NAKASI EDINAH ANGELLA’s Post

👑 Happy Crown Day! aka “Black Hair Independence Day." It's not just another day on the calendar. This is the day we unapologetically stand in solidarity with Black women who wear their natural hair proudly. Imagine that, in 2024, we still have to fight for the basic right to rock our hair the way it grows out of our heads.⁠ And let's be clear, this isn't just a 'Black issue' or some niche concern. No, this affects everyone. Because if you think discrimination stops at hair, you're sorely mistaken. This is about showing up fully, authentically, and without compromise—something we all need to be free to do, especially in the events industry, where diversity and inclusion should be more than buzzwords. So today, we don’t just celebrate curls, locks, twists, afros, fades, braids, kinks, and coils. We honor our resilience, and culture, to let the world know that beauty is diverse, and it’s time our standards reflect that. Never let anyone or anything make you doubt your worth. Remember, a queen never lets her crown slip. 👑 Photographer:@AndreBrownPhoto Our Motto: “We have become the change we want to be” #NSBWEP #CrownDay #NationalCrownDay #BlackWeddingProfessionals #BlackEventProfessionals #weddingassociation #eventassociation

"Embrace your natural curls/waves." - they say. I'm doing just that, and enjoying it. Yet I can't help but notice that something feels very 'off' about this messaging. Or at least, the timing of this messaging. For decades, Black women have been encouraged, and in many cases forced, to abandon, hide, cover up their natural hair. ESPECIALLY in the workplace. The pressure on Black women to chemically straighten, manipulate or in other ways damage their hair in order to fit in with what has been considered 'professionally appropriate' (ie more 'white') is outrageous. As far as I can see, the 'curly girl' trend has only become socially acceptable and even desirable since white women decided to join and promote it. There are far too many examples of this happening to all members of the global majority, and it's evidence of structural racism. Including what is or isn't deemed an appropriate thing to like, enjoy, engage in, or live by. Like hip hop/rap music. Like yoga. Like Shamanic medicine. It's only deemed OK when white Westerners decide it is OK. That's bullsh*t. I'm not saying that we shouldn't, as white women, be able to enjoy hip hop, yoga, or Shamanic ritual. Or that we should stop embracing our natural hair. I am saying that we need to do so with respect to the fact that this has become widely socially acceptable only through our decision to make it so. Which is in itself so unacceptable. And we need to be much more aware and alert to ways in which we are appropriating other cultures, and where choices or lifestyles are still being chastised because they are culturally related to non-white people. Diet, for example, is a big one. Don't roll your eyes at this, or dismiss this as 'political correctness gone mad'. This is a serious issue, and all of these examples have had, and continue to have, significant negative impacts on the health, finances, access to resources & opportunity, and lives of those of the global majority. #socialjustice #culturalappropriation #culturalappreciation #justiceforall #inclusion #blacklivesmatter

Colorism, the bias against individuals with darker skin tones within the same racial or ethnic group, has deep roots in history and continues to affect Black communities today. It impacts self-esteem, relationships, and even opportunities. Growing up in an environment that values lighter skin can lead to internalized feelings of inferiority for darker-skinned individuals. Constantly receiving messages, both overt and subtle, that lighter skin is more beautiful, more desirable, or more successful can create deep-seated insecurities. Darker-skinned people may experience rejection, teasing, or bullying from both within their own community and outside of it, leading to feelings of shame and self-hate. This can result in individuals feeling unworthy, overlooked, or invisible, especially when it comes to beauty standards, romantic desirability, and professional opportunities. #beautystandards #colorism #blackcommunities #blackexperiences #selfesteem #selfworth #skintones #darkerskinned #lighterskinned #internalizedfeelings #healing #communityconversations

