What It Means To See 18 Black Women On The Forbes #30Under30 List
It was the vision board I needed and couldn’t create with tape and magazine clippings alone: the Forbes 2016 30 Under 30 list. When I saw a tweet about the list–Forbes’ annual curation of millennials changing the game in industries ranging from sports to social entrepreneurship–it was the jolt I needed to ground myself for the year ahead.
But, in the millisecond it took the page to load, this pit of skepticism built a home in the middle of my stomach. A question flashed across my mind: “Am I going to see any women on this thing who look like me?”
It’s the question that envelops me any time I see these sorts of lists. It’s why I make a conscious and concerted effort to uplift Black women any time the opportunity presents itself. Because too often, mainstream media gives a standing ovation to monochromatic and male-dominated success. Black women get pushed to the sidelines, or worse, tossed out of the running before we’ve even laced up. I’m beyond glad that the Forbes 2016 30 Under 30 list defied my expectations.
This year’s 30 Under 30 class, selected from more than 15,000 nominations and representing 600 winners across 20 industries, includes 18 Black women. I dug through every section of the list, and each woman’s story gave me one more feel-good chill than the next. There’s Nailah Ellis-Brown, 26, who went from selling Jamaican tea out of the trunk of her car to now having her product in Whole Foods. Then there’s Mo’ne Davis, 14, who is the first African-American girl to play in the Little League World Series. Or there’s Candace Mitchell, 28, who stands at the helm of transforming the $3 billion dollar African-American haircare market with her company Techturized.
But, then there were moments when this list really hit home for me. I saw Kimberly Foster, 26, the juggernaut behind For Harriet, a website I have penned for and frequently read. I noticed Angelica Nwanda, 25, whose brainchild, The Shade Room, boasts 2.5 million followers via Instagram and is a regular topic of conversation when I talk to my sister. My loudest gasp materialized when I saw Dr. Constance Iloh, 28, who is a Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, Irvine and also served as my alma mater’s Black Student Union president during my sophomore year.
When I read about these beautiful Black women sending ripple effects through the world, it gave me that moment of “YES.” It’s the same YES I felt when Viola Davis won the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama. It’s the same YES I felt when Serena Williams’ graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as its sportsperson of the year. And, it’s the same YES I felt when Shaniece Williams eased on down the road in NBC’s The Wiz LIVE! That YES with all caps reminds me that in a world where Black women’s bodies become war zones and our voices fall silent, there are Black women who say “No more.” There are Black women who, to paraphrase Dr. Maya Angelou, do not simply survive, but also thrive. There are Black women who succeed on their own terms and in their own ways.
That success is finally being recognized in places where it is far too often ignored.
To check out the full Forbes 2016 30 Under 30 list, click here.
Tyece Wilkins is the voice behind the award-winning blog Twenties Unscripted. She is also the author of Twenties Unscripted: A Journey of Womanhood, Writing, and Relativity. Connect with her on Twitter @tyunscripted.
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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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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Featured image by Maskot/Getty Images