievements of Black designers on social media and industry publications. It's vital for the fashion industry to recognize and celebrate every designer's unique vision and contributions. By understanding our past, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative future. Dive into the work and stories of these influential designers in The Guardian gallery: https://lnkd.in/gNnTQyee #FashionHistory #DiversityInFashion #FashionDesigners

Although @gettmaani's video gained popularity in 2020, it continues to highlight an important and necessary discussion regarding the act of touching a Black woman's hair. Requesting to touch a Black woman's hair can be seen as "othering," treating her as different or alien. This action can leave her feeling objectified, disempowered, and constantly on guard.⁠ A recommended course of action would be to intervene and firmly state, "Hey, asking to touch a Black woman's hair is not OK!" or "Why do you feel the need to touch it? It looks beautiful from where I'm standing!" If the person persists, it is crucial to explain the reasons behind the issue.⁠ The motivation behind such requests may stem from "hair bias," a belief that there is something exotic, improper, or unprofessional about a Black woman's natural hair. This bias originated during the era of slavery and has been perpetuated by the beauty industry. Unfortunately, it remains prevalent today, with some U.S. companies even enforcing policies against natural Black hairstyles. Additionally, requesting to touch a Black woman's hair reveals an imbalanced power dynamic, allowing white individuals to disregard the personal boundaries of Black individuals without facing repercussions.⁠ It is each of our responsibilities to challenge bias and discrimination within the workplace.

Celebrating Black: Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Diversity. Life is like a canvas filled with different colors, each representing unique experiences and emotions. Black stands out as the king of all colors, holding a special place in my heart. I have a fondness for dark colors, appreciating their depth and richness. However, it's puzzling that society often views darkness negatively. People with darker skin tones may face bullying, an unjust reality considering the paradoxical love for dark colors in clothing and the allure of luxurious black cars. This inconsistency in perception raises questions about societal biases. Much like the crow, an often overlooked creature, diligently cleaning our surroundings by consuming waste, black is underappreciated. Despite its elegance in fashion and aesthetics, the beauty of black is overshadowed by unfounded prejudices. It's time to challenge these stereotypes and break the taboo surrounding black. Black deserves appreciation in every aspect of life. #weekendthoughts #casualwear

As National CROWN Day ends, I reflect on a pivotal moment in my academic journey - defending my dissertation nearly a decade ago. CROWN Day reminds us to celebrate the diversity and beauty of Black hair in all its forms and to continue challenging and dismantling prejudices that seek to undermine our confidence and self-worth. My dissertation, titled "#teamlightskin #teamdarkskin #teamnatural #teamrelaxed: Black women's experiences of skin hue and hair politics in college," remains deeply significant to me and, undoubtedly, to the ongoing discourse surrounding Black women's beauty standards and identity. In my research, I delved into the intricate politics of skin hue and hair texture among Black women in college, exploring how these factors influenced their social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. The insights gained from the brave women who shared their stories underscored the persistent challenges and societal pressures Black women face regarding their physical appearance. At the time, a faculty member told me this research wouldn't take me far in academia. This is a prime example of how everyone's path isn't the same, and what's for me is for me! Colorism, hairism, and texturism are a few of many topics we cover on the BLACK in One Piece™ podcast. If you haven't already, check it out at https://lnkd.in/gyQ7v7c3, and let’s continue to wear our crowns with pride. #CrownDay #BLACKinOnePiece

Hair, for Black Canadian women, transcends mere aesthetics; it's a canvas that reflects centuries of cultural heritage, resilience, and societal struggles. From the era of colonization to modern-day workplaces, the politicization of Black hair has been an enduring saga, marked by systemic biases and discriminatory practices. The use of terms like "unprofessional" has served as oppressive tools, often targeting hairstyles diverging from Eurocentric norms. Such narratives not only undermine the beauty and diversity of Black hair but also perpetuate harmful stereotypes, constraining individuals to compromise their authenticity to fit into predefined molds of acceptability. Ultimate Potentials recognizes the imperative of dismantling such narratives and creating spaces where every individual feels valued and empowered. We also know that education is key. It’s only by understanding the historical context and societal implications surrounding Black Canadian women's hair that we can foster empathy, challenge biases, and cultivate environments of true inclusivity. That’s why our goal is to empower organizations to embrace diversity in all its forms, including the myriad expressions of Black hair. Through tailored DEI training and education, we equip individuals and organizations with the tools to recognize and combat unconscious biases, fostering environments where authenticity thrives, and everyone can bring their whole selves to the table. And in case you missed it, tap into our latest episode with Simone Wright where we talk natural hair journeys, finding your voice as a Black woman and everything in between. https://lnkd.in/ehZgzcVF

