Vintage Blouse | NYDJ Leggings | Shoe Dazzle Shoes | Aldo Earrings
Author: Dagny Zenovia
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Why A Blogger Should Think Bigger
Beyond producing and curating content, adding skills to their DIY branding tool box, keeping up with trends and news, and interacting with followers and influencers, a blogger must find time to think bigger. What kind of impact could your blog make if it reached a bigger audience, was supported by bigger brands, and/or reached a higher potential? I started to ponder this idea more after participating in the twitter chat #confessionsofablackblogger hosted by Black Bloggers United.
In addition to noting the discrepancies in which bloggers receive endorsements and are awarded for their work, a bigger discussion about a bloggers potential ensued. Even though there has been an increase in blogger networks, from Facebook groups to brand connectors, many bloggers can still feel isolated from any online community.
If you have ever found yourself in this predicament, I want you to reflect on why you are blogging. What is your purpose? What is your goal?
I see a lot of talk about brand endorsements, income reports, and monetizing strategies that all bloggers are encouraged to achieve. I admire those who have excelled in those endeavors and am inspired by what their brands stand for. However, that is not what I envision for my blog.
Like my logo says, my blog is a place to be informed, amused, and motivated. I am more interested in collaborating or working on projects that enhance and impact society, education, public policy, the arts, history…the list could go on. The posts I write might not include a clear-cut solution, but I hope they help my readers think, wonder, dream, and act. As I add to the LookBooks on my blog, it is not only about where I bought my clothes and how I look in them, but also to encourage my readers to find comfort in their unique radiance and learn how to accentuate it with style. In return, I am creating my opportunity to improve and explore my storytelling and design skills and connect with other brilliant people. These are things I enjoy doing, but I also have a bigger picture in mind. The blog is part of the foundation. The prize evolves with what is built on that foundation.
“The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there. So here’s to all…the people who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black.” – Viola Davis
Of course I was also inspired by the display of Excellence at the Emmy Awards. Viola Davis speech was on point and I applaud her, Regina King, and Uzo Aduba for being who they are and bringing us along for the journey. They created their opportunity and stuck to it not for an award but for the significance of their talent and presence in the arts and society.
I see bloggers (or freelancers or self-publishers or content creators) as people creating their own opportunities. When one of you win, we all win. Regardless of what your purpose is behind that opportunity, recognize its potential, not only for you, but for those you empower through your talent and presence.
What are you doing with your opportunity?
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Dear Blacks And Africans, We Can Be A Winning Team
Are Blacks and Africans really that different? Are they really that similar? Recently the debate (and slight tension) between these questions were brought up again with various twitter chats, articles, and documentaries. I agree everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this, but an informed perspective can make a world of a difference. To contribute to the conversation, I want to share my response to these questions and some resources for you to explore later.
The Constant Comparison Between Blacks and Africans
Whenever Blacks and Africans are compared to each other, a negative connotation is usually attached. Take for instance The Economist article “Building Afroamerica” that speaks to the fact that African immigrants are the fastest growing group in the American immigrant population and could possibly change what it means to be “African-American.” Noting the trajectory of African immigrants who relocate to the USA, they tend to live in the suburbs, are well educated, and “will succeed nonetheless because their education and motivation will allow them to climb into the middle class.”
This story features statistics and other quotes to enhance its credibility, which is all fine. However, was it really necessary to add this – “African migrants stand out from American-born blacks. Indeed, on most measures, they have little in common but their colour.” The article proceeds to subtly slight Blacks by giving the impression they are less educated, primarily younger, and less likely to live in the suburbs. These back-handed comments did not enhance the story but rather left a bad after taste. There is no need to dig a deeper division between Blacks and Africans. There is so much both groups can help and learn from each other. Why give the impression there is some competition to be the real MVP African-American? Do we see any articles comparing American-born Mexicans, Chinese, or Italians with recent immigrants from their respective countries? Are they pitted against each other to never solidify their community? No. Alas, their history is not as complex, tragic, and excellent as ours. So this team is more special and should be handled with care.
I would like to propose that there are more similarities between Blacks and Africans then we are comfortable to admit. For example, a few months ago two hilarious twitter hashtags took place: #growingupblack and #growingupafrican. I’m not sure which one started first, but scrolling through the responses, it was self-evident that both groups have a similar sense of humor when they describe the challenges and fond memories of growing up.
The strive for excellence…
The unique names…
The family responsibilities…
The methods of parenting…
We share similar struggles in aspiring for success and equipping our children with the tools and the strength to survive a world that does not support them. In spite of these challenges, we always save room for laughter. We enjoyed our upbringing and would not have it any other way.
If you are interested in learning more about what connects Blacks and Africans, I highly recommend you view the documentary “Bound: Africans vs African-Americans” by Peres Owino (which is now available on Amazon and iTunes). I attended a screening for it earlier this year and met the director, who is just brilliant. She incorporates history, candid interviews, and storytelling to strip away myths that surround the tensions and barriers between Blacks and Africans.
It Is Not Appropriation. It Is A Celebration.
I am sure you have come across the article “Black America, Please Stop Appropriating African Clothing and Tribal Marks” by now. The responses vary from complete support, disagreement, or just unsure. The author claims that the people pictured attending this years AfroPunk Festival were appropriating African culture as a trendy style. She further tries to compare this with the appropriation Blacks complain about when non-Blacks wear Black culture as a trendy style.
