Stuff We L♡ve

Black History 101 - 4 Things You Didn't Know about HBCUs

Black History 101 - 4 Things You Didn't Know about HBCUs

When you think of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, there are some things that probably pop into your mind. Black intellectuals making their mark on the world, step shows and fantabulous marching bands are likely what you think of first. Just pondering it probably made you think of those uber talented drum majors that set things off at every game and major event. YES! We love them. But, in all honesty, that’s kind of a limited view of our dear beloved HBCUs. HBCUs are all of that and so much more. 

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5 Must Watch Movies on the Black College Experience

5 Must Watch Movies on the Black College Experience

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are important to the black American experience. Back when black students were not allowed to attend colleges with white students, black colleges were made to deliver education that blacks rightfully deserved. HBCUs not only continue to be an integral part of American education for black students who want to continue learning about their culture and shape their identity, they also have fascinating aspects that make them stand out from white colleges such as step dance rituals and all black fraternities and sororities. These and other unique trademarks have made their way on to the big screen, showing audiences the nuances and complexities of HBCU life. Here are 5 films on the black college experience that you need to see: 

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Melanin Can't Be Bought

Melanin Can't Be Bought

These are just some hashtags you’d find trending on social media, and we’re here for them! However, while most of this self love comes from black women, that’s not all that has become a trending topic on your favorite platform. As Black women, we’ve always known that we’re poppin', from our skin, to our hair, to our shape to our entire culture. It’s just taken the rest of society time to catch up. While for us, our culture is a way of life, for others some aspects of our culture seem to be a fad or trending topic to them.

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Love The Skin I'm In Playlist

Love The Skin I'm In Playlist

Black girls are truly magical. Our melanin is powerful due to our history of resilience and strength as a people. The world may try really hard to keep black women down but we know we will always rise up again. Somewhere in this world a young black woman may not realize her worth or see herself as beautiful. If this is you, get your headphones ready because this playlist is for you. Below is a list of songs that will help you love the skin you're in. They each celebrate body positivity, black culture, and being a black woman. Being black is a blessing. So kick back or dance your butt off to the following tunes!

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5 Brands That Love, Support, and Respect Black Women

5 Brands That Love, Support, and Respect Black Women

Being a black woman in this world is a beautiful thing. However, the hardships that come with having brown skin come in many forms. For instance, finding foundation can be a hassle because not a lot of brands on the market cater to brown skin tones. Going to a yoga class can make a black woman feel inferior because she may feel out of her element if she's the only woman of color in the room. As black women, we need support systems. This includes having the right businesses that care about us. Luckily, there are plenty these days. Here are five brands that truly love, support, and respect black women:

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The Luxe Life Playlist

The Luxe Life Playlist

Hey ladies! Here is a playlist to help you feel more luxurious. Here is a mix of classic tunes and modern ones. It is a blend of jazz, hip-hop, funk, and R&B. Each track suited to remind you how valuable you are. You work hard for your money, you deserve to splurge a little on yourself. It doesn’t matter how much you make. It’s about knowing your worth and you know you are worthy of feeling like a million bucks! Happy listening!

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I Love Me Some Me Playlist

I Love Me Some Me Playlist

Self-love doesn't come in a bottle. You can't find it on social media, in a relationship, or through material possessions. Self-love is unattainable through external sources and without it you'll never grow to your fullest potential. When you align with your highest self, then and only then can you receive all that the universe has in store for you. Self-love grows through intentional positive acts that support your spiritual, physical, and overall well-being.

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The Benefits of Saying "No" and Creating Boundaries

The Benefits of Saying "No" and Creating Boundaries

“No” is a complete sentence. N-O-Period. These two letters pack a powerful punch. For countless women, the inability to say ‘no’ results in fatigue and other complex outcomes. Early on in our childhood, we’re taught unrealistic expectations for how girls should behave. Over time, these well-meaning principles, which were instilled in us, spiral into incessant people-pleasing. Why is it so easy to cater to the needs of others while our own needs and deepest desires go unfulfilled? One answer is our inability to communicate boundaries in our personal and professional lives. 

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Owning Your Phenomenal Woman Status

Owning Your Phenomenal Woman Status

Auntie Maya penned one of the most amazing and real poems of all time when she blessed the world with “Phenomenal Woman”. This ode to the essence of our “Black Girl Magic” still resonates in the hearts of Sistas all around the planet. We will always reflect on these fabulous words that made the world know, what we always knew: We are ALL. OF. THAT. In homage to Auntie Maya and to celebrate Izzy and Liv being on a mission of promoting positivity among black women for 3 years (our anniversary was April 2020, Y’all!), let’s live the words of Auntie Maya. 

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