Celebs: we all have our favorites, some you love and some you love to hate. They are often our source of entertainment or point of reference for what is trendy, but very rarely are they trendy naturals or our source of emotional support when we need to hear the message of self love.
Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe is not just a Cover-girl and pop icon but an inspirational force that has captured our hearts. As it turns out, we are not the only ones that think so.
In 2012 she was a recipient of BET’s Black Girls Rock Award, which seeks to highlight young black women who have been a source of empowerment for the younger generation. In her emotional acceptance speech this is what she had to say:
“When I started my music career, I was a maid. I used to clean houses. My mother was a proud janitor. My stepfather, who raised me like his very own, worked at the post office and my father was a trashman. They all wore uniforms and that’s why I stand here today, in my black and white, and I wear my uniform to honor them. This is a reminder that I have work to do. I have people to uplift. I have people to inspire. And today, I wear my uniform proudly as a Cover Girl. I want to be clear, young girls, I didn’t have to change who I was to become a Cover Girl. I didn’t have to become perfect because I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness. Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable.”- Janelle Monáe
Now that is one phenomenal message! With the number of attacks against our ethnic uniqueness throughout the course of this year – shopping while black, walking while black, schools threatening to ban Afrocentric styles- we’ve had to seek out uplifting resources to keep our children grounded in a world where they are ridiculed and ostracized because of our diversity.
Some time ago we shared with you some tips on how you can teach your child to accept natural hair even when others don’t. At the heart of the issue though, is the need for us to teach them self-love and acceptance which will go a far way in affirming the sense of who they are.
We pointed you to some resources which would be instrumental in the process and it is for this reason that we also recommend Janelle Monáe as an ideal inspirational icon for young black girls.
Not only is she a proud and trendy natural, but she is also a motivational beacon; a disciple of the message of self acceptance. So if you want a role model for your children to help them recognize that their black is beautiful, check out these videos of her awesome message.
Even though her styles resemble each other, the texture changes and it always looks good!
Yassssssss
Mama this is the girl Sheila Bricher
This my girl…But why doesn’t she ever switch up…Natural hair is suppose to be versatile….
She has a crazy schedule and an updo just keeps her from having to constantly manipulate it. If you ever see her in person her hair is magnificent and healthy and her skin is like butter!
like
loveeeeeeeee her
She’s just had class and really cute
Cool creative Young Lady
I love her attitude 🙂
Well, she reminds me of Amy Whinehouse, with the signature beehive do, she never changed her style.
For Janelle, this is just her signature look, and with signature looks, ppl tend to always wear it. She doesn’t have to change it if she doesn’t want to.
You absolutely correct, her hair her choice…My point is change is good sometimes….
One must change for themselves, not because others want them to. So if she loves this style, why not wear it all the time? It’s her hair, anyway.
She doesn’t always wear it like this. Lately she’s been wearing it out and switching up a little. Her hair is actually pretty long and I think wearing an updo just keeps it out of her way.
I love her hair sooooo much!
Love you Janelle be Blessed and safe
Would love to see some versatility. Beautiful woman.
She IS gorgeous. I would love to see what her hair looks like when it’s wild and free!
http://i0.wp.com/potholesinmyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/janelle-dance-apocalyptic.jpg
http://www.kalamu.com/bol/wp-content/content/images/janelle%20monae%2048.jpg
I’ve seen her afro it’s huge <3 She's my hair inspiration lol.
She does wear it out
Happy New Year’s Day My God Shall Supply All Your Needs According To His Riches In JESUS CHRIST Amen
Shana Everson agreed. Change is good too: -)
That second one is fierce.
Fierce. ❤️
She’s bringing back vintage hairdos with a twist of her own personality. When my hair gets longer, I definitely wanna try this style: )
btful pics
I love the hairstyle on the first pic ! Might try this.
Love them all but the first to the left and second to the right are my favorites.
Y are they always the same
Although similar..Loving the first look!
she is a good singer
I like her but I do wish she’d try out some other styles. She is so pretty and I feel like her hair is like a helmet or hat she throws on because it’s basically the same style. She has nice hair too! Let it flow girl!
Amazing…talent and class
I like her but she’s been rocking that same style since tightrope in 2010…
My cuzin George Wilder and myself Love this Lady……#RockonSis! <3
She is pretty, but the picture with the smile she looks absolutely stunning.
That voice lol
Love her hair !!!!
I love her
Just Gorgeous!!!!!
Titeuf girldfriend
Just as cute as my daughter!!
Her hair was kinky now it look straight.
PERFECT…just 4 her…luv it and her for just being what God has created her to be…SUPER FLY!!!
Love love her hair!!
ugly hairstyle
loove