Boycotting the Natural Hair Show
Family & Friends, As you know, I am putting on a natural hair show today.
What you don’t know is that I have received negative press in the black community over this flyer:
Just yesterday, someone called me to say, “I run a Nautral Hair group and we are boycotting your event because you have a white girl all hugged up on that brotha in your flier.”
When I told her that it was ME on the flyer and I am multi-ethnic, she said, “Well, why are you trying to show off that you look white? Why not show off your hair?”
When I told her that was MY HAIR in the background of the flyer, she said. “It doesn’t matter. Why are you all hugged up on him? Who is he to you because we don’t need white women all over our men!”
I then told her again that I am multi-ethnic, he is a personal friend of ours, its MY event and my husband took the picture.
She replied, “From a marketing perspective, you are hurting the black women of CO!”
This is straight ugliness and its similar to a few other negative calls we’ve received about this show.
Please pray for us, and the positive impact this event is going to have on our community!
September 1st, 2007 at 11:15 am
Carole, The person who called, obviously knows nothing about you to speak on your intentions. The flyer is beautiful.
Glad you are keeping your head up.
Renee
September 1st, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Dear Carole,
Please know that I support you in being African heritage, White, and in supporting your community. I support you in not having to choose… in being all you are.
Thank you so much for the blessings of your work in my and in my son’s lives.
Love,
Carla
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Oh Carole, I wished I lived closer to you. I would have loved to be there for the event. The poster is amazing - how your hair is the background - brillant idea! You are a wonderful person and as soon as I saw the e-mail from you, opened it and saw your beautiful smile - it warmed my heart. Keep doing your thang girl. We need people like you and every community. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Love always,
your supporter and friend,
SheRah
September 4th, 2007 at 7:46 am
Hi Carole,
So, how did the big event go? It certainly seems to have stirred some conversation, and that’s a really great thing I think….now hopefully the discussion moved forward from “how white or how black your skin” is to a more productive discussion on how the community can be supportive of African American natural beauty.
I can’t get over the woman who had the audacity to call you and complain about the flier- and I really believe that your decision to move past her malicious commentary to focus on the good that you are doing to do instead was the right course of action. For her to focus on something so superficial versus the true intent and purpose of the event, while an interesting and unexpected perspective, does nothing to forward her cause in my mind.
I hope it was a big success, and am so impressed that you put the show together. I hope it was a very rewarding experience for you and for the people who attended….more details please- I’d love to hear more!
Cheers, hugs and congratulations!
-Wendy
September 5th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Girlfriend this is crazy. I cannot even put into words how I feel. Ya know I am not even going to dignify such ignorance w/ a response. So how did the show go? I need details!
Love Always,
Naiom
Post Script… how ignorant…. i think it was the transexual and his minions starting this rumor.
October 22nd, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Honey, are you really that torn up because this one crazy woman boycotted your show?
I’m surprised you didn’t burst out in laughter. I sure did! LOL.
October 22nd, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Shavonne, Yeah, I can understand your response.
Since I haven’t yet put in my BIG post about the actual show, this may sound like I was over reacting…
But this call was about the 25th call with the same drama. Her call came on the day of the show and I was at the end of my rope.
(I updated the post to reflect that.)
I should have hung up on her (as I did at least 24 times prior with the other people) but I allowed her to continue and all the other comments, along with hers finally effected me. I admit it… I’m human.
It was just eye opening to how much this community really needs help. We are so divided and judgmental of each other. I was hoping for encouragement from my “peeps” in this city for working with other small businesses in this community to do something positive. I did get a lot of support, but the negative calls just started to add up. It was “CRAB” mentality at its finest and unfortunately it got to me.
But anyway, the show was a huge success and I am stronger for next year!
Thanks for your comments.
October 23rd, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Carole,
). Joyfull Locks
For some reason I am just now able to see these updated posts from your blog or else I would have written before and told you how proud I am of you for standing up to such nonsense!! There will always be those who try to keep light (knowledge, enlightenment, self-worth) from shining. Thank you once again for being a champion. As a matter of fact, I think you and the rest of the natural hair community who supports you in Colorado should hold these type of celebrations on the regular! Sorry I couldn’t travel to be there, but please know that you are supported in spirit all over the country
October 27th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Wow. I am a professional here in Colorado Springs. It is very enlightening to know that this type of thing is going on in Colorado! Best bet that I will be attending your next show. When you are doing something beneficial and enlightening, there will always be intense opposition. Many people have so much hatred deep down inside of them.
February 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 am
Greetings! I guess they want the brother to be with one of the two sisters {if not “Both” on the right of the flyer}…. I am personally so sick of hearing sisters complain that wt. girls are taking our men!
1. Take “Their” Men!
2. Compromise and find that brother you are looking for!
3. Well, I won’t hijack your blog with other options!
Everything will be great in 2008!
Take Care~
February 26th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Yes I agree with you about praying for people like that. That is really all we can do. Just do your thing and disregard the negativity. I think what you are doing is great. By the way your hair is gorgeous.