N.C.B.W. NATIONAL CONGRESS OF BLACK WOMEN

Quisque:

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“Women making a difference”

Quick & Easy: Detox Water Recipes

Hair First & Health Third It is no secret that hair is a touchy subject amongst African American women. How we care for our hair requires its own encyclopedia, not sold in stores but taught secretly in our own households. But those who are not aware of this community can barely grasp the significance of Black hair care. Our decisions often revolve around the condition of our hair, like whether going to a pool party after a fresh blow out is wise or, if that trail hike is worth sweating out pressed edges. The point is Black women are frequently cognizant of their hair’s well-being. It has the potential to dictate our lifestyle profoundly, particularly our health. In a Huffington Post article “Black Women Avoiding Exercise to Maintain Hairstyles: Study” researchers at Reuter Health found that 2 out of every 5 African-American women said they avoid exercise because of concerns regarding their hair. They even surveyed 103 African-American women who came to the dermatology clinic at Wake Forest University in October 2007 and found that more than half of the women were exercising for less than 75 minutes per week, which is less than the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. These findings are upsetting especially since African Americans in general are more likely to develop high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and obesity. I know as a Black woman it is hard to manage both health and hair especially since when we live in a society that is constantly telling us how to present ourselves; however one is fundamentally more valuable than the other. We have to rearrange our priorities so that we do not become another statistic in the study for high blood pressure. Our health comes first -- point blank period!

SOURCE: bit.ly/WjBo5P Archives of Dermatology, online December 17, 2012.

History has shown time and time again that the biggest catalysts for social justice are our very own youth. The students of Mizzou are carrying themselves the same way as those who protested relentlessly during the Civil Rights Movement. Yet, so many have commented on today’s generation of Black millennials saying they’re lazy, ungrateful, or maybe even complacent with their subpar lifestyles. The point is that many Black elders believe the momentum and power of the Black community has lost its juice with this current generation. Well I disagree; this generation has just begun to find its voice. Not a week had passed when Black student unions across the country from historically Black colleges to predominantly white institutions came together to pledge their support and solidarity for students at Mizzou. Black millennials are very much aware of the injustices that exist within their educational and judicial systems and are not afraid to boldly stand against them. There is no doubt this generation has its issues and needs work, but their call for social justice is undeniable.

Millennials Rise to the Occasion

WELLNESS

Congratulations to our National President Dr. E Faye Williams on receiving the NAACP Presidential Legacy award

Praying for Paris

Linda Jo Smith, Bernice Oden, Johnnie Rice, Dr. Williams, Dr. DeLisa Brown, Trish Morris-Yamba

(Left to Right)

Acknowledgments

JC Hayward, D.C. Councilmember Yvette Alexander, Dr. E. Faye Williams

(Left to Right)

On December 21st she will also receive an Honorary Doctor of Divinity! She says this one is really special because on the same day, her 93-year-old Mother will also receive one! While she studied for all the other degrees, the new one is based upon her public service.

Since the attack on Paris, stories of both tragic loss and heroism have emerged. The world mourns the 130 killed and many more injured during the devastating attack. Within a day iconic buildings around the world instantaneously lit up in red, white and blue to express solidarity with the French people. Nonetheless with this unity also came the negative generalization that Muslims or whoever practices Islam is inherently bad. This is not true and we cannot allow ourselves to be divided and succumb to Islamophobia. We must keep in mind that the purpose of religion is not to promote violence, but that there are violent people in this world who will use it for their own benefit. Let us pray for Paris but not submit to madness.

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About NCBW

For more information about our membership contact us at 202 678 6788 or visit our website

www.nationalcongressbw.org

Our Organization:

Dr. E. Faye Williams National President

For over 30 years The National Congress of Black Women has been dedicated to increasing the number of African American women in leadership positions. Our hard work is reflected in years of unprecedented growth that signals the ensuing empowerment of Black women through the 21st Century and beyond. The NCBW has created programs geared towards community advancement and is highly represented in chapters all over the United States. As a non-profit charitable organization, our mission is to participate in the formation and development of public policies that impact Black women, their families and communities. We write this newsletter in order to inform the communities we serve of our work and further encourage all women of color to be fearless leaders of change.

Dr. C. Delores Tucker Founder

Shirley Chisholm Founder

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