From names to hairstyles, each element embodies a person's identity. For African American women, hair serves as a vibrant canvas for self-expression. Some choose to don wigs, concealing their natural curls, while others embrace intricate braids, celebrating their heritage in every twist and turn. Each style reflects a narrative, a story woven through the fibers of their being. The myriad choices often stem from a complex relationship with their hair—a dance of dissatisfaction with their texture and an exploration of self. It mirrors a universal longing: the desire to possess what we do not. Much like how some Asians may yearn for natural waves, no amount of external alteration can change the essence of one’s hair; it remains beautifully, unapologetically curly. Names, too, resonate with significance. Many African Americans adopt names like Markisha or Nina, creating a distinct identity that stands apart from the more familiar Emily or Kelly. In a world constantly shifting, a name can be a powerful reminder of one's heritage—a beacon of self-awareness and pride. Yet, this beautiful intention can also cast shadows. In a landscape where biases linger, a name can become a double-edged sword. A hiring manager, clouded by prejudice, might reject a candidate simply because of their name, using it as a flimsy excuse to dismiss the brilliance that lies beneath. Ultimately, your name is a reflection of your essence, a declaration that you should never have to apologize for who you are.

Sometimes, burnout can come from the tension created when we try to control the wind, and not the sail I once built a framework for a course I called The Black Beliefs Bootcamp The goal was to help my community break through any limiting beliefs we may hold It had a slogan: "If there's anything holding us back, let it not be us" The idea was simple. ▶ There are barriers we don't control - external ▶ There are barriers we do control - internal The problem is when we confuse the two ▶ We try to change things that aren't in our control ▶ And we don't try to change the things that are When I see and celebrate the extraordinary wins of those like Annette Addo-Yobo, M.A., I'm recognising both parts at play 1️⃣ She did her part - that, she could control 2️⃣ They did their part - that, she couldn't But she wouldn't have got the result she couldn't control, if she hadn't acted on what she could And that's why I'm reminded of a boat out at sea: ▶ You have no control over the wind ▶ But you do have control over the sail I've noticed that sometimes, burnout can come from the tension created when we try to control the wind, and not the sail One big element of burnout recovery, can be letting go of the things you can't control - the past, other's actions, world events etc - and taking control of the things you can - your thoughts, actions, and the meaning you place on things So if you're experiencing any of these: ▶ You feel tension in your body you can't explain - in your chest, or throat ▶ You find yourself lashing out at people you love, over nothing ▶ Your coping mechanisms have gone from healthy to destructive You may be holding onto something you need to let go of Like holding a glass of water at arms length, you may not even feel it at first But the longer you hold it, the heavier it gets, until it stops you from focussing on anything else but the feeling, of pain, of exhaustion. Eventually, the weight will become too much. So if you don't know how/where to start, start with the sail. The longer you wait, the closer you'll get to the point where that glass falls, and shatters, leaving shards on the deck of your ship When it does, it won't just cut your own feet, but also the feet of those around you Book a call with me, and let me help you on your burnout recovery voyage... before it's too late. #Icdane #thejoyfulexecutive #Burnout #BurnoutRecovery

Earn your stripes. As someone with rainbow nails, a pride tattoo and former rainbow hair (it will return), you'd think I'd be all for slapping a rainbow on logos this month. But that's not the case. It's time for companies to earn their stripes. How? Sponsor pride events. Work to eliminate the biases that mean trans, nonbinary and gender non-conforming people are less likely to be employed by you. Look closely at your family policies, and challenge language that assumes a heterosexual and cis default. Check if your healthcare provider covers gender affirming care. Educate line managers to support LGBTQIA+ staff. Examine the practices of the companies you partner with. Install gender neutral facilities. And most importantly: Consult with your LGBTQIA+ colleagues to find out what they need. Then provide it. Earn. Your. Stripes. Image: My pride tattoo, artfully done by Sam Sparkles at Pastel Palace Tattoos in Colchester. Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gFH6rDi3 Image shows a tattoo of a bow with rainbow stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. The loose ends of the bow feature the progress pride chevron, with stripes of black, brown, blue, pink and white, finished with a small yellow triangle with a small purple circle in it. The tattoo is on the left wrist

