F.U.B.U.: 5 Brands that Are Changing How We Perceive Black Women In Mainstream Media
Originally published on www.kesifelton.com
June 22, 2017
Recently, I've been trying to find more Black-owned businesses, Black artists, writers, etc. and seeing the dope things my people have created is inspiring to say the least. I've found so many great things created by Black women specifically and I want to take the time to highlight some brands created for and by Black women that I've recently discovered, as well as some that I've loved for a minute, and discuss how they're at the front-line in changing how Black women are and will be perceived in mainstream media (If you want to experience this aesthetic entirely, listen to Solange's "F.U.B.U." while you read this post).
1. Walker's Legacy (founded by Natalie Cofield)
I have to start with the one brand that has definitely shaped my perception of myself as a Black woman and my perception of women of color in general. As most of you know, I was/am a Campus Contributor for Walker's Legacy, an organization whose mission is to support women of color with entrepreneurial aspirations. Going into my freshman year, I never really thought that I had the potential to be an entrepreneur, or even how entrepreneurship would fit into my goals. Walker's Legacy gave me endless examples of women of color, Black women especially, who are out here making moves for themselves. The first article I ever wrote for them was about Cathy Hughes, a Black woman that has had a remarkable impact on the journalism field. I also learned more about Gwen Ifill's story and her impact on political journalism, and she has since become an inspiration of mine. Through this organization, I have also discovered so many Black women entrepreneurs that are Howard alumna, which has motivated me and definitely set the mark for me to keep pushing towards my goals.
Walker's Legacy is changing the perception of Black women by showing that we are self-starters in all aspects of our lives and highlighting the fastest growing (yet least supported) demographic of entrepreneurs. The University Women program is also an amazing platform that shares useful advice for college-aged women of color on college life, as well as professionalism and entrepreneurship.
2. Well-Read Black Girl (founded by Glory Edim)
Well-Read Black Girl is a brand I recently discovered and I'm loving it more and more by the minute. The website describes WRBG as an "online community and in-real-life book club" that features works by and for Black women. I've definitely been looking for more books written by Black women to read for inspiration. I love the idea of this brand because it creates community and positive spaces among Black women to discuss our stories, further dispelling the idea that we are a monolith and that we need other people to speak for us.
3. CRWN Magazine (founded by Lindsey Day and Nkrumah Farrar)
I've been following CRWN Mag for a little while now and I love that they are a platform specifically for Black women and our natural hair. Many Black girls can relate to the feeling of not seeing images that resemble your own and I love that founders Lindsey Day and Nkrumah Farrar created a space that does just that while simultaneously challenging the print magazine industry as we've come to know it.
Unlike most magazines, CRWN doesn't indulge in the latest fashion trends or petty gossip, it seeks to push the conversation about hair, yes, but also makes readers think about beauty, self-love, and Black womanhood as a whole.
I just ordered their first issue, and as someone who loves minimal yet impactful visuals, I can't wait to get my hands on it. Read more about their story here.
Check out CRWN and other publications for Black women, here.
4. Black Girl Podcast (Hosted by Gia Peppers, Scottie Beam, Sapphira Martin, Rebecca "Bex" Francois, and Alysha Pamphile)
Black Girl Podcast is already taking mainstream media by storm. I discovered it a few months ago and instantly fell in love with how relatable and transparent these women are. Listening to this podcast really made me feel like I was listening to a conversation I would have with my own friend groups, and is one of the main inspirations for my own podcast. To hear their stories and gain insight into their lives as career-driven Black women also makes me excited to share conversations with my friends about our future careers.
BGP joins a multitude of other podcasts led by Black women but definitely stands out in its authenticity and mission to be a voice for young Black women specifically.
Find BGP on SoundCloud or Apple Podcasts.
The Grio: The women behind Black Girl Podcast: “You can sit with us.”
5. Black Girl In Om (founded by Lauren Ash)
In a society where Black people, women especially, don't prioritize wellness, and are often hindered from doing so because of racism and classism, Black Girl In Om seeks to inspire people of color "to know what is it that makes you feel sane, so that you’re able to thrive rather than just merely survive" (Read the rest of Lauren Ash's NYLON interview here). This is especially important to me in my own journey, as I'm learning to combat the stigma around being a Black woman who puts herself before others in the most loving way possible. Black Girl In Om creates a space for Black women to learn how to prioritize peace and celebrate ourselves more often.
They have a podcast as well, check it out.
As you can see, Black women are out here doing amazing work and the best thing is that these brands are only a small representation of the work that we have been doing and will do in the future. Definitely check out the brands on this list and support them as well as any Black women you know trying to make it happen (And if there are any Black (women)-owned brands that you think I should know about, please leave them and any links in the comments).
–kf
