No, she isn't 40 yet. In fact, she's barely over 30 (made 31 last week), but Lupita Nyong'o is without question hollywood's "It" girl and she has taken the 2014 awards season by storm with her flawless red carpet appearances and magnanimous speeches. Last week she delivered the one below at the Essence Magazine's Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. Chances are if you are 40 or older (or younger) you may not have seen an tinsel town darling the likes of Ms. Nyong'o in your lifetime. We may all remember when Halle Berry was the talk of the town, and she has had her share of red carpet moments and of course Viola spun us into a frenzy with her natural hair reveal at last year's ceremony, but I have never seen Hollywood (read: white folk) share mutual admiration for a black actress - especially, a velvety, dark, brown, wonder like Lupita. She has been heralded as a boost for Black women every where, but in particular little black girls, and to our absolute delight she relishes the role. This speech below, along with her Academy Award acceptance speech are clear evidence that the world is being served Black Girl Magic of a kind they may not be familiar with, but that we know is all too well. 

 

The speech below moved me deeply. I took it with me to show the young girls I work with and start a conversation a different conversation about skin color and beauty in general. I am suggesting that you find a little girl who looks like you, no matter what shade she is and sit her down to listen to both of these acceptance speeches, they might just be the thing that she needs to hear at this point in her life. Pop culture gets a bad rap for exacerbating the worst parts of society, but indeed pop culture also provides opportunities to highlight the best parts and the celebration of all things Lupita is one of the best parts. 

 

Enjoy.