Falling in the Sweet Life ;

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

Basically the era where being thicker than a midget was a crime just because Africans happen to be thick. Sarah (Saartije) Baartman was a Khoisan (South African) woman who performed under the name “Hottentot Venus” in 19th century England and France. She is the original video vixen: discovered at home in South Africa during her late teens, she was offered money and fame in Europe as a singer and dancer. Little did she know that she would be exploited and put on display for everyone to gaze at her large butt, long clitoris/labia, small waist, big breast and kinky hair— all traits that are very common amongst Khoisan women. As her shows attracted more fans, she was forced against her will to have sex with men AND WOMEN who gave enough money to her exploiters. Sarah got none of the money, as she was once promised. After her act got old, she was forced into prostitution, where she died of std’s and alcoholism. The obsession with Saartije lasted after her death as well. For more than 100 years, visitors and “scientist” were able to examine her dissected body parts in Paris museums. The 19th century shapewear, the “bustle” was inspired by her in order to give european women her unique physique. Yes, an old school booty pop. On behalf of Nelson Mandela’s request, Paris returned Saartije’s remains to South Africa in 2002. Black men, it’s time that you start respecting the black woman’s body, because this act of objectifying it was taught to you. #sarahbaartman

my goodness. i know this and yet it’s still appalling.

Didn’t know the part about the bustle….

TALK ABOUT IT

Woah..

The movie of her story is also FREE on YouTube.

Her story is why I don’t like white men touch me, and esp not my hair

#throwbackthursday to the secret garden love of Sidney and Najeel because #blacklovematters (at The Cator Woolford Gardens)

took years to love my skin color so the excessive selfies is just me making up for lost time ig @/queenxayla

Gorge

This wasn’t a request or anything, I just saw @dysfunctunal and had to (try to) capture her beauty ✿♥‿♥✿

I’m literally crying, this is so beautiful!❤️❤️❤️❤️ thank you!!!

Mama, you always was a black queen mama….I finally understand for a woman it ain’t easy tryin’ to raise a man.

R.I.P Afeni Shakur 1947-2016 R.I.P Tupac Amaru Shakur 1971-1996

OMG! Her skin! MELANIN

Blogger from Dakar-Senegal ✌🏾️ 
InstagraM: instagram.com/sherlock_lb Tumblr: dakarbrothers.tumblr.com

I remember being teased relentlessly throughout my childhood and my teenage life where people would say that because of my skin I’ll never be beautiful enough, they would even recommend skin bleaching products. So as a child I quickly realised that as a dark skinned girl I was not considered beautiful enough… At that time I didn’t know that it was the negativity from the people around me that was causing me to hate my skin and myself for that matter. I remember a time during school photos where a girl shouted “she’s too dark! You won’t see anything on her ID but her teeth!”, of course everyone laughed it out… And so did I…. Because I didn’t want to make it seem like I was offended… Their feelings felt more important than mine… After all growing up I was always reminded of how unlikely I was of ever being beautiful or finding someone that found my darkness beautiful….. As a 19 year old today I sit here and say “I never gave in to skin bleaching”, “I was constantly reminded of how ugly I was but that only made me love myself even more….. I began considering myself as someone different, someone beautiful and out of the ordinary.” Your skin no matter how dark it is that when you smile you can only see the glow of your teeth is worthy of love, your skin is that of a goddess and you should never feel anything about your skin but self love. I write this to all of the people that have gone through similar and worse, you don’t need to learn to Love your skin, the love is already there… You just gotta unleash it.

I would like to hear some stories of yours if you’ve ever gone through the same thing…. Message me on Instagram. IG: YoungNubiie

♕

“Naomi”

Naomi Campbell photographed by Guy Paganini for Vogue Brazil May 2016

Stylist: Yasmine Sterea Hair: Daniel Hernandez Makeup: Renee Garnes

Me to these finals @ Jorieanne

MUA: ig/twitter : @Princess_Ohjoe