After the "Million Hoodie March" today, I got to thinking, "What more can we do?"  We walked, chanted, yelled, and shouted "I am Trayvon!" countless times.  But "What more can we do?"  I found three things we ALL can do after some quick research.  Please take the time and DO MORE than buy tea, skittles, and hoodies.  I WILL!

It’s time for us to take action. Here are three easy things you can do to pressure those in power to arrest and prosecute Zimmerman.

    1. Sign the Change.org petition started by Trayvon’s family. With 1.5 million people having signed, the more voices that sign this petition, the harder it is to ignore.

    2. Pressure the state’s attorney responsible for the 18th district to do everything in their power to prosecute Zimmerman to the full extent of the law. You must call between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday – Friday. Get to an operator and ask to speak to the receptionist for Norm Wolfinger.

On Saturday, November 6^th, 2010, Rochelle Graham-Campbell, also known by her Youtube subscribers as Black Onyx, hosted the Fabulously Unique Natural Hair Affair. Rochelle Graham is the CEO and President of Alikay Naturals, a natural hair care line. She is also the CEO and President of Nyamani Chic, a jewelry and accessory line. This event was held at the Sons of Italy Lodge in South Tampa from 10am to 4pm. There were a variety of panelists who shared valuable information to the attendees through discussion panels. The panelists were Rochelle Graham-Campbell, Denitrika Craig, Nina Ellis Hervey, Mofe Tyehimba, Marlene Moulton, M.D., and Phyllis Allen. These discussion panel topics included natural hair, locs and sisterlocs, and health and wellness.

Mrs. Graham-Campbell began the first discussion panel with a helpful technique when washing natural hair. She stated that she usually parts her hair into eight to ten sections with duck bill clips. She is sure not to use too much shampoo. She also doesn’t wash the conditioner completely out in order to keep her hair sealed. She then adds her own oils. Ms. Craig stated that she washes her hair with purified water to help guard against buildup. Ms. Tyehimba stated that locs should be bundled when washing so they don’t come loose. She also stated that less conditioner is best so as to not create a buildup in the locs. Ms. Allen advised “naturals” on appropriate trimming. She stated, “When you begin to comb your hair and go ‘uh, uh’, it’s time for a trim.

The attendees were also exposed to a variety of new terminologies and hair care techniques which were taught by the panelists. Mrs. Graham-Campbell taught the co-washing technique which is when hair is washed with conditioner only. This technique enables the hair to be moisturized without stripping. Ms. Hervey taught the finger-combing technique which is when the hair is completely drenched in conditioner and the fingers are used as a comb. There were also teachings about hair cleansing, loc trimming, breakage, deep treatments, detangling, and hair growth cycles.

Dr. Moulton provided useful information during the health and wellness panel. She informed attendees to have themselves screened for anemia if their hair is shedding or in poor health. She also recommended being screened for thyroid if their hair is extra dry, thin, or oily. She encouraged the attendees to take care of their three selves; spiritual, psychological, and physical. Ms. Hervey also contributed to this panel by sharing her weight loss journey. She lost 80 to 100 pounds in a year.

The “Fabulous Naturals” Hair Show was phenomenal. There was an assortment of hairstyles showcased such as afros, twist-outs, Mohawks, single-strand twists, braided and twisted extensions, and styled locs. The models were all adorning intricately crafted clutches which were designed by the host herself.

There were also a number of vendors which included, but was not limited to, Badar’s Hair & All (Badar Unmsa), Wild Queendom (Sherelle Dozier), GL Accessories (Gwendolyn Lancaster), No More Limitz- Organo Gold (Kennard Blyden), Geseen (Shenikah Garcia), Hair It Iz Salon (Marlo Scott), Naturally Divine Co. Jewelry (Pamela Robinson), Heavily Rooted (Denitrika Craig), Nubian Knots Salon (Mofe Tyehimba), Phil Rich International Salon (Phyllis Allen), and Beautiful Brwn Baby Dol (Nina Ellis Hervey).

In the words of Mrs. Rochelle Graham-Campbell, “You don’t have to be limited when you decide to go natural. We are fabulous and fierce so rock it!”

VENDOR WEBSITES:

http://www.blackonyxworld.com

http://www.badarshairandall.com

http://www.wildqueendom.etsy.com

http://www.glaccessories.etsy.com

http://www.nomorelimitz.com

http://www.geseennaturalbeauty.com

http://www.hairitizsalon.com

http://www.naturallydivineco.com

http://www.heavilyrooted.com

http://www.nubianknots.tripod.com

http://www.philrichintl.com

http://www.beautifulbrwnbabydol.com