Friday, August 28, 2009

au naturel

As I embrace natural, I embrace me.
Unabridged, untamed, unlearned;
I am naked.
With every kink and curl I embrace myself as God intended.
I am learning to appreciate my authenticity.
Shedding the threads of society, I become robed in self-respect, love and the realest confidence ever known.
Every day I learn myself.
I greet my fears, shake hands with my insecurities and tell them: we cannot be friends.

No Lye's New Look

Today my mentor told me we got beef on the blog scene, so let's just make it interesting! Let me know what yall think of the makeover.
Free Layouts for MySpace

Shout out to Myspace Background Maker. Get myspace layouts, graphics, and flash toys at pYzam.


FirstLady

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Slowly Taking its COARSE ... Entry I

I've discovered a quite a few things about having VISIBLY natural hair over the last 2-3 weeks. One thing is I am admittedly self conscious about whether or not my hair is "intimidating" to unsuspecting onlookers. I also have a hypothesis that non black men are arguably more attracted (or possibly enthralled) with my hair, than my fellow brothas. But the most intriguing part about having visibly natural hair within the last 2-3 weeks is, many people think it is an invitation to touch me.
Perhaps its my stature, after all I only stand at a mere 4 feet and 11 inches. Regardless, my hair has been patted or fingered more in the last weeks than I could encounter my entire life. Now most of the "petting" has come from friends and curious family members but this Saturday, I became annoyed as a STRANGER felt like she had the right to touch my hair.
The scene was a cookout, I had my back turned to grab a drink out of a cooler, and as I proceeded to pour my drink, I felt someone grope my hair. I turned around to see a chick I had just literally met 45 minutes ago with a Koolaid grin respond to my blank stare with an " I JUST LOVE YOUR HAIR!". I counted to ten and discarded it as a poor exercise in judgment for this young lady but in hindsight I asked myself a few new questions. Would I be equally annoyed if a guy would have touched my hair without my permission? Did I take offense because I felt like a Tuskeegee experiment for non-blacks curious about kinky hair? Or should I simply get accustomed to the intrigue and allow people to gain a better understanding of this phenomena by partaking in a harmless session of "petting"?

I have yet to come to any conclusions, but the day to day experience of living "naturally" is as difficult as staying away from chemical straighteners. They both require extreme patience, and result in the education of self, as well as the people you encounter.

1stLady

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Dark N Lovely...




Just washed and left the condition in... what yall think??!

1st Lady

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Product Placement






Cantu? Carolls Daughter? Kalawentz? I've used all three products within the last 8 weeks to aid my hair in its continuous transition to its natural state. Nonetheless, I have yet to identify a product that seems to aid in all of my hairs needs. My next experiment will more than likely be with Miss Jessie's buttercreme however, we all could use guidance to save money and headache. Whether it be natural concoctions, store bought chemicals, or boutique found jewels, I'm all ears. So you already know the deal, hit me up... NoLyerz@gmail.com to shout out your favorite, or diss the overrated. This should be interesting!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Capt Save A Colored?

Before I go on my tirade, I'd like to shout out and credit the folks at Average Bro for bringing this phenomena to my attention.
Anyone who has been immersed in the public school system recognizes the lack of cultural diversity in teaching staffs. I can personally attest to that when I think about my Kindergarten through 12th grade experiences. Not only were the majority of my teachers white, but they were mostly women who were from middle class neighborhoods. This may not seem like it may be an issue as it relates to education, however in an area where over 50% of the students receive reduced or free lunch, it tends to be difficult to find commonalities.

Nonetheless, Hollywood seems to be infatuated with the notion of white women, changing the lives of helpless and hopeless minorities in a significant amount of their films. Here's the latest case of the adopt a colored brought to the silver screen:



While I am a fan of philanthropy, I can't help but to feel patronized every time I see a film with this story line. An unsuspecting white person stumbles across violent,ignorant,angry,unappreciated, unloved, lost, segregated, impoverished, yet promising group of minority students and changes their lives for the better. How should one react to this repetitive plot? Is this an over analysis of simple entertainment, or does it truly speak volumes about the "humanization" of people of color only being possible once a white person has interfered?

Please see similar movies below:








You be the judge...

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Jesus Take the Wheel: Police Body Slam an 80 Year Old Woman at

Jesus Take the Wheel: Police Body Slam an 80 Year Old Woman at Wal-mart



Power: use or abuse

I just witnessed perhaps the most disturbing footage in a long time. This video is an account of the arrest of an 80 year old woman. The reality of these images are disheartening and bring me to the point of tears. Law enforcement, in my opinion often crosses the thin line between abuse of power and use of power.Would a white elderly woman have been treated the same?

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Hair Tales


As a young black woman, I have assorted memories about my hair. While hair in the African culture is typically perceived as ones crown of glory, for many of us Black women who still battle with standards of beauty, it can be a constant source of shame and even pain. With that stated, I invite you to share your Hair Tales with the world. Irregardless of the texture, age, length, and whether it was good or bad, we would love to hear it shared. Guys are more than welcome to submit too. If you could e mail your Hair Story to NOLYERZ@GMAIL.COM we will be happy aid in sharing your story with the world.

P.S Pictures are encouraged

I look forward to your submissions!!

You got dat GOOD HAIR



Chris Rock takes a satirical look at the obsession Black women have with their hair. While this is being marketed as a comedy, the issues we have within our community is no laughing matter. Based upon the trailer posted above, what is your reaction thus far, and will you attend the theaters to support this movie?