I LOVE Black History Month! — The Benefits of Buttercreme
Despite its brevity, February is one of my favorite months of the year. Why? Because February is Black History Month. And as an added bonus, February also includes Valentine’s Day. So I invite you to celebrate the two, Afrobella style. It’s February, and I LOVE Black History Month! This will be an extra-special month full of knowledge, music, culture, and giveaways galore, entirely dedicated to celebrating people of color like you and me. Let’s kick it off with a bang!
When people rave about Miss Jessie’s products, most of the time they’re talking about Curly Pudding. Which is a great product, don’t get me wrong. But for my particular hair texture, I love the Curly Meringue, and to be really real with you, there are days when my hair just cries out for the buttercreme. If your bad hair days are like mine — your curls are continually craving moisture and they form knotty little tumbleweeds at the ends — you could probably use some too.
But be forewarned, bellas. Curly Buttercreme isn’t a hairdress or styling product in the traditional sense. It definitely should be used in moderation. Too much will leave your sproingy spirals looking more like a half-melted jheri curl. Curly Buttercreme is a minty, tingly, supremely hydrating hair quencher. A little goes a loooooong way. Trust me.
The potent scent of the product deters many an afrobella — it’s the kind of minty tingle you can feel in your eyes, if you know what I mean. That’s why I prefer the Baby Buttercreme, to be honest with ya. Baby Buttercreme smells mild and sweet, like vanilla flavored milk. It’s been Little Afrobella’s savior on many a tangly day, and look at that hair she’s got! She needs a gentle, sweetly scented moisturizer to tame the tangles and make her hair combable. I gave her my tub o’ buttercreme last year, and I think they’ve still got quite a bit left. Like I said, you don’t need a ton of this product every time, just a quarter-size dollop will do if you’ve got a typically thick mane.
Like the large sizes of most Miss Jessie’s products, the buttercremes are prohibitively pricey for a bella on a budget — the big jar will set you back $58. But is it worth it? In my opinion, yes — I loved it the first time I tried it. And if you don’t believe me, check out the Organic Beauty Expert. Or the ladies of the Long Hair Care Forum. Or the forums at Nappturality — site was down while I was writing this. But there are bellas who believe in buttercreme on there, and some who don’t. For the most part, the reviews are favorable. And here’s a chance for you to review it yourself! Currently, Miss Jessie’s is offering a sweet deal for those of you who know and love the buttercreme — buy a 16 oz buttercreme and get a travel sized duo for FREE while supplies last from Feb 1 to 14. Those travel sizes come in VERY handy, trust me. And there’s free ground shipping for orders over $125. And here’s your giveaway, dedicated especially to bellas on a budget who haven’t been able to afford this moisturizing goodness yet.
Former Afrobella of the Week, Titi Branch is generously offering FIVE full size 16 oz buttercremes for giveaway! So to kick off I LOVE Black History Month, here’s how I’d like participants in this giveaway to let me know they’re in it to win it.
Leave a comment below telling me your favorite thing about Black History Month. I’ll close these comments by Wednesday evening, or whenever we get over 80 comments — whichever comes first. Then I’ll pick five winners by the end of the week.
Good luck and happy Monday, bellas!
** comments have officially been closed. I’ll announce a winner over the weekend, when I’ve had a chance to properly peruse the brilliant comments you all left!
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Sites That Link to this Post
- Why I Love Black History Month at afrobella | February 11, 2008
- Miss Jessie’s Giveaway Winners at afrobella | February 11, 2008
What a cool way to put my hat into the ring for a chance to be chosen!!
I love black history month because it gave me blueprint on how great my life can be. I try to pass this gift to my 4 y.o. daughter and 2 y.o. son. I look at the campaign of Barack Obama as history unfolding right in front of my eyes
. When I was growing up, my parents used the examples in black history to teach me to honor myself and those who came before me and that’s what I try to do for my children, as often as possible.
I love Black History Month because it invigorates me to carry on my studies of World History 365 days a year. I realized that Black History is WORLD History. If I have forgotten, I remember to stand up straighter and hold my head higher. We are on almost every continent and remote island. From the Papua New Guinea Islands in the South Pacific to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal India (tribes go back 60,000 years), the Motherland Africa, North and South America. Although some of these indigenous peoples may not be called ‘black’ or ‘african’, their blackness cannot be denied in the hue of thier skin or the kink in their hair. Yes we were kings and queens, believe that when you hear it spoken. Abdul-Rahman Ibrahim ibn Sori was a Prince among Slaves.