"My Black hair kinking. My Black skin gleaming." In a society where standards of beauty are often narrowly defined, Corinne Bailey Rae takes us on a journey reaffirming Black female sassiness and beauty. From workplace discrimination, societal stereotypes, and the traditional rejection by mainstream beauty industries, Black women have historically faced discrimination and prejudice based on their appearance, particularly their hair. Natural Black hair, such as afros, braids, and twists, has been stigmatized and deemed "unprofessional" in many workplaces and educational institutions. This bias not only undermines the autonomy of Black women but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about professionalism and beauty. It must be noted that Black women are more than their hair! At the end of the 1960s, African American culture popularised the slogan: ‘Black is Beautiful’, which represented the antithesis for an industry based on artificially enhancing women's bodies in pursuit of a narrow, Eurocentric ideal. An important part of challenging entrenched biases, is reaffirming and celebrating the beauty of Black women through the esoteric artistry of Black Music. Black women are Beautiful!! SUCULTURE.

Dear Black People🖤 Embrace your culture, your skin, your hair—every aspect of your identity is a testament to strength, beauty, and resilience. Celebrate Your Heritage Celebrate your heritage with pride, for it is rich with history, creativity, and achievements. The legacy of Black people is woven with threads of brilliance, innovation, and unwavering determination. From the ancient kingdoms of Africa to the modern-day pioneers breaking barriers, your heritage is a source of immense pride and inspiration. Your Skin: A Canvas of Stories Your skin is a canvas of stories, each shade uniquely beautiful. It tells tales of ancestry, of battles fought and won, of love, and of dreams realized. Each mark, each hue, is a symbol of your journey and the journeys of those who came before you. Embrace it, love it, and let it shine. Your Hair: A Symbol of Individuality and Heritage Your hair, in its diverse forms, is a symbol of your individuality and heritage. Whether you wear it natural, braided, locked, or styled in any other way, it is a reflection of your personal journey and cultural heritage. Your hair is not just hair—it is an expression of who you are and where you come from. Stand Tall in Your Identity Stand tall, knowing that you are a part of a vibrant and dynamic community that continues to shape the world. Black people have made and continue to make significant contributions across all fields, from science and technology to arts and culture. Your community is a powerhouse of talent, innovation, and leadership. Love Yourself Fully Love yourself fully, for you are extraordinary. Be proud of yourself. Embrace every part of your identity, every achievement, and every struggle that has shaped you. Your worth is immeasurable, and your potential is limitless. Photo credit: Pinterest #BlackPride #BlackExcellence #EmbraceYourCulture #LoveYourself #BeProud #BlackHeritage #BlackIsBeautiful

As #BlackHistoryMonth unfolds, it's a poignant reminder for us at Lebubè and the wider community to reflect, celebrate, and aspire for a future where beauty transcends boundaries, embracing every hue and tone. Yet, the beauty industry is far from being inclusive: in the US, Black beauty brands capture merely 2.5% of the US beauty industry's revenue, and Black consumers are 3 times more likely to feel dissatisfied by beauty products. This disparity isn't just a statistic; it's a narrative urging us to rally for change, to uplift and ensure that beauty is a realm of inclusivity, empowerment, and celebration for all. Let's make this month a beacon for transformative action. Discover more about the challenges faced by Black people when purchasing beauty products in this article by our editor Camilla Vaiani: https://lnkd.in/ds8_s3qC #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #Inclusivity #BlackExcellence

Black Culture for Commercial Use by Supreme Data shows that 73% of Supreme value comes from exploiting Black creativity, likeness & influence. (Kellogg Brand Report 2023) It's not OK to commercialize Black Creators without reinvesting in Black communities. We call forward Supreme owned by EssilorLuxottica to ETHICAL TRADE. Join the movement to change how the world participates with the Black Culture. https://bit.ly/3R7yHEm #EthicalTrade #GetMADE Note: CALL FORWARD is an invitation to fix unacceptable behavior causing harm with a sustainable solution benefiting people, planet & profits.

What is Colorism and what does it mean to you?