An employee of the Glamour editorial staff recently spoke to a group of lawyers, unofficially representing Glamour magazine. She made several comments regarding afro's in the work place. On another note -- did you see the great cover Glamour published with women in their 20's 30' & 40's with Queen Latifah on the Cover? I really thought this was a great cover -- beautifully executed... a style I haven't seen in a very long time.

Read more about this editor's comments regarding our curly textured hair on the next page.

The editor's comment stated, "Women wearing afro's are not appropriate hairstyles for the work place. Dreadlocks, Oh, how, 'dreadful." She also insinuated, "Relaxing the hair would be more appropriate."

Ladies! We have a lot of work to do... When a women who is not seen as a women of color, feels that she can address a group of diverse women, especially black women and point blank, tell them "Your afro is not right -- and you should relax it basically to fit in and look conservative..." Then, we know Madam C. J. Walker's work has been all in vain.

Madam C. J. Walker, the first black millionaire mogul in the beauty Industry, created the first hair growing and grooming cream with natural ingredient to soften curly and coily hair. This cream was used in conjunction with the Marcel Hot Iron. This finishing combination also gave women of color options and flexibility in styling their curly, afro-textured Hair. Madam Walker is the original innovator of a natural type of relaxing system, created to enhance our beauty. It was never intended for the black women to emulate or imitate European, straight styles.

In a time when all Beauty Companies have finally embraced the Curly World, we see companies like, Aveda's Be Curly, Redkin's-Fresh Curls and Garnier's Sleek & Shine, making new an improved ingredients. They also produce products to enhance, define and revive curls, as well as, smooth and soften curls naturally. It is finally a time to REJOICE and Sing Hallelujah! Women of Color and their Glorious Wavy, Curly and Coily Hair RULE! !

One person's opinion -- confusion, insecurities, self doubt and lack of the love for their GOD GIVEN BEAUTY is not going to stop progress. Apparently, the editor who made these statements must feel that her curly-wavy hair is inappropriate, hence must relax or perm it to fit in, herself. Thereby, projecting her low self-esteem and judgmental opinions for all to bear witness too. (In my opinion.)

Editor-In-Chief, Cindi Leive, immediately addressed the incident by releasing a statement to share Glamour's thoughts on the matter. "First, we regret these comments were made. The employee (not a beauty editor) spoke to a small group of lawyers at a private luncheon without her supervisor's knowledge or approval, and her comment -- that afros are not work appropriate -- does not represent Glamour's point of view."

Glamour sought to rectify the situation immediately. An official apology was offered to the law firm and the editor was dealt with in a very serious manner, and the entire staff has been reminded of the magazine's policies and procedures for making public appearances. Ms. Leive also states, "Glamour is proud of its diverse readership and celebrates the beauty of ALL women. And we extend the same apology to you."

Thank you so much for addressing that comment! But, we must not forget, as women of color, it's up to us -- to educated our co-workers to understand, that our hair is naturally beautiful in all its curly textures. While styling curly hair, free-style or straight, is the versatility - Texture is Really the Beauty!

Love your texture. If your co-worker is walking around misrepresenting all curly textures with, dry, brittle, split ends, grown-out color and overall messy hair... then please, introduce them to your stylist or moi for a consultation.