How many times have I been mistaken for a native Nigerian and I was born in Atlanta Ga? The connection we have to each other is undeniable, our influence on the WORLD is undeniable, the debt we owe to our ancestors in never forgetting OUR WORLD HISTORY is undeniable. As a mother of young black boys who will one day be young black men, my duty to teach them THEIR world history is undeniable. I love Black History because it invigorates to carry on my studies of WORLD history 365 days a year.
Now afrobella, pass me the buttercreme, my kinks and coils are thirsty!:)
I love Black History Month for many reasons:
It was the only time in school where there was some focus on the accomplisments of Blacks. I remember being so proud of my Harlem Renaissance project.
It motivates me because I know that if my people could succeed in a time of worse oppression, then the sky is the limit.
All these unfindables come out of the woodworks. Like my library has copies of Josephine Baker’s “Jou Jou”(with subtitles! OH YEAH!)
It shows me the light at the end of the tunnel(because I know 30/40 years ago BHM wouldn’t be.
I LOVE YOU BHM! *muah*
My favorite thing about Black History Month is seeing the powers that be on my campus acknowledge the black people on campus for once. They turn black history month into a Black History Spring Semester, which I think is amazing. Great speakers, great performances, and it gets everyone, even people in the white majority, thinking and talking about how Black people transform the world.
I love black history month because for me, it is a sort of an alarm. All of the focus in February, reminds me to look back over the previous year and make a mental note of all of the black “firsts” that were accomplished just in that 12 month period. Alot of times people only reflect on our ancestors who have gone on to glory. I love to hear, read, and talk about all of our modern day heroes who are alive, well, and holding it down right now!!! I couldn’t help but think of Tony Dungy as soon as February broke. The first black ref for the Superbowl on Sunday was added to my list. I think of Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter. So for me, black history month is a time to load up my “mental ipod”! So whenever I get discouraged, I can just hit my black history playlist.
I am all natural with 3 all natural daughters! My husband is bald, said it was too much hair in the house!!! We would love to try some Miss Jessie’s.
I love black history month, cos it makes me think of how grateful i am to God and to all the black women who did their thing to get me here!
When i go to client meetings in corporate america and i am the only BLACK person in a room full of 20 white and asian CFO’s and CEO’s and their eyes are glued to me, listening to what i have to say and make decisions based on it. I walk into the elavator smiling to myself, saying a lil prayer to God and thanking him for a black woman who really just wanted a seat on the bus and i feel good, cos i know one day , in these same elevators in this same office, a black girl who is right now in nappy curls will be thankful that i was here!!
Well, let me get in on this while I still can.
Honestly, the best thing about Black History Month is hearing all the little children I know talking about what they learned about historical black figures. The latest was my friend’s son, Zion, who believed he was blond (as opposed to black since he is so light skinned) until he learned about Martin Luther (or Luffer – as he says) King. To hear him explain how MLK was so important and fought for justice for blacks was so endearing. Even moreso because of his slight lisp.
I grew up in a black school (literally – it was called Marcus Garvey, LOL), so every month for me was Black History Month. But to hear the information that I was nursed, weaned, and grown upon come out of the mouth of babes makes this month very special to me.
Take care, Bella!
I’m a Southerner who recently relocated to cold, snowy and virtually all-white central Minnesota. Your blog serves as one of my links to the “outside” world!
My favorite thing about BHM is that the public celebrations going on this month serve as a reminder to me to celebrate the special contributions black folks have made on this world constantly…not just when February rolls around.
Great blog!
What I love about black history month is that there is always something new to learn about a people who have been beaten down for so long. Each piece of history tells me that there is a strength in the African Diaspora that can withstand centuries of oppression. Black History month is a reminder of this and whenever it comes around, I’m proud to be able to witness it and to share it with my friends and family.
