I wanted to let you know that I had a wonderful time meeting Ms. A'Lelia Bundles the other day. She is a smart and beautiful woman, following in the footsteps of her ancestor Madam CJ Walker and upholding the family legacy. I met with her face to face at Ujamaa Collective Boutique in the Hill District. She did a book signing in our cooperative store. We had a conversation about safe personal care products, entrepreneurship, and the pressure that women, particularly African American women, face when it comes to conforming to beauty standards. We both agreed that education is the key to helping women accept their natural beauty and resist using products that are harming them. Later that night I had the pleasure of speaking on a panel after A'Lelia presented information on her family's ties to Pittsburgh. Good feedback is still coming, although I was a little nervous! Sometimes there's so much to share and so little time!
So as these winds are kicking outside the window, I want to remind you to stock up on your E-Ma's cause the weather can be cruel to your skin and hair. And as the season changes, pay attention to the natural changes in you... Many of us have a desire to be with friends and family, to meet some internal needs that are just shaking us up on the inside...its all a part of the season. Don't ignore these little inklings within you, whatever they are. Take care of yourself this fall and winter, so your flowers will bloom next spring.
Peace!
