Contrary to Advertisements, Beauty is More Than Skin Deep
Philadelphia, PA — Many philosophers and writers have written about what beauty is and/or is not. The more common sayings related to beauty are “True beauty comes from within,” “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” “The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express,” “ Beauty is being comfortable and confident in your own skin,” “Be your own kind of beautiful.” While the statements about beauty imply there is a wide range of what is considered beauty, these statements also speak to the intangible elements associated with beauty. Unfortunately, globally many women and now even men are caught in the destructive web of the western so-called standard of beauty. The default measurement of beauty in magazines, in advertisements, product development and even television and movies are the definition based on “white supremacy.”
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The vast majority of research has investigated Western societies, where color and colorism have been closely related to race and racism. In Latin America, the two sets of concepts have particularly overlapped. In the rest of the world, particularly in Asia, color and colorism have also, been important but have evolved separately from the relatively new concepts of race and racism. In recent years, however, color consciousness and white supremacy appear to have been increasingly united, globalized, and commodified, as exemplified by the global multibillion-dollar skin-lightening industry. A.R. Dixon and E.E. Telles.
In addition to empowering workshops, informative panel discussions, natural hair showcase, and natural fashion, the Kuumba Family Organizing Committee will introduce a Melanin Goddess Beauty Suite at the 24th Annual International Locks Conference. The Melanin Goddess Beauty suite is designed to celebrate and promote a more universal and authentic sense of natural beauty. Cultivating consciousness and the acceptance of one’s natural self and innate sense of beauty are the most powerful counters to the blatant propaganda and societal promotion of the so-called western/white standard of beauty. Ironically, the theme of the 2018 The Annual International Locks Conference (AILC): Natural Hair, Wholistic Health and Beauty Expo, now in its 24th year, is Culture2 + Liberty + Locks = Love. Having a deeper learning and living one’s own culture, understanding what true liberty is, appreciating the ancient cultural and spiritual connection of Locks and of course demonstrating love of self and community go a long way towards being healthier, to being empowered and towards global liberation / de-whitening and re-Africanizing our thinking.
Newspapers and broadcast news are full of headlines and debates about gun violence, police brutality, immigation, kidnapping of children, and turmoil around the world. It sometimes gets difficult to see good things, to know what is real and what is propaganda. To remain strong in the face of nonsensical debates and confusion, to feel positive vibrations, and/or to envision a better, healthier and safer life, the mind seeks solutions. Each of us needs a moment to recharge, to gain a healthier perspective of the world around us, and to safely release stress and pain. More love may well be the key. As a way of contributing to solutions and creating a safe environment to learn and celebrate the good things in life the Kuumba Family Institute, Inc. and the Kuumba Family Organizing Committee have assembled noted speakers and experts in culture, relationships, entrepreneurship, as well as freedom fighters, African-centered educators, and natural health healers and wellness advocates to participate in the 24th Annual International Locks Conference: Natural Hair, Wholistic Health, and Beauty Expo which will be held Saturday, and Sunday October 6 and 7, 2018 at Universal Audenried Charter High School, in South Philadelphia.
Some of the featured presenters at the widely anticipated Locks Conference include: Natural hair experts: Thando “The Loc King” Kafele, Nekhena Evans, Vanaa from Honey Bush; Minister Akbar Muhammad, author, history professor, and International Representative of the Nation of Islam; Professor Griff, author and Minister of Information for the Hip Hop group, Public Enemy; Montsho and Nwasha Edu, authors, and founding co-Directors of The Akoma House Initiative; Verna Karim, educator, entrepreneur, author, fashion designer and commentator; Jack Drummond, Director – Office of Black Male Engagement at City of Philadelphia; Tahir RBG- A Black Power Hip Hop Artist, music producer/emcee; Cherron Perry-Thomas and Dr. Dewey Thomas; Esther Iverem, a multi-disciplinary artist, author, producer and independent journalist.
In addition to hundreds of unique vendors, live musical performances, children’s activities the conference will also feature a special tribute to the late Winnie Madikizela Mandela and hip-hop artist Reggie “Ruff Mic” Logan. The 24th Annual International Locks Conference (AILC) Natural Hair, Wholistic Health and Beauty Expo affectionately called the Philly Locks Conference, October 6 & 7, 2018 at the Universal Audenried Charter High School, also offers a great opportunity to revitalize oneself, to relax, to learn, to reconnect with old friends, to meet new friends, to network, to have fun, to witness Aboriginal Indigenous creativity and to build solid business and relationship possibilities, to buy black, to shop and shop some more, to eat delicious food, to hear live music, and to be motivated to move from talking about change to actively seeking solutions all while supporting an important cultural and educational institution.
For more information and/or tickets, visit www.LocksConference.com and/or or call 215-438-8189.
Register online here:
www.eventbrite.com/e/24th-annual-international-locks-conference-natural-hair-wholistic-health-beauty-expo-tickets-44279545312
The Tradition Continues!
PRESS CONTACT:
MaMa Akosua Ali.Sabree
215-438-8189
Sakinah Ali.Sabree
267-259-8400