Black America Body Beautiful

What Is This Hair Business About?

2009-06-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years, I have changed hair styles -- some by choice and other styles by no choice but it's a journey that all women take and particularly as it relates to African American hair. There are so many directions the hair industry has lead, pushed and shoved African American women to invent and re-invent the next trendy hairstyle without analyzing the consequence that plays out every day on our subconscious mind and the damage of the hair follicles. While I am certainly grateful that we have come a long way in advancing the health of a hair product or the versatility of how we can wear our hair, it has taken a long time for the industry to combine a diversity of beauty and hair fashion from the old school straight-fried-and laid to the side to free flowing locks, curly wavy colfs and natural styles.

We as Black women have endured a lot of pressure to conform to a standard mainstream beauty which does not accept us in the state we enter this world from birth. What if tomorrow all the hair products disappeared from the face of the earth? Would we still feel beautiful? Think about that for a minute.

I like to stay active and choose hairstyles that will allow me to exercise without worrying about my hair. Unfortunately, there are Black women who will not work out or swim as much just to keep their hair perfect. I choose my health over the image of a hairstyle any day! Don't get me wrong. I like to look pretty, but hair should not compromiste my health and weight goals. God willing, I want to stick around in this life to look and feel good for many more years!

Check out my Weight Loss Comments at: http://nbcdweightlosschallenge.blogspot.com

Stay mentally, physically and spiritually healthy!

Mrs. B.

Book Tour - Completed - Waldenbooks - New Bern, NC

2008-11-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone,

Well, this was the last stop of my book signing tour beginning in North Carolina. It has been quite a journey this past 4 months promoting my new book -- Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness, and Other Industries -- in 4 major cities in North Carolina. I have learned so much from all of the interested customers from each bookstore and I appreciate their questions and comments.

In particular, the New Bern audience had some very interesting questions and comments. Although it's somewhat difficult to grasp a man writing a book about fashion, body image and body types, they were receptive and curious of the topic as well as realizing that African Americans are making a major impact in fashion, fitness and of course -- POLITICS!! The fact that the country elected Barack Obama as our 44th President, many people of all backgrounds, are finally recognizing African Americans impact.

In the end, the New Bern audience was pleased that someone like myself is stepping forward and promotiong POSITIVE physical and visual images associated with African Americans.

Of course, I want to thank the staff at the New Bern Waldenbook store and all the customers who shared some time to chat about my book, publishing, and the general community issues of New Bern. Before leaving, I signed several autographed copies of the book so all those who are interested, the New Bern Waldenbook store have some autographed books also.

If you would like to send me an email about the book tour or receive an autographed copy of my book, please send your request to: feedback@blackamericabodybeautiful.com

Book Tour Continues - Borders Books - Charlotte, NC

2008-10-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

This is the third stop of my NATIONWIDE book tour for my new book, "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness and Other Industries."

During my two hour visit, I met some very engaging individuals who were a bit unsure of my book's topic but listened to my overall message anyway. Indeed, the front cover of my book captures people's attention and gets them to think about black beauty and African American body images.

Although there was another MAJOR event occurring in the book store at the same time (A kid's Halloween costume party & picture taking), I managed to have some interesting conversation with individuals of all backgrounds about my book. By the end, I signed all of my books and now this Borders Bookstore at Stonecrest have my specially signed AUTHOR BOOKS.

So if you want my specially SIGNED AUTHOR BOOKS -- GO TO BORDERS BOOKS AT STONECREST IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA.

Of course, I want to thank the Store Manager - Lisa Dixon -- for arranging the event and the entire staff for helping me with the setup.

SEE YOU ON THE NEXT BOOK TOUR STOP IN NORTH CAROLINA!!

Black America, Body Beautiful 1st Podcast Show - Dr. Eric Bailey and Gloria Bailey Hosts

2008-10-05T12:13:00.001-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

Today, we want to share with you our Inaugural Black America Body Beautiful Podcast Show! Mrs. Gloria Bailey and I hosted the show and had alot of fun discussing & DEBATING the issues related to body images, body types and standard of beauty in the African American community.

These are topics that you will not hear discussed ANY WHERE ELSE!!

Podcast Show Topic: "Why Isn't There More Positive Physical & Visual Images of African Americans in Mainstream America Media?"

