Jamaica: Land We Love

As I watched part of the Olympic closing ceremonies yesterday, I thought about how amazing this time is for Jamaica.  As a nation, Jamaica is celebrating so much right now and I think that the timing couldn't be better.  This year we celebrated 50 years of independence and during that celebration, we also got to celebrate with 12 Olympic medals.

Usain Bolt set new records for the Men's 100m.
The green, black and gold dominate the Men's 200m (Gold: Bolt, Silver: Blake and Bronze: Weir)
New Olympic and World records were set for the Men's 4 x 100m Relay by the Jamaican Dream Team
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce took home Gold for the Womyn's 100m and Silver for the Women's 200m
Veronica Campbell-Brown won Bronze for the Womyn's 100m
The womyn also won Silver and Bronze for the 4x100m and 4x400m respectively

I think right now it's safe to say that Jamaica is the fastest nation in the WORLD!  Period!


Too often, Jamaica gets caught up in the rum, guns, drugs and reggae image that the goodness of the land can be forgotten. (Not by Jamaicans, but by outsiders.) It was so nice to see my timeline filled with profile pictures and statuses that reflected Jamaica in some way.  And mi neva see so much patois pon Facebook in mi life. lol.

As a little Black Girl from the land of Jamaica, it made me swell with pride to see that much positive, beautiful news about my island in the media.  One little island with such a huge impact on the entire world!

And as the dust settles as the celebrations come to a close I wonder:  What does Jamaica mean to you?

Gabby Douglas Gets Criticized For Her Hair?

Gabby Douglas.

I can't believe that instead of celebrating the fact that we have a wonderful role model who is inspiring millions of little Black Girls around the world some people have the audacity of criticizing her on her hair?

Let's not talk about the flawless routines that earned her Gold medals at the age of 16.

Let's not talk about how she worked through the blood, sweat and tears to reach a point of excellence.

Let's not talk about the sacrifices she's made, leaving home to live with a host family at the tender age of 14 just to train for a moment such as this!  She saw her her mother 4 times in 2 years.

Let's not talk about how she is the first American gymnast ever to win both the team and individual all-around gold at the same Olympics.

Let's not talk about how she has become the first African American woman to win the gold medal in the all-around gymnastics competition.

Let's not talk about how she has 90 million dollars in endorsement to date.  Setting her future up for incredible success (if managed properly of course)

Let's talk about her hair?

SERIOUSLY?!

Maybe her hairstyle isn't appropriate for twerking on the streets, but it's functional. It looks just like every other competitor out there, gelled back with clips in a ponytail.  Could you imagine her hair with a huge weave trying to see through it as she flies between the uneven bars? Or better yet, falling off as she leaps on the balance beam?

It just goes to show that you will never please everyone.

I saw a quote once that said: "You can be the biggest, juiciest, ripest peach in the entire world and there will still be someone who doesn't like peaches."

So go ahead Little Black Girl.  Whip your 90 million dollar hair, Gabby!  You deserve the successes you worked so hard for!