Blacks are not appropriating African culture. When Blacks speak against appropriation, they are referring to the historical and continued practice of non-Blacks in the USA using their style, culture, and ideas for profit without giving credit where it is due and intentionally skewing praise away from Blacks who are being themselves towards non-Blacks who are wearing Blackness as a trendy style. When Blacks dress to attend AfroPunk or incorporate motifs from different African countries in their style, they are paying homage to their royal ancestors. It is a sign of respect to wear African fabric, tribal markings, and cultural jewelry. It is used to create an independent connection to the continent their roots are from.
I was discussing this topic with my family the other day and they offered a brilliant comparison. When non-Japanese people get tattoos with Japanese characters, does it degrade or dilute Japanese culture? Is that trend ever referred to as appropriation? No. In fact, Japanese character tattoos and Afrocentric style are examples of globalization. It is the result of having increased access to cultures and people. This is exactly why I feel that the amazing and creative styles that were showcased at AfroPunk this year were not appropriation, but a celebration of culture, people, and black excellence.
Now that I have shared my opinion, you might be wondering where the source of my perspective comes from. My family is from Ghana, Liberia, and Switzerland. I was born in the USA and have lived here all my life. Thus, I am considered a first-generation, diasporan, and/or afropolitan. I like to think of these titles as part of a third group of people that have the insight and experience to bridge the gap between Blacks and Africans. We also tend to love discussing identity because we constantly have to define our own since it was not pre-packaged. I understand the challenges Blacks and Africans experience individually and collectively and see why both groups do not always agree. However, I also see the amazing potential Blacks and Africans could achieve as a winning team. Together our strength, resilience, creativity, and innovation are incomparable. We have been conditioned to never see value in ourselves and to throw shade before praise at anyone who looks like us. Hopefully with the help of globalization and the access to discuss these topics, others will be empowered to remove this padlock from their minds.
What do you think about the relations between Blacks and Africans? Do you think globalization is helping or hindering the connections between us?
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Blue and Green
The Limited Blouse | The Limited Skirt | Steve Madden Shoes | Vintage Earrings
This is my very first LookBook post. While working on this I did not realize how long it had been since I had used my camera and posed in front of a camera. It felt good to use my equipment again. I am looking forward to experimenting with different lighting, angles, and outfits (of course). Also, I do wear glasses to see. My frames will be making cameo appearances in most of the shots.
I love incorporating a lot of color in my outfits. In this outfit, along with color blocking, I like how the texture of the blouse mixes with the pattern of the shoes.
Along with listing where each item was purchased, what other information would you find helpful?
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Don’t Slam The Door Behind You
Do you remember the feeling you had when you were younger and was so excited for your parent or older sibling or supportive adult to return home to show them the painting you did or the A+ you got on your ABC order test? You were not looking for an award, but rather wanted to be the source of pride and happiness for that person.
As we get older, we cross paths with a variety of adults that want to see us succeed. They might give the dollar amount of your age for your birthday every year, treat you to your favorite food or activity to celebrate your accomplishment, or just take the time to talk with you and make sure your priorities are guided and set.
As old as I am, the MVP (most valuable players) of my support team are my parents. They are the only ones who cheer me on even when they cannot see clearly where I’m headed. They set the bar for me to aspire higher and push further. For now they are the only ones who understand the source of my passion, struggles, and determination for my work and life.
On the other hand, I have met adults whose perception of me changed as I got older. When I was younger, they viewed me as a cute girl who would go far. As a young adult, they view me as a threat. I know this sounds harsh, but this is the impression I get. I am the kind of person who remembers the slightest gesture of kindness. So, naturally, I make a point to keep in touch and assume sharing my journey thus far would be appreciated. Instead I get responses like, “Really? What are you planning to do with all those degrees? Fill a thermostat?” or “Gosh! How long is it going to take you to stick to one thing?” or “That’s nice, but why waste your time?”
As much as I try to continue holding my head high and strive to achieve my dreams, these kind of responses have taken a toll on my psyche. I stopped sharing. I doubted my vision. I questioned my purpose. Pay attention to what you tell people, especially if they trusted you with a glimpse into their dreams. It is amazing how much a flippant comment impacts a person.
I am still working on finding my tribe. People who understand, recognize, and appreciate everything about me. People I feel inspired by and in turn support. People who will make the extra effort because they want to see me succeed. People who believe in me.
To help you build your tribe, I wanted to give you some tips on finding and being a mentor (or responsibility-partner if the former title gives you nightmares).
1. Be generous
In spite of negativity and challenges, always give more than you receive. That does not mean putting others before you or accept abuse. I mean give it your all – that project your secretly tinkering with, that group you know you can contribute to, that job you know you can be a boss at – do not suppress your talents just because others question them. Make a habit of giving everything to what you want to achieve. Be open to listening to others without needing to reply.
2. Let go of entitlement
No one has to help you. It would be nice, but it is not a requirement. You don’t have to be successful. It is what we all strive for, but it is not an obligation. If you dedicate your focus more to strategically building and supporting, less time will be wasted dwelling on rejection. Regardless of which side of the mentor-team you are on, always be grateful for those who stick around and respect those who reach out to you.
3. Take charge
Don’t wait for permission to thrive. Don’t seek approval for your brilliance. Take initiative for your story. Focus on polishing your craft and creating your own opportunities. The people who are able to enhance your vision and your life will come to you at the right time.
I hope these tips were helpful. Do you have a mentor or are you mentoring someone? What do you appreciate most by the people who support your endeavors?
Dagny Zenovia 