After listening to our show, share your thoughts right here on the blog or feel free to email us at:

feedback@blackamericabodybeautiful.com or administrator@blackamericabodybeautiful.com

We will definitely include your commentary in our next podcast show.

Book Tour Continues - Waldenbooks - Durham, NC

2008-09-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

This is the second stop of my nationwide book tour for my new book, "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness and Other Industries."

Today, I signed books and had some lively discussion with people who stopped by the Waldenbooks at the Northgate Mall in Durham, North Carolina. The event lasted from 11:00am - 3:00pm and I enjoyed every moment of it. A majority of visitors were mostly curious about the title and the general topic. Once I elaborated about the book's major themes, they were quite pleased with the message and the reason why I wrote the book.

In fact, one woman stated, "Timing is Everything," and appreciated the overall message of my book.

Additional messages that really hit home with the individuals who I spoke with was the detail of the cultural history of African Americans with fashion and beauty, the need for an organization to promote positive visual images of African Americans, and the concern about the images of African American being exported to other countries by our mainstream media.

Overall, I had a very enjoyable, delightful and insightful visit to the Durham community. Additionally, the staff at the Waldenbooks store were very gracious and hospitable throughout my book signing.

SEE YOU ON THE NEXT BOOK TOUR STOP IN NORTH CAROLINA!!

Barnes and Noble Book Signing - Fun Time and Kickoff of Book Tour!

2008-08-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

Well, my nationwide book tour for "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness, and Other Industries" started at Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Greenville, North Carolina on August 21st! The turnout was quite surprising and very sucessful!!

I was delighted to see my colleagues and students from East Carolina University, local neighbors as well as my family (wife and kids) at the book signing event.

So what did I talk about during this first book tour event? Basically, I shared with the audience the major reasons why I wrote this book and the why these topics of body image, body type and standard of beauty are so important to the African American population today, in the past and especially in the future. In fact, my major goal from the book's themes is to start a cultural revolution.

This Cultural Revolution focuses upon the mission of my website -- http://www.blackamericabodybeautiful.com/ -- which is:

"Promoting more accurate and diverse representations of physical and visual images associated with African Americans."

After I presented my major issues, I had a number of great questions from the audience. Then, I got down to business -- Signing Books!!

Again, I want to thank everyone who attended, everyone who asked questions, everyone who took time from their busy schedules to listen to my issues, and everyone who will join our new network to begin this new Cultural Revolution on body image, body type and standards of beauty as it relates to African Americans and all those who share similar issues.

Check out some of the photos from this Kickoff Book Signing Event!

Finally, this was a very special event because it happened just a couple of days just before my 50th Birthday! Now this is a great way to bring in my 50th Birthday!

Photographs by: Darrien Bailey

Book Tour - Another Tour Date Added

2008-07-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

It's only 1 day away from the official release of my new book -- "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness, and Other Industries" and I am very excited as usual! I have been talking with a number of book store event coordinators and managers and they are very interested in my book's topic and frontcover once they see it.

Today, I received another confirmation from a bookstore. Here is the next book signing date and logistics:

Book Discussion & Book Signing -- Borders -- Charlotte, North Carolina at Stonecrest -- October 25th -- 2:00pm - 4:00pm (Address: 7836 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277)

Again, if you are in the area, please do not hesitate to stop by and join our friendly conversation and discussion of the book's topic and themes. I look forward to signing your books and meeting you at Borders Bookstore.

Book Tour - Another Tour Date Added

2008-07-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

Well, the excitement is continuing to build with my new book and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at the various bookstore events. My new book -- "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness and Other Industries" is creating a new dialogue and response to a wide variety of issues that's currently in the news.

Today, I received another confirmation from a bookstore. Here is the next book signing date and logistics:

Book Discussion & Book Signing -- Waldenbooks -- Durham, North Carolina inside Nothgate Mall -- September 27th -- 11:00am - 3:00pm (Address: 1058 West Club Boulevard, Durham, NC)

If you are in the area, please do not hesitate to stop by and join our conversation, discussion and networking. I look forward to signing your books at Waldenbook store.

Book Tour - Additional Tour Date

2008-07-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

The excitement is building and I'm looking forward to my nationwide tour to promote my brand new upcoming book -- "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness, and Other Industries."

