Lupita Nyong’o talks Racism and being a "Natural Hair" Icon

by: April D. Byrd

I LOVE Lupita Nyong’o! Is there anywhere to buy a shirt with this statement? The Kenyan Actress and Film director, (who was actually born in Mexico) has been blowing up media everywhere.  American cinema was introduced to Lupita through her role as "Patsy" in the film 12 Years A Slave. Not surprisingly Lupita is being considered a natural hair icon because of her short, sophisticated cut. 


Lupita explained  hair as being "political" in an interview with Britain's Pride Magazine.

“I wasn’t really aware of being a natural hair icon. I don’t really read the news, so this is the first time I’m hearing that. I’m not surprised though; there is something about hair that has always been political."Someone has long hair and they cut it, it’s political, when someone grows their hair it’s political. So I don’t know how to answer that. I guess I’m just taking it in my stride."

Lupita also discussed issues of skin tone, and her relation to the experience of American slavery with Kevin Frazier of OMG! Insider. 

“It’s so flattering. I know I’m representing an underrepresented group of women. And being dark-skinned and having short, natural hair, I’m happy to be that for them."

Lupita is definitely a good representation of  all women. With her intellect, talent, fashion sense, and humility, she rightfully has media swarming over her like bees over honey. We get to witness Lupita's elegance in her interview on Fame and Fashion. (video below)

Is Lupita a natural hair icon? and What do you think of her statements about Hair being political? Comment and join in on the discussion at Trey Anthony's Fan Page.

The Conflict With 'Django Unchained": Slavery as a Comedy?

By now, I'm sure you have heard all the press and talk surrounding Quentin Tarantino's latest film Django Unchained. The film, in typical Tarantino fashion is quite unconventional in that it tells the story of a slave-turned-bounty hunter who sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. 

There have been plenty of rave reviews so far including one from Oprah who called the film, “laugh out loud funny” and “cathartic”. Are we talking about the same movie? Folks, clearly this is not your typical Roots or Alex Haley's Queen film that shows the same image of slaves that we've seen for many years.

The reviews pouring in so far and pre-screenings have had quite a few people up in arms about the lightness in which the film is portrayed. Spike Lee spoke out this past weekend, stating that he refuses to see it. He later posted to his Twitter account that, "American Slavery Was Not A Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It Was A Holocaust. My Ancestors Are Slaves. Stolen From Africa. I Will Honor Them."

To find humour in a subject that runs so deep that we still see the effects of it to this day, does not sit well with a lot of people. One of the darkest moments in history is now a story that is projected onscreen for all people of all races to see and to potentially find humour in?

It is a difficult issue to draw the line on because as a comedian I understand the importance of humour. Especially with serious topics, comedy often serves as the medicine in a candy as it creates the ability to get a message across and reach people in a way that resonates with them. Humour often creates openness and dialogue. But, can you sugar coat a film about slavery?

We haven't seen a story told about slavery in a very long time as it is a topic that has increasingly become one that is swept under the rug for people to deny its current day impact. Perhaps, this film can serve as an entertaining way to appeal to the masses and re-start the conversation on our history.

I'm still deciding on if I will go and check it out. Will you be hitting up the theatres this week to see Django Unchained? Who saw it yesterday? Let me know your thoughts and reviews!

Incredible Underwater Art

This is absolutely breath-taking.  Artist Jason de Caires Taylor is an underwater sculptor whose works are simply incredible.  I first saw his work on Facebook.  The beauty of strength and unity in this sculpture is incredible.  

The more I looked him up I realized that he has a plethora of underwater exhibits all over the world.  Think about how amazing it will be years from now to discover these works of art.  

These pieces are from his exibit in Grenada....a tribute to the many men and women who lost their lives en route to America to enter slavery.

His art is so unique in that it changes as the ocean changes.  Some of his art has even transformed into coral reefs, as the ocean adapts to the presence of the art.

Taylor created the world's first underwater sculpture park in 2006. Situated off the coast of Grenada in the West Indies and it is now listed as one of the Top 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic.  He creates the pieces underwater and 


It takes a man with great vision and tenacity to create and execute these works....you should visit his website to see his other works.

http://www.underwatersculpture.com