Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in

My Interview with Sesame Street Writer Who Wrote 'I Love My Hair' Song

There's my Muppet girl to the left. Love her!  I called 'I Love My Hair' a song in the title of this blog post, but I've been singing it like an athem. Yesterday I interviewed Joey Mazzarino, the head writer of Sesame Street for the Huffington Post.  He wrote the song to help make his daughter love her curls. It's a touching interview and goes more into depth then some of the stories you may have seen. You never know what impact your actions or work or creativity may have.  Read my interview "Sesame Street Writer Pens "I Love My Hair" Song to Empower Daughter."  And PLEASE share the article with others on Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, your blog, etc. I love my hair, I love my hair, la, la, la, la.

Comments

  1. My name is Cindy Hurst. Thank you so much for doing the story on the Sesame Street father. In 2009, I produced a documentary (Natural Woman) on the psychology of what occurs when African-American women chooses to stop straightening their hair at wear it naturally. I have also published the "Natural Mommy and Daughter Coloring Book" which is a coloring book filled with images of little girls wearing natural hair styles.

    In the past year, we have screened the documentary in colleges/universities across the nation. The screening entails viewing the documentary and afterwards, having an in depth panel discussion to talk about this long overdue topic. My documentary features well known psychologists, Dr. Naim Akbar and Dr. Kobi Kambon and everyday women and young girls telling their separate, yet interconnected hair journeys. I invite you to visit my website: www.naturalwomanfilm.com to watch the trailer of Natural Woman and to see more details regarding it.

    Again, thank you so much for continuing to shed light on this very important subject.

    With kindest regards,
    Cindy Hurst

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  2. Thanks Cindy for reading the article. Glad you liked it. I'd love to view your documentary. I've been playing with natural styles myself. It is liberating. And I don't care if rain drops hit my hair. I'll check out your website and contact you. I've read Dr. Akbar and I like his stuff.

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  3. What real African man doesn't like a nice pouffy afro? :)

    Maybe it's just me... then again, I wasn't raised around BET and blacksploitation TV programming (well, aside from the obviously ironic/comedic representations).

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  4. Hey Chinedu,
    You know I can't blame BET or blaxploitation on African-Amnericans insecurities with their hair. Actually it's an issue in the entire black diaspora. I've heard sistas from Africa and the Caribbean say the same thing. But this has been going on long b/f BET and other black media. I think they broadcast and reinforce the negative ideals of our hair that have been passed along since slavery. Thank you for your comment and I'm glad you're down with the Afro Puff. :)

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  5. I am late reading this, but this is so BOSS! I love it! It's about damn time!!

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  6. @ Amaya- Yeah this video went viral last fall. I still listen to it sometimes. It makes you feel good.

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