I live in Hawai‘i where Black people are less than 3% of the population and February is one of the few times that we have a presence here. Black history month is beautiful because for me, at least, it provides a time to reach across the diaspora and celebrate the souls of Black folk, not just our difficult histories and the outstanding individuals who have made strides against oppression, but also the quiet quotidian gorgeousness of our survival and innovation.
While it’s too brief a period, I love Black history month because it opens a space for us to reflect and dream, and to bring others into the light of Blackness.
I love Black History because I love seeing Black people come together. Since I was little I have always participated in BHM programs. It was nice to being in a room where I was no longer a minority. It always felt good and we all felt like a big family. It’s a great way to learn about our people and how much we have accomplished.
Hey Afrobella! I’ve loved your page for quite a while now, and although i am excited about the giveaway, what makes me even happier is reading through the responses of the others on this particular post.
They reflect what I find pride in during this month. More than any other month, and most other celebrations, this is the one time during the year for many where there at least 28 reasons to be proud. Each day that we can say makes up Black History Month represents another accomplishment by somebody that descended from the motherland. And in this month, more than any other, we are able to rejoice in that. Whether it may be the same breakthroughs celebrated over and over again, or even new ones that constantly amaze us at the incredible power within us as a race, packed within this month is a myriad of reasons to hold my head up high. No matter the distance from Africa, these celebrations reverbrate, and are shared all over the world, as far as our incredible influence and legacy. Afro, dreads, press, perms, Jheri curls, fades, whatever the hairstyle, during this month, the head will be held high, and the heart proud. Happy Black History Month to all!
I love Black History Month because of the public celebrations . I love teaching my children about part of their heritage and those that went before them.
I recently wet natural ( Feb 01/08 ) and my t.w.a could use a great moisturiser.
Happy Black History Month!
Hi Afrobella I’m a Ghanaian living in South Africa and I totally enjoy your site.
Although we don’t have an official Black History Month this part of the world. I love the fact that during this month all my favourite African American blogs bring to light some aspect of Black History, outside of Africa, that I probably would not have known of otherwise. It makes me proud that despite adversities, there were/ are exceptional individuals who rose up and made a contribution to the world we live in now.
It’s inspires me and reminds me that as a black woman, anything is possible.
I LOVE reading these comments! I was planning to post today, but a family emergency came up. Will post more later today. Your comments are so motivational and inspiring, bellas! This is a beautiful thing. Love to all of you!
Hi Afrobella!
When February rolls around, Black History Month is always on the forefront of my curly head. Why? Well, because it’s a time that the world becomes aware of just how much Black History Month means in celebrating our different colors and hues of blacks, browns, beiges, and cocoas. As I get older, I realize that Black History ‘Month’ is observed by many of us year round.
Just as our Black mothers and fathers before us contributed to the world (check some of them out here: http://inventors.about.com/library/blblackinventors.htm), I feel as though we are actually living in history with the products that Miss Jessie provides. Tiki and Meko are the modern day Madame C. J. Walker, and their success is a testament to their worth.
To look around this site and be in the presence of so many different flavours of chocolates and caramels and vanillas is awe inspiring. Your site has definitely opened my eyes to the natural beauty that we ALL possess, and it is something that not only should be embraced, but flaunted and rejoiced.
Grace, peace and life be unto you, Afrobella. I love your new layout. It’s very bouyant, springy and vivid, much like the temperament of the readers of your blog. We are so fabulous!
Black History Month reminds me that the contributions of our people are key to the inner workings and lush fabric of our country and our world. When we see these figures from our past and consider how they struggled and pressed to achieve things against incredible odds — and they were just normal people much like ourselves who were inspired to do MORE — it compels us to be proactive. We’re called to be agents of positive change at our jobs, in school, at church, in the grocery store. We’re blessed to live in a country where we can do great things. I’m thankful to our ancestors who paved the way, as well as those of the current day and those to come.
ooooh, this excites me! in about 5 months or so (hopefully) i will be perm free for the first time since i was 12 years old (im almost 26 now). i have NO IDEA
*ahem*… i accidentally hit the ‘submit’ button too early there. sorry about that.
anyway, i have NO IDEA what to do with my hair once its not straight anymore as far as what products to use, and based on your description, this looks like a good product to start with. so im hopin for some luck here!
