Fundraising For: My Nappy Roots!

Okay, so a few years back (2/27/2007) I wrote about a film entitled, "My Nappy Roots," which to this day still receives comments and stirs conversation. As I spoke with the filmmaker in our first interview back in '07, the subject matter seemed controversial, too taboo for public discussion and for some, I thought it might even be offensive to say the least. However, I wrote the story - and have watched the ensuing dialogue unfold.

Fast forward a few years later (2009), Actor, Comedian, Entrepreneur Chris Rock - takes the premise introduced by Filmmaker Regina Kimbell in "My Nappy Roots" mainstream with his film "Good Hair." Yes, I am once again getting to the root of the socio-political and economic conversation that has gone on for generations. This "Good Hair", "Nappy Headed Child" thing that has brought divisