Advertise on podcast: Vixen: Black Beauty and Pop Culture

In this episode, we trace the history of JET’s Beauty of the Week feature, from its 1950's origins, through its cultural peak! We break down the conversations around colorism, sexuality, and representation that shaped page 43 of one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of black media. You can keep up with all things Vixen by finding links at https://linktr.ee/thevixenmemoirs, and if you’d like to sign up for the monthly newsletter, The Vixen Index, head to the website: ​​https://www.thevixenmemoirs.com/.  Thank You’s: VHS Logos On Soundcloud Dania Denise + Natasha Raisor  "Exploring Black Sexuality" By Robert Staples "Black Is Beautiful: JET Beauties of the Week" By LaMonte McLemore “The Beauty Standard Trade-Off: How Ebony, Essence, and Jet Magazine Represent African American/Black Female Beauty in Advertising” By Jerrika M. Anderson Edwards “Body Shape and Size Depictions of African American Women in Jet Magazine” By Scott Parker, James J Gray, José Angel Soto, And Nana Dawson-Andoh Mentioned:  The New Yorker AndScape (formerly The Undefeated) Let It Be Known News AdAge Las Vegas Black Image

In the early 2000s, Blu Cantrell stepped on the scene with the looks, the voice, the style, and a chart-topping debut. However, as rumors got louder and the industry shifted, she disappeared from the public eye. What happened? In this episode, we revisit Blu’s career and examine how talent can be overshadowed by headlines, and how quickly the GP moves on. Stay to the end for a personal update on where I’ve been and what’s next!  You can keep up with all things Vixen by finding links at https://linktr.ee/thevixenmemoirs, and if you’d like to sign up to the upcoming monthly newsletter, The Vixen Index, head to the website: ​​https://www.thevixenmemoirs.com/.  Thank You’s: VHS Logos On Soundcloud BourgeoisGhetto On Instagram "Shakin' Exploitation: Black Female Bodies in Contemporary Hip Hop And Pornography" By Amber Walker  Mentioned: Metro, The Guardian, The Independent, Women’s Wear Daily, YouKnowIGotSoul.Com 

Back for a bonus episode! Join me as I talk with Danyel Smith, author, writer, and host of the Black Girl Songbook podcast about her brand new book, Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop!  We discuss the impactful careers of three of the many women highlighted in the book- Diana Ross,  Aretha Franklin, and Stephanie Mills. Later, we talk about Danyel's connection to these three women, and get up close and personal with her about the music she loves!   Buy Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop: https://rb.gy/ukad6d Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

On this season's film review finale episode, we talk about Southern Black Gothic movies centered around black girlhood- specifically Beloved and Eve's Bayou. We're back with a BRAND NEW SEASON on 5.11.22! ⁠ Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

Today's episode is the second and final part of a two-part series on the history of black beauty pageants! This one talks about Miss Black USA, the uniqueness of the pageant's mission, and controversy over the years.  Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

Today's episode is the first part of a two-part series on the history of black beauty pageants! Today, we talk about the inception of Miss Black America pageant and how it progressed over the years. Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

On this week's episode, we talk about the life and career of Zelda Wynn Valdes, her black starlet clientele, and the innovative moves she made to propel the fashion world forward.  Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

Sadia Morrison was a promising, determined, young stylist and image consultant with a very bright future. Then, she was found behind the Highbridge Projects in the Bronx. What happened to Sadia? Trigger Warning: in this episode, we discuss the topics of suicide and murder. Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

Today's episode talks about the short (or was it?) life of Esther 'Baby Esther' Jones, the young black singer, dancer, and entertainer who was the inspiration behind the iconic Betty Boop character. Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

This week we've got a bonus episode centered around the Black Girl Luxury phenomenon currently taking the Internet by storm. Where did it come from? What defines 'luxury'? Is the popularity of this 'movement' helpful or harmful (or a mix of both) for black girls?  Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

Today's episode is all about artist and muse Lithofayne Pridgon, also known as 'Fayne' or 'Faye.' We talk her childhood in Dirty Spoon, GA,  moving to the big city, and her relationships with Willie John, Sam Cooke, and of course, Jimi Hendrix.  Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

Today we're talking Esther Baxter- one of the most recognizable and successful video vixens to ever do it! Let's talk about her early life, how she got into urban modeling, her acting career, and what she's up to now.  Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

Today's episode follows the life of Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek. We discuss her life in Wau, Sudan, being discovered in a market, and her ongoing career as a supermodel, muse, and humanitarian.  Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With Code: VIXEN Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

SEASON 5! Let's talk about short-lived 90's girl group duo, Zhane, their rise to fame, their breakup, and the success both members had outside of the group.   Ooo That's My Jam Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ooo-thats-my-jam/id1603100355?i=1000547444783 Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With Code: VIXEN Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]

Halloween edition bonus episode, focusing on the real events that inspired the urban legend cult classic film, Candyman. Ruthie Mae McCoy was a poor, black woman living with schizophrenia in the Abbott Homes on the west side of Chicago when she was brutally murdered.  What happened? Tola Maria Life Coach: www.tolamariaadeyinka.com Get 20% OFF Single Sessions & 12% OFF Group  Sessions With CODE: VIXEN! Instagram: @THEVIXENMEMOIRS Join the Book Club: WWW.THEVIXENMEMOIRS.COM Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thevixenmemoirs Music: https://soundcloud.com/vhslogos  Submissions: [email protected]