my favorite thing about black history month is the sense of unity that seems to arise from almost nowhere when February rolls around, and this is important to me because in my opinion, it is the main thing that the black race is truly and desperately lacking. its amazing to me that for one month of the year, black folks who seem to disagree about everything else under the sun (especially within my circle of friends, lol) all agree that even after all this time, black history month is STILL important and needed, so much so that they band together and work toward the common goal of uplifting and enlightening together. i compare it, though on a much smaller scale, to the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement–there’s definitely a ‘if we don’t, who will?’ attitude about it, and a sense of duty that we could greatly benefit from if we had it 12 months out of the year instead of just one. but since we haven’t gotten there yet, i always wait patiently for February to roll around to enjoy that, my favorite thing about it.
I love Black History Month because it’s a time when we can reflect on the positive things blacks have contributed to society. It is the one time of year we are appreciated and I love learning about our rich history. I hate when people say we don’t need it anymore because that is so far from the truth. We do need it because blacks still don’t receive the recognition that we deserve the other 11 months of the year. When I hear about another black man in jail or another young, single, black female pregnant it honestly gets my spirits down. But Black History Month is a reminder that we aren’t only drug dealers, babymommas, and welfare recipients. We are intelligent, capable, and courageous human beings who’ve accomplished amazing things.
The best thing about Black History Month is that I get to delve into the rich and storied treasure trove of what Black Americans in this country have accomplished and transcended. It’s an opportunity to educate my two young sons about their inherent nobility because truly, African-Americans are the pupil of the eye. And, it’s an extra reminder to be the best I can be so that one day my story can be told to others as a part of Black History Month!
I love Black History Month because it allows me to reflect on why I need and continue to work my butt off to be the best wife, mother, daughter, niece, aunt, etc. that I can be. I am the mother of a 3 year old daughter and an 11 day old son and the month of February will always be something special in our house because it will allow my husband and I to reinforce why we celebrate our hair, heritage, lifestyle, family traditions, work ethic, inventions, and FREEDOM!!!! Even though we get the shortest month of the year, it’s nice to see OUR people come together to celebrate a legacy that keeps evolving into something more powerful and significant everyday.
One of the things I love the most about Black History Month is the opportunity to share my history with people (of all races, including African Americans) who wouldn’t otherwise investigate it. Not that February is the only month that this should be done; most people are just more open to learning about African American culture and history during this time. I’m always amazed at how little we know about our contributions and I relish the opportunity to teach.
My favourite thing about Black History Month would have to be fact that it gives me the chance to experience so much black history at once and share it with my peers.
As a secondary school student, it is rare that I am exposed to my own history in the class room. During Black History Month however, my school adamantly displays black history and culture to the student body. This month, we are expecting a performance by Ballet Creole, (an amazing Canadian dance troope that performs a mix of contemporary and traditional African dance – you should check them out), dance workshops, excursions to performances by African companies, a workshop on hair texture (I’m sure that you’d enjoy this one!), and various lectures about the importance of black history.
To end this month right, we are planning our annual Black History Month assembly to show off the diverse talents of the students in our school and educate the school about the contributions of people of African descent to the arts.
Though I believe that black history is something that should be celebrated and acknowledged everyday instead of only in one month, the fact that I can experience it in school and share it with my friends is something that I enjoy most about Black History Month.
XXX
I love Black History Month because attending mostly white schools growing up it was one of the few times, outside of my home, where learning about my culture and history was important not just to me but to everyone else. I felt so proud learning about some of our most significant black historical figures. Now I get to pass on those feelings and knowledge to my nine year old nephew and show him what an important and magnificent culture he comes from. Hopefully the stories I tell him about his great-grandfather and other ancestors will inspire him as they have me.
Black History Month should be everyday …but that’s another subject!
It’s always a time for us to claim our place in this nation’s history since we are not ordinarily included despite all our accomplishments. It’s a time when we can not only remind our little ones that our genius greases the wheels of this country but ourselves, and the majority as well. Respect, Inspiration, and Reinforcement…that’s what black history month is all about.
My hair has been natural just over a month now. I’d thought about it for quite some time and even stopped relaxing my hair about 2 months ago. I figured I could continue to get it pressed for about six months then do the big chop. But one day I had too much time and a pair of scissors so I snipped it all off! Very Liberating.