The Distorted Feminine struggles with authenticity 🌹 She overcompensates for her lack of self-love and knowledge through a heavy fixation on everything ego - like appearance, status, and lifestyle consumerism. As a result, the Distorted Feminine often participates in virtue-signaling, refusing to do the inner work necessary to embody her true authentic soul essence. She favors appearing attractive, pure, or sexy over expressing her unique brand of individuality, integrity, and sex appeal. Due to her extreme fixation on external validation, the Distorted Feminine is often preoccupied with what other women are doing and how men respond to these behaviors. Because she's constantly looking for validation and acceptance from others, the Distorted Feminine is often completely disconnected from the idea of pleasure, self-sovereignty, or flow. In extreme cases, a woman who is distorted in her feminine expression finds it difficult to feel like herself ever. #distortedfeminine #distortedfeminineenergy #divinefeminine #divinefeminineenergy #divinefemininerising #healingthefeminine #healingthefemininewound #oldparadigm #patriarchysucksbecause #distortedmasculine #divinecounterparts #authenticsoul #authenticsoulessence #soulgrowth #divinefeminineawakening #feminineenergyhealing #authenticitycoach #femininespirit

🌹Eternal Rose: Awakening Feminine Essence🌹 Designed for women who yearn to reconnect deeper with their feminine essence after years (or lifetimes) of disconnection and For those who want to experience the coding and language of the rose directly in their unique experience of being a woman. It is a deep, sensual and yet fiery journey. Come in and find out. Roses are considered as timeless gifts of love. 1 month Rose Blindjourney Start: Monday, 5th of August 8 pm CEST online via zoom (Duration 1-3 women 1 h, 4+ women 2h). We meet online, weekly same day and time. Total of 5 Calls (last call 2nd of Sept) Held in English language You will need to buy 30g of biological rosetea. I will no further promote this journey. Not because it’s not powerful enough to be marketed, but because I feel called to just kiss some of my social media with this announcement once and let it go. One spot has already been taken. This means if nobody else except YOU signs up, you will have the luxury of 5 sessions in a very intimate space for only 500 Euro. So grab your spot now. No further questions will be answered. If your feminine essence is calling you back home, trust that intuition. We don’t want to start with the saboteur right? The only thing you need to be sure of is that you are all-in energetically and you will show up for the weekly calls. You can book and pay your spot directly here. I will then reach out via E-mail with all final details. I’d love to have you on this journey. You can of course share and invite your friends also. https://lnkd.in/dpty8aPu

Today's topic in the #YWCARacialJusticeChallenge discusses the powerful freedom of expressing oneself through hair, which holds great significance across various cultures and personal identities. However, there is still a widespread problem of hair discrimination, where societal norms and biases affect people of color, especially Black and Muslim individuals and Native Americans. By acknowledging this, we aim to create an environment that appreciates and respects personal expression through hair without judgement. https://lnkd.in/e7BY6-M7

Embracing Our True Colours: Celebrating #SouthAsianHeritageMonth As a member of the South Asian community, I deeply understand the impact of colourism, and it’s a topic I’m passionate about addressing during South Asian Heritage Month. Colourism is a prevalent issue in our community, and it’s time we dismantle the skin colour stereotypes. Comments like “you’ve gotten darker,” or suggestions to use “yogurt and turmeric on your face,” or warnings to “avoid the sun to prevent getting darker” are all too familiar. These statements reflect a troubling belief that equates lighter skin with beauty and worth. The media in South Asian regions significantly influences these perceptions, often through advertisements that promote fairness as the standard of beauty. This perpetuates a harmful narrative deeply ingrained in our society. Tragically, this leads to distressing experiences for many, particularly girls, who are judged based on their darker skin tone. The repercussions of colourism are significant. It fosters insecurity and self-doubt, leading individuals to believe their value is tied to their skin’s lightness. This damaging mindset is absorbed from childhood, as young ones hear and see a preference for lighter skin. The toll on mental health is immense, with many suffering from anxiety, depression, and a loss of identity. Countless stories exist of those who have overcome colourism, standing up for themselves and becoming beacons of hope for others who have been marginalised due to their darker skin. It’s crucial for our community to tackle colourism directly. This involves open, honest dialogue, examining our biases, and supporting initiatives that honour the beauty in every skin tone. It’s a path to healing and recognition, where every shade of brown is celebrated for its unique beauty. Today, I want to emphasise the freedom to be oneself. It’s vital to love yourself and reject the longstanding beauty standards related to skin colour. I encourage every individual to be authentically you and cherish every aspect of yourself, regardless of others’ opinions about what you should be or do. Let’s stand together against colourism and honour our heritage with pride. #FreeToBeMe