As promised once I receive confirmation from bookstores, I will post the additional book tour dates on this blog. Here is the next book signing date and logistics:

Book Discussion & Book Signing -- Waldenbooks -- New Bern, North Carolina - September 6th -- 11:00am - 3:00pm (Address: 3034 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, New Bern, NC)

If you are in the area, please do not hesitate to stop by and join our conversation and discussion. I look forward to signing your books at Waldenbook store.

Book Tour Begins -- Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Greenville, North Carolina!

2008-07-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone,

Well, it is just a few weeks away until the launch of my new book -- "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness and Other Industries" and I'm very excited about it!

The interests from the general public and the media in my book's topic and major themes are enjoyable and surprising. I believe that my book has hit on a topic that has been neglected or avoided in the mainstream media and even in African American communities. As I said in the video webcam, this is POSITIVE BOOK about African American body types, images and standard of beauty. All too often we don't hear or see positive issues related to African American physical images. Well, if you want to read about the African American image -- in a positive way and in a cultural historial approach, I believe that my book accomplishes these objectives.

Additionally, just in case you are interested my book tour begins in August! Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Greenville, North Carolina will be the kick-off of my NATIONWIDE book tour. Here is the date and logistics:

Book Discussion & Book Signing -- Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Greenville, North Carolina - August 21st - 7:00pm (Address: 3040 Evans Street, Greenville, NC)

All book tour dates will be posted on this blog as soon as they become finalized.

So, if you want to attend my PREMIERE KICK-OFF OF THE BOOK TOUR, I will see you at Barnes and Nobles Booksellers in Greenville, North Carolina -- August 21st - 7:00pm!

Video WebCam - Introducing My New Book - Black America, Body Beautiful

2008-03-05T13:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone,

I am trying something new to promote my new book, "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness and Other Industries." I am introducing my book to you via my Webcam.

Here I give you my reasons for writing this new book and share my passion for this new area of interest which has been totally neglected in the book world.

Check out the link here: Dr. Eric Bailey's Introduction to Black America, Body Beautiful

Flyer of New Book from Publisher is Ready - "Black America, Body Beautiful"

2008-01-28T16:49:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone,

I just learned a couple of days ago that my flyer to my new book has been posted on the publisher's website. If you want to see my new book flyer, go to the following site:

http://www.greenwood.com/books/printFlyer.aspx?sku=C9595

The flyer includes a description of the book and a PRE-ORDER FORM. If you want to pre-order your book, go to: http://www.greenwood.com

Look forward to your responses to my new book.

New Book Coming This Spring - "Black America, Body Beautiful"

2008-01-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone,

I was just informed yesterday from my editor that my brand new book entitled, "Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness, and Other Industries," is scheduled to be released to the public on June 30, 2008. I am very excited and looking foward to promoting my new book this summer.

I believe that it is a very timely topic and much needed showcase of African American preferred body images and body types. It's truly amazing how we have endured so much ridicule and denial of our own beauty for centuries. Now with this book, I will show how African Americans have not only endured this challenge of how we look and how we view ourselves but I will also show how NOW more than ever OUR BODY IMAGES AND BODY TYPES ARE CHANGING THE WORLD PARTICULARLY IN FASHION, FITNESS, ENTERTAINMENT, AND POLITICS.

So there it is. This is the first announcement of my new book -- Black America, Body Beautiful: How the African American Image is Changing Fashion, Fitness, and Other Industries.
I will be providing you more updates and promotional informationn about my exciting new book!

If you would like to know more about my book, feel free to email or leave a message on the blog.

How Our Body Images and Body Types are Changing the World!

2008-01-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings Everyone,

This is the very first entry into this blog and I feel that this is a blog that is desperately needed. Why?

First, there is no place on the web or the traditional media outlets that regularly talks about the POSITIVE issues related to African American body types and body images. Unfortunately, in our society, we have paid very little attention to African American body images and body types.

Second, in our society, we are so obsessed with following "mainstream America's" body images and body types that it has blurred the images and beauty of all of other body types and body images particularly African Americans.

Third, we need a place on the web for people to share their experiences (good and bad) on the issues related to African American body types and images (i.e.. positive or negative feedback from society about your physical image).

Finally, this blog is here to begin a CULTURAL REVOLUTION throughout the world that will show how important it is for ALL OF US paricularly African Americans to be VERY PROUD OF ONE'S PHYSICAL APPEARANCE, BODY TYPE AND BODY IMAGE!

So please join me on this journey and Cultural Revolution in CHANGING the WORLD'S VIEW OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN IMAGE.