What Is This Hair Business About?

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.