What I Love about Black History Month
Black History Month is great because its a reminder of how hard African Americans have strived to achieve equality, and respect in country that would have denied them of both.Yes, we have come far but not far enough.When people look puzzled when they here the names Emmett Till,Charles Hamilton Houston and Tuskegee Institute and say things like “put slavery and segragation behind you”, “that’s in the past” its a hard smack of reality.Black History month is the celebration and acknowledgement of our leaders and everyday people who stood up for all of us. That’s why its the Best month of the year!
PS the site looks so different!love it
Although, I am not a fan of the fact that our contributions are only recognized in one month. I believe everyday should be Black history because Black history=American history. However, I love Black History Month because for once much needed attention is given to individuals who helped create this country and the modern world. Slaves built the beautiful structures Americans and others pay to see whiling traveling to Europe. At least our ancestors get one month instead of nothing at all.
I love Black History Month because ‘Bella, like you, I’m a Caribbean woman who was raised out of the States, however my mum made a conscious effort to teach me Black History every day, beit Nanny of the Maroons or Malcolm X. Unfortunately, with limited access to resources in Europe, i.e. diverse history books, it was always a challenge. Not to be outdone, my mum made it her mission to educate me with a historical socio-political world view of the journey of the African, so that I could understand how the lessons and struggles of yesteryear should be internalized into action in the present. My mum refused to buy Del Monte for many years because they supported apartheid in South Africa. Now that I live in the States, Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to build upon the foundation of knowledge, self-awareness and consciousness that my mum installed in me many years ago.
My favorite thing about Black History Month is that every year, when I think there’s not one more fact that I haven’t heard, I learn a new Black History Fact!
Black History Month has been an enigma to me since childhood. I love the fact that we are able to give proper due to the forbearers that paved the way and laid the groundwork for our advancements today. However, I never understood why, for people who gave so much, so little time is allotted. I just always wished that we could recognize their trials, tribulations, and successes every hour, every day, every month, not just one measly one! We need to be bombarded with the happenings in the past in order to change and improve things in the present and future! Being a young Haitian American woman, I not only recognize the accomplishments of the great black leaders in this country, but also those of Haiti and the rest of the Caribbean. So as this month progresses, let us too progress as a culture and race of people who constantly yearn to better ourselves and keep the Dream alive!
I’ve been dying to try the Miss Jessies products, i used the curly pudding on my mom once some time ago and don’t think we used it properly. Up till now i’ve been using Garnier and Cantu leave-in conditioner but feel like the later is drying up my hair. Pick Me i would love u forever!!!! :’)
I’ve known about Black History since a child in school. Now that I’m older I’ve learned on my own ALOT that wasn’t taught in school. Still so much to read and learn. My favorite thing about Black History is seeing how all my Black People come together and enjoy each other. Also Looking at my favorite Black Movies, Black History Facts and diffrent Black programs on TV. I do however feel that Black History needs more than just one month because it’s so many stories and facts still untold.
What I’m loving this Black History Month is that, as I type, I’m watching the soon to be first Black President thank me and everyone who voted for him here in IL and elsewhere. It is the natural evolution of all of our people’s historical accomplishments. This year, the normally too short Black History Month doesn’t bother me because I’m looking forward to November as a bonus BHM. History will be made yet again. Peace All
What I love most about Black History Month is the fierce pride so many have in our culture and history – past and present. I love the focus on our progress, the celebration of our successes, and the honest recognition of the struggles towards equality. But mostly I love learning something new every day that I didn’t know before about my people, and enjoying educating others who have not been so fortunate.
Well, it looks like you got over 80 comments but I will still attempt to be picked.
I have been natural my whole life so I have never experienced the transition or put chemicals in my hair. However, it has always been a struggle to keep my hair moist and stop my ends from splitting.
What I love the most about Black History Month is that it is a month solely dedicated to my people’s history. Each year, although its only for 28 days and this year 29 days, one more person at least learns something about Black History that they did not know. It is a way to remember those who have came before us as well as those who make contributions today. I am like many Blacks who celebrate Black History EVERY month but in February, I almost become a preacher. God bless those who paved the way for me and those that will come after me.