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The Colored Girl Beautiful
The Colored Girl Beautiful is a book by E. Azalia Hackley that celebrates the beauty and achievements of African American women. It was first published in 1916 and is considered a landmark work in African American literature. The book features a collection of essays, poems, and stories that explore the experiences of Black women in America, from slavery to the present day. Hackley's writing is passionate and inspiring, and she highlights the many contributions that Black women have made to society, despite facing discrimination and marginalization. The Colored Girl Beautiful is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and beauty of African American women, and it continues to be an important work in the canon of Black literature.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
206 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 2, 2017
The book was compiled from the author's "talk" with some girls in coloured boarding schools.
Just before the Dean closed the door to leave her alone with the girls, she asked him, "What shall I talk about?" The Dean said, "Tell them anything you think they should know. They will believe an experienced woman like you who travels and knows the world and life."
So that's how it all began.
*************
We all know that "coloured people" means Negro people or people with dark skin. This message of this books isn't just limited for some certain group of people. The message is global. It bears the message of good humanity & feminism.
Even though the title says "The Colored Girl Beautiful", the author didn't forget to include men in it. She said how coloured men & women are no less beautiful, talented, powerful or strong than people of any other race. Both men & women are in charge of their own beauty. Others can't make them feel beautiful if they don't. They are the doctors to heal the wound or "spots" that other people leave on them.
As I dived deeper into the book, I found this book isn't just for coloured people. It's for every human being. The author told women how she should get herself treated by others, how she SHOULD treat herself, how to be a good daughter, wife or mother. It seemed the author wrote down her own dreams in there.
She also told men to be gentle & respect the women. To not raise hand on his woman no matter what.
**********
Had my 15 year old self read the book, I would have been more mentally strong person than I am today. Being the only dark skinned girl in the family, I grew up being teased & bullied which still hasn't stopped completely. I did outcaste myself for several years just to avoid any kind of family or social gatherings. Because I knew once "they" are around me. They'll be on the mission of making me white.
But I should have known that I shouldn't have let other people define me or their definition of beauty bother me. Many girls in our country as long as around the world feel less confidence because of such thing.
Every time I read such book, I find my strength & voice back. So I recommend this to every girl to read. Some of the "talks" might sound "old" which it is as the book had been written 100 years ago. But the words are strong enough.
Just before the Dean closed the door to leave her alone with the girls, she asked him, "What shall I talk about?" The Dean said, "Tell them anything you think they should know. They will believe an experienced woman like you who travels and knows the world and life."
So that's how it all began.
*************
We all know that "coloured people" means Negro people or people with dark skin. This message of this books isn't just limited for some certain group of people. The message is global. It bears the message of good humanity & feminism.
Even though the title says "The Colored Girl Beautiful", the author didn't forget to include men in it. She said how coloured men & women are no less beautiful, talented, powerful or strong than people of any other race. Both men & women are in charge of their own beauty. Others can't make them feel beautiful if they don't. They are the doctors to heal the wound or "spots" that other people leave on them.
As I dived deeper into the book, I found this book isn't just for coloured people. It's for every human being. The author told women how she should get herself treated by others, how she SHOULD treat herself, how to be a good daughter, wife or mother. It seemed the author wrote down her own dreams in there.
She also told men to be gentle & respect the women. To not raise hand on his woman no matter what.
**********
Had my 15 year old self read the book, I would have been more mentally strong person than I am today. Being the only dark skinned girl in the family, I grew up being teased & bullied which still hasn't stopped completely. I did outcaste myself for several years just to avoid any kind of family or social gatherings. Because I knew once "they" are around me. They'll be on the mission of making me white.
But I should have known that I shouldn't have let other people define me or their definition of beauty bother me. Many girls in our country as long as around the world feel less confidence because of such thing.
Every time I read such book, I find my strength & voice back. So I recommend this to every girl to read. Some of the "talks" might sound "old" which it is as the book had been written 100 years ago. But the words are strong enough.
June 8, 2018
This is another painful piece of history
Written in 1916, the emphasis is the responsibility for each individual to do their part to 'raise the race'. But, oh, just once I wish the Author had written: you are beautiful just as you are! The discussion about the removal of 'spots' that aren't attractive include closing one's mouth so as not to emphasize the size of one's lips! As I said, a painful part of history. However, it says more painful things about white culture of the time, than it says about blacks.
Written in 1916, the emphasis is the responsibility for each individual to do their part to 'raise the race'. But, oh, just once I wish the Author had written: you are beautiful just as you are! The discussion about the removal of 'spots' that aren't attractive include closing one's mouth so as not to emphasize the size of one's lips! As I said, a painful part of history. However, it says more painful things about white culture of the time, than it says about blacks.
March 14, 2021
Some pearls or words of wisdom transcend time. Words of wisdom like respect yourself and carry yourself in such a way that commands respect from others. Wisdom like study your and other histories. Be disciplined. Learn self-control. These are just a few pearls and words of wisdom that is just as valuable and important in 1916 as they are today. Other words of wisdom are for the time period in which they were given. Nonetheless, Ms. Hackley set a foundation and standard for both young women and men to at least pay attention and follow.
March 18, 2020
Fascinating look at the turn of the 20th century for black women. Although a lot of her tips were meant to be "pleasing" and not disruptive, the author again and again stresses the need to "advance the race."
January 20, 2012
I would recommend reading an abbreviated biography of the author prior to reading the book in order to "set the stage" for the context of the book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews