Lupita: Changing the Definition of Beauty in Hollywood & beyond

Elegance.

Grace.

Poise.

Natural Beauty. 

Lupita Nyong'o encompasses these qualities and so many more. And she NOW also possesses her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress!! Yayy!! I literally stood up in my apartment and clapped out loud at the TV, so I KNOW my neighbors are mad!

On the big screen, Lupita gave life to a piece of our past that was so difficult, we'd almost rather forget it. She portrayed the role of Patsey, a resilient and hard-working slave who suffered physical, emotional, and sexual torment at the hands of her twisted master. She did this role justice. She brought dignity and life to so many nameless, faceless slaves in the history of American culture who also suffered unfathomable hardships. 

Off the screen, Lupita has been giving life to a new standard of beauty in Hollywood and in Black America. She has beautifully rocked her natural 'fro, baring her well-defined arms, and shown the world her dazzling smile that compliments her rich, smooth chocolate skin. She's slayed every red carpet with her flawless style, bold colors and charming silhouettes. And I believe she has redefined the meaning of "beauty in Hollywood."

By many standards, on the American Hollywood scene, we're used to seeing--and lauding--actresses with fair skin and long, flowing hair. Even in the Black American celebrity world, women like Beyonce and Halle Berry are deemed among the most beautiful women of our time. And rightfully so, as both women are truly naturally beautiful. Halle has effortlessly rocked her natural cropped hair 'do and Bey is simply stunning even without makeup on. But there are times--and plenty of them--when the Queen Bey is barely wearing any clothes and consistently rocks long extensions or a blonde hair weave. This is the type of  beauty standard that many young girls aspire to. (To each his own).

I'm thankful for Lupita for changing the game in that she boldly embraces her femininity in a way that is classy, modest and tasteful. She has rocked variations of her short afro --from a fade, to a low-top box to a modern-day take on afro puffs. It's disheartening--yet, not totally surprising--that she says she was bullied as a child because of her dark skin. But I'm glad that today, she is holding her pretty head high, proudly embracing her rich skin and fearlessly walking into new opportunities created for her due to her immense talents. She isn't the first Black actress to embrace all of her natural beauty, but she is at this point, the most visible. Viola Davis also bared her pretty brown arms and natural curly hair at the major awards shows last year, but this year, she opted for an old Hollywood glam wig at the Oscars. (still a stunning woman, nonetheless). 

Lupita Nyong'o has raised the bar for Hollywood and beyond. Rock on, girl! Rock on!