I'd like to start by Thanking Mireille for asking me to be a judge for the Ms. Nappurality contest. It has been a honor and a privilege to be a part of this process. I learned quite a bit from all the contestants and it warms my heart to see such young sisters so clear about who they are and their connectedness to themselves, nature and their culture.
These five finalist are all winners because they are still here, contributing in their own special way. I wish them all the best in all their endeavors.
This week's writing submission winner for me is Karla. I enjoyed learning about Karla's process and creativity through out the challenges.
For photo submissions, my choice this week is a tie between Christina and Teesha. I liked the way the both of them presented themselves in nature and in an easy and natural looking way. Though it might have been not as easy as it looks for Christina to get up in that tree.
Congratulations to all the contestants because as it was said before, "You are all winners"!!!
I am thinking that I will do the BIG CHOP! I don't know if I can wait. I am so ready to see my natural hair.
In this 8th Challenge, it is apparent that these awesome contestants put in a considerable amount of effort, time and energy to meet this challenge. Unfortunately, none of the entries submitted sounded like a professional letter to an official. I think this is a case of perhaps over-thinking the challenge. I was expecting to read succinct letters to officials stating the case for natural hair. This I didn't see, though I could see that an considerable amount of thought went into what was presented.
Therefore for the writing I am unable to choose a winner.
For the photos I can not decide between Teesha and Christina. For me it's a tie between the two of them. They made an effort to think outside of the box.
Teesha, wowed us again with her creativity and the diversity in her photos.
Christina took the time to present herself professionally at a Supreme Court and she looked ready to battle and beautiful at the same time.
I have been trying to vote so many times until I got tired. So now I am looking again.
Yes natural is now in again, but is it accepted because it is in? NO - there are still skeptics that will want to run you back to the motherland like it's a disease to be the real you. Nuff said...you have to be ready to stand in the midst of the beauty crowd that stands around you and they are ready to pounce their crown of glory in your face while asking you 1,000 how to and how do questions about your naps.
You stand and you smile with your answer even though your heart tells you they are not sincere in wanting to know, but you are sincere in knowing that you know all about your ancestors roots and you are PROUD!
we are getting closer and closer to the end...I submitted challenge 6 last nite and hope that it is received well. I got to shoot with one of my favorite photographers! He shoots hair really well...I got my hair done for the first time in a looooooooong time! Took me back to the days when I used to get cornrows as a kid, except alot less painful lol...
After this competiton i want to cut my hair off to start fresh. My hair has gone through alot from being under stress about a year ago...It broke off and thinned out like crazy and im getting fed up with it! So ima get as many wonderful photos of my hair as possible before I start over...
In the meantime vote and comment on our pics for "Am. Next Natural Model" and stay tuned for Challenge 6:)
I have been wearing braids extensions for 5 months nnow (I had them redone in october). I miss my hair but at the same time, I like the fact that I don,t have to do them everyday. I want them to grow...
