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Silver Linings and Inspiration

Posted December 21, 2015 by qotsm in Fashion & Style

The S.E.L.F Image Awards are more than just an occasion to celebrate women and accomplishments, but a time to honor the foundation of togetherness, aspirations, and accomplishing goals. The S.E.L.F Image Awards created by Madame Marci Walker and son Shanti Walker, is a platform to recognize Hair, Fashion and Entrepreneurs. Those are the things that fully embodied the acronym for S.E.L.F ( Sista’s Empowered for Life by Faith). This truly inspiring event is full of joy, and made to stretch the imagination with its theme of Silver Linings for 2015.

Mrs. Marci Walker known to those near and dear as Madame Walker, is nothing short of amazing! Inspiration, creativity, as well as innovation and care is what she brought to the 2015 S.E.L.F. Image Awards. Madame Walker created a platform for women of color to be honored and supported. While she is one of the driving forces behind Madame Walker’s Braid, Lockery & School, she also runs a foundation that supports domestically abused women. Madame Walker has been a recipient of ‘The Masters Award” for out-standing service in the hair industry. Humble is a word that resonates with many that encounter Madame Walker, and for that she is the epitome of a strong woman.

The honorees of this year’s awards were Renee Prophet, Rev. Anika Wilson-Brown and the keynote speaker Chamique Holdsclaw. Renee Prophet is a Natural Hair Stylist as well as a Women’s Advocate for Domestic Abuse and Positive Lifestyles. She is a master loctician/natural hair care specialist, licensed barber, and braid stylist, and her work has been internationally published. Renee is the owner of Naturalcentric Hair Salon located in Largo, MD. Renee is also a graduate of Madame Walkers Braid and Lockery School. Honoree Rev. Anika Wilson-Brown gave a moving testament of her account with Domestic Abuse and rape. She has been a huge advocate for young women that have been victims of domestic violence. Reverend Wilson-Brown is a true example of a survivor that has broken down society’s stigma of victims.

The keynote speaker of the night was Chamique Holdsclaw . While being known for her accomplishments on the basketball court, the true accomplishment was speaking on behalf of mental health survivors. Chamique says “The first step to combatting domestic abuse is to recognize mental health, a current stigma in black communities”. A mental health advocate, she testified to being a witness of domestic abuse. The key to being aware is to address the issues that are faced in black families.

“We as a people and community are so used to hiding and not addressing issues. Tonight we acknowledge these issues and can begin addressing these disturbances head on”

– Chamique Holdsclaw

To top off the festivities with so much positivity in the room, was a presentation by Shanti Walker. With the theme of the night being Silver Linings this was the icing on the cake. His exuberant hair styles were above and beyond the imagination. Shanti presented his much sought after Lok KappTM. While the visuals were amazing, Shanti managed to engage all of the five senses to make the S.E.L.F Image Awards a captivating experience. If you were not able to attend The S.E.L.F Image Awards in 2015, you can find more information on next year’s festivities as well as, more information on Madame Walker’s Braid, Lockery & School at http://www.madamwalkersbraids.com.

Nicole Isaac


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