We know that Un’ruly readers are constantly on-the-go, so we’ve rounded up the best of May’s stories in case you missed any. Enjoy!
from the editor: standing apart
It’s hard to have unwavering impenetrable confidence because we belong to communities and we rely on those communities for the bare necessities, for opportunities, for warmth, for identity… The current conversation about loving yourself generally tells us to love ourselves despite what others might think, to not need outside validation. And as much as all that is true, it’s not enough. …What do we do when we feel so different from everyone else or when we have to stand apart or alone, knowing that we’re not programmed to do so? Where do we really pull our confidence from then?
This big question is one we tackled in May at Un’ruly (see Thando Hopa: Choosing Pretty and My Boyfriend Didn’t Like My Natural Hair) as we dedicated the month to standing apart. Read the full letter.
features
thando hopa: choosing pretty
Thando’s story is not one of being confident despite being different; it’s one of understanding difference in a larger unifying context as well as tuning into our innate ability to decide who we are.
hair confession: my boyfriend didn’t like my natural hair
…all I wanted to do was Skype my boyfriend. He’ll still think I’m beautiful, I thought.
maya lives on
I like to think that when you live a life that breathes life into others you never really die.
working girl: tai beauchamp, beauty authority
Tai Beauchamp went from being the first and youngest African-American beauty director of Seventeen magazine to spreading a message of living a fulfilled life of style through several strategic partnerships and endeavors.
working girl: alexis p. gumbs, queer black troublemaker
Although celebrities may be helping to bring feminism onto a larger platform, Black Feminists like Dr. Aexis Pauline Gumbs continue to stir up the movement through art and hands-on education.
un’covered: thaïs lima, architectural fashion
Thais Lima expresses herself through her clothing and wants her city-tough yet effortless looks to help you express your uniqueness too.
products
product review: we are onyx
Onyxbox offers you a fabulous chance to try out a variety of products, but is it worth the hype?
styles
hair story: brandy norwood
Affectionately known for her prim and proper role on teen hit sitcom Moesha, her successful music career and a multitude of other accomplishments, Brandy Norwood and her hair have been the topic of discussion and admiration by women all over.
hair story: ericka dotson
“Hair is Fashion. I absolutely love my natural hair! I appreciate the ability to have options while at the same, time wear protective weaves.”
Looking for hairspiration? Check out some of our featured looks this month…
#throwback hair
We looked back at our favorite old school pop and RnB princesses to make what’s old new again.
stand-out styles
In the spirit of standing apart we took a look at hair styles that are sure to set you apart from the rest.
five ways to do a bantu knot out (videos)
Bantu knots are an easy way to get fun voluminous curls and anyone from short and kinky to long and weaved can rock this look.
