Professor Leads Boycott of Beauty Supply Stores

Atlanta, GA October 5, 2009 - Professor Devin Robinson, an economics professor at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA and best-selling author of Taking it Back: How to Become a Successful Black Beauty Supply Store Owner, will lead a one week long boycott against Non- Black Owned Beauty Supply stores.

Robinson stated, "Blacks make up 96% of the consumers of these stores, yet represent less than 5% of the retail ownership." As a previous owner of 3 locations, Robinson understands the industry inside out and offers comprehensive solutions for Blacks to recapture this industry. "The problem is with the distributors. Distributors are mainly Non-Blacks and they handpick who they will distribute products to. This oftentimes leaves aspiring black owners disenfranchised", said Robinson.

The national boycott will take place from November 16^th - 22^nd and will be highly supported by some of the country's top Black Media. Robinson, who founded Taking it Back University (www.takingitbackblack.com), has been featured in Ebony Magazine for his work surrounding this issue and over the years has been working closely with his friend, syndicated radio host, Michael Baisden to keep the awareness high.

Robinson expects this one-week boycott to be an automatic people-designed stimulus package for the Black community. He said, "If Blacks only shop with Black-owned beauty supply stores for this one week, we can expect to send $66.5 Million to the black communities. This will send a clear message to distributors on how valuable the black retailer can be."

Robinson will tour the country assisting with rallies and building awareness during the boycott. His tour begins with a Boycott Launch Banquet organized by The Black Hair Project in St. Louis, MO, where he will be the keynote speaker along with other prominent beauty industry professionals.

To schedule an interview or appearance with Professor Devin Robinson please contact: The Going Against the Grain Group at 202-684-6699.

Contact:

Going Against the Grain Group
Taking it Back University

Ph: 202-684-6699

www.takingitbackblack.com

www.iamgoingagainstthegrain.com

www.devinrobinson.com

Taking it Back University

P.O. Box 44503

Atlanta, GA 30336

Ph: 202-684-6699

www.beautysupplysystem.com

African American Style at the Oscars

Viola Davis and Taraji Henson were both snubbed from winning an Oscar, but at least they were looking FABULOUS

Queen Latifah
A side shot of the dress
I guess Beyonce thinks the Academy Awards is more important than the Grammys
Alicia Keys and Taraji...I am loving Alicia's dress, but she could have done without the wig

John Legend and his girlfriend

Labels: Academy Awards, black celebrity gossip, red carpet

posted by N. Taylor @ 12:25 AM 0 comments

Technorati Tags: black hollywood,black actors,black actresses,taraji p. henderson,john legend,beyonce,queen latifah,black celebrities,african american celebrities,black celebrity gossip

Obama Daughter Look-a-like sets the fashion world on fire

Ariel Binns is cute, smart, outgoing and looks remarkably like first daughter Sasha Obama.

Young model Ariel Binns, right, resembles Sasha Obama.

The similarity has not gone unnoticed by the fashion industry. Harper's Bazaar magazine cast the 6-year-old Brooklyn, New York, first-grader with model Tyra Banks in a photo spread showing an African-American family in the White House.

Binns, a child model, was peering out from under a big wooden desk in an image reminiscent of John F. Kennedy's time in office.

When it comes to fashion there's nothing like a powerful brand to boost sales, especially if that brand is a dynamic first family.

"Marketers are finally waking up to it -- you know -- black is beautiful," says global branding expert David Rogers who predicts African-American models will play a more prominent role in fashion photography as a direct result of the Obamas. "It's just going to become part of the fabric of the fashion imagery of pop culture, which is a great thing," says Rogers. Watch young first daughter look-alike model »

At Wilhelmina Kids, a modeling agency in New York for kids and teens, agents say there is increased demand for first daughter look-alikes.

"It's a trend because, what little girl doesn't want to emulate the first kids?" said Marlene Wallach, president of Wilhelmina, which represents Binns.

Unlike the Bush twins or Chelsea Clinton, global branding experts say the appeal of the Obama girls is unique -- and infinitely marketable. After the first kids appeared in their J.Crew outfits on Inauguration Day, the company's Web site got so many hits, it crashed.

Click to read.

Technorati Tags: barack obama,obama family,sasha obama,black news headlines,african american news,black news

Black Hair, Black Fashion, Black Women

Black Hair is one of the most important parts of a black woman's existence. So, some may wonder why nearly 100% of the African American hair care market is controlled by Koreans. Perhaps black women and men can work together to ensure that the money we spend on our hair care products stays within our communities.

African Americans are among the strongest consumer groups in America, and we spend religiously on the products we need, whether they relate to black hair, black fashion or black beauty. Through time and through education, we can find ways to control markets for African American Haircare products.

A documentary on the topic is below.