Demetria Obilor & Her "Mini-D" Show Us Representation Matters
Remember Demetria Obilor — the Channel 8 anchor with the figure-8 body once deemed "too thick" for TV?
Well, the news anchor, who got the support of everyone from Gabrielle Union, Chance the Rapper, and thousands of fans online, is back representing for the culture.
And this time, it's not for the women with curves, but instead, the girls with curls!
Recently, a mother by the name of Tiffany Jones tweeted out to the ABC Dallas News anchor, that her daughter was a huge fan of Obilor's big hair, and even likens her curls to that of her own. She captioned the photo, "Mommy.....look, my hair is like @DemetriaObilor from tv" Karsyn loves watching "Miss Demetria" every morning on @wfaa @wfaatraffic"
"Mommy.....look, my hair is like @DemetriaObilor from tv" 😍 Karsyn loves watching "Miss Demetria" every morning on… https://t.co/ytNGB2toOI— Tiffny Jones (@Tiffny Jones) 1518375936.0
It didn't take long for Demetria to catch wind of the tweet, later inviting 4-year-old Karysn and her family, to her show.
The young girl with the bouncy hair and even bouncier personality could barely contain her excitement as she not only danced and laughed her way on set, but "Mini-D" also helped Obilor co-anchor the news:
Clearly, these two have a lot more than just amazing hair in common — they are both made for TV, and can instantly steal the attention (and hearts) of viewers.
During a sit-down with Karysn and her mother, the 26-year-old anchor spoke on her Nigerian background and the importance of representation in media:
"Growing up, I didn't see any news anchors with curly hair or natural hair or even braids. So I do see [representation] as a big deal... For so long there were no products that even suited our her."
"[Karysn] is such a confident girl, and that's so important to instill at such a young age."
Last year, before Demetria went viral for being body-shamed, she received hate-mail for her hair, and tweeted out a screengrab of a troll who claimed he "fast forwards" every time her coils hit his screen:
Here's one of the racist, hateful emails I've received for rocking my natural hair on TV. https://t.co/oA8L6gYCyw— Demetria Obilor (@Demetria Obilor) 1495733952.0
A shame! In a personal essay with Elle last year, Demetria dropped gems about embracing the woman that she is and not needing to adapt for anyone's palette:
"There's so much that's 'unacceptable.' Your hair needs to be straight; if it's curly or an afro it's unprofessional. If you have curves, you need to wear a huge fit-and-flare dress to hide them, because it's too big or too sensual or too erotic. I shouldn't have to wear a potato sack to make you feel comfortable. I've heard people say, 'Well, you're in Texas now. We're more conservative."'So you're telling me that every time I travel to a different state, I have to assimilate to its cultural norms and values in order to be accepted? That's not what America stands for. America is supposed to be a melting pot based on freedom from religious persecution and cultural persecution. Don't tell me I have to assimilate."
Luckily, the majority rules, and Demetria is a fan-favorite on Dallas news scene and pretty much all of America. Besides, when you have the three C's — curves, curls, and confidence — you're unstoppable.
Something that Demetria is showing all young brown girls of the world.
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A modest goddess who keeps it humble between mumbles. I'm a journalism graduate with a HERstory in digital media, print and radio. Roll the credits: Power 96, VH1, xoNecole, EBONY, SOHH. Deemed "Top 20 Women in Media" by Power 105. Bronx made me, Broward raised me.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
