This self-portrait was written for all who think, live and walk to the left. For those who aren't afraid of trying. For those who aren't fearful of falling and scraping their knees. This memoir was written for the young girl with the tear-soaked mattress. Relentless tears frequent her eyes because of being frustrated with society's, nagging 'box' infringing upon her list of things to do. It speaks to the female struggling for the acceptance of her parents but more importantly, battling with accepting, believing in herself. This is for the sister who stares, daily, into the eyes of trouble, hardship, and despair. For the female who is 'lost' and trying to find her way, this is for you. And, to the blossoming beauty who has yet to reach your full potential, this is written. Written so that you may take advantage of the present day and find comfort in knowing that tomorrow is filled with purpose-filled possibilities.
This story, my story is a graphic tale of being pushed to the ground by others, as well as stumbling to the ground by my own actions but always finding a reason, a purpose to rise again, 'scraped knees' and all. Through pictures, art, poems, reflections, diary entries and interviews, I welcome you into my world.....Shared to motivate. Shared to inspire.
To purchase, click on the following link:
It was just a
thought as I traveled home, having left a fashion show that left me.....well,
wondering. I didn’t know how, who, what, when or where but I certainly knew why?!
That question was painstakingly obvious—because it’s needed, because there is a
gaping absence, because it’s time to celebrate and embrace, because it’s a new
day. And with this new day, comes a great responsibility to inform, uncover and
empower. Essentially, it’s time to stop hiding behind so-called ‘socially-acceptable’
images and just be…..
Natural. Before I continue, know that this is in no way meant to
be viewed as a bash towards women who choose to straighten, de-kink and/or
otherwise uncoil their naps. Instead it’s a glimpse of beautiful women who
choose to remain true. Like I said, it’s a celebration! And, sis, we are
celebrating!
Celebrating because it’s been a long time coming but, alas!, it
has come. Surely, someone, somewhere would take note and make a difference,
right? I did just that! We did just that! For too long have we been absent from
mainstream media and social scenes despite our growing numbers. For too long,
have we endured skewed images of what beauty is and what beauty looks like. Thus,
BushBroads.
Suggestively, though appropriately tagged, this group of natural,
hand-picked women came together to embrace our God-given beauty. With Michelle
‘Meesh’ Flowers doing her thing with the camera, Joy Nichelle Randall beating
faces left and right, Gia Atkinson perfectly prepping the varied tresses and I,
with wardrobe and ideas in tow, went to work.
SHOUT OUTS: *****I must give a shout out to our assistants,
Marquita Bianca Anthony (shot the background/process photos), Johnatha Camp and
Tyiesha Golden (makeup pros) who held us down! Also, a big THANK YOU to Always
A Head Salon, Charlotte, NC for serving as our prep location. *so very grateful
and now doing a happy dance* J To our models, thank you for your time and for
allowing us to ‘play’ with you; it was definitely magical!*****
Via numerous emails, phone calls and face-to-faces, this
phenomenon came to life. Ideas would creep into my head for a shoot or I’ll
become inspired by a particular feeling, color, etc and the crew made it
happen. Whether that meant driving for miles, let alone hours, to find the
right locale, braving both frigid and suffocating temperatures, or whether the
proposal was simple or complex. Whether that meant, shooting all day or just a
few hours, readying one model or five, we made it happen! Good or bad days,
tired and fed up with each other, weary from lugging equipment/supplies here
and there, we made it happen! We did it…..simply because this movement, this
celebration is far greater than us.
Our contribution, what lies ahead is only the beginning but
represents beauty in all its varied shapes, sizes, lengths, and textures. What
lies ahead is a celebration of us—whether kinky, coily, curly, bushy, loc’d, or
shaved caesar-low. What lies ahead is statement-making. It’s bold and graphic.
It’s us, with hair like cotton!
What lies ahead is a new outlook. It’s a sigh of relief for
every woman and little girl who is tired and weary of reaching for the box on
the shelf to conform to society’s box. Most importantly, these colorfully,
graphic, self-affirming images are for you! Know that, indeed, you are fly! You
are dope! You are fresh just the way you are--NATURAL and with hair like cotton!
-Davita Galloway
To purchase, click on the following link: