You were trying to find a baller at NBA All Star weekend?  You should’ve been networking, building sisterhood and empowering yourself to thrive in this sexist society.

Well, I met some powerful women of color who are invested in changing their communities and proving to the world that shadeism ( hierarchy of lighter skin being better than darker skin) is a divisive tool of oppression.  I gained so many lessons of self-love, risk-taking and thinking outside of the box from activists like Angela Davis, Dlycia Pagen and Ericka Huggins.

Check out some photos of Goapele, Local singer Kara, Lost Lyrics Co-Founders, Fashionistas and more……..

I liked her ensemble but not really feeling the boots.

Goapele is so stunning.

Goapele performed for a crowd of 100 + women and men of color. It was amazing. I almost cried when she sang ” Closer”.

Julia Sudbury, Professor of Ethnic Studies at Mills College lead a workshop on natural birthing practices for Women of Color.

 

A few women who are running things in CANADA !

 

Amanda — Her skirt material is from Ghana/Angola. It is so dope !

Amanda and Natasha, co-founders of Lost Lyrics — ” alternative educational space that utilizes innovative arts-based curriculum to explore empowerment within Diasporic communities. Self-empowerment is integral in our curriculum and mandate. Moving past the black board-and-chalk, lecture-and-notes style of teaching, Lost Lyrics is a space that searches to create a bridge between the streets and the classroom,” according to the official Lost Lyrics facebook page.

Afro – Puerto Rican musica = Bomba ! The drums were calling me !

The young girl was gettin’ it. Go giiiiirrrrrl.

Kara, a talented songstress from B-town/ Oakland. Her music is dope and her style is refreshing. Kara was a panelist for the women in the music industry portion of the conference.

This vintage bag is autopgraphed by Angela Davis. So original !

VENUS — my sista from another mother. VENUS stood out at the conference becuase her outfit was bright and her style was unique. The Bow was a print from Ghana.

I really love the fact that Venus was born in Haiti and raised in Cuba. Btw, she is a freshman at UC Irvine.

I love African prints.

These guys were so FUN ! Again, their style is unique and they own it.

Leonna, Julie and I having too much fun being bad.

I really like the fact that I had just met everyone in this photo and we look like we’ve known each other for years. And they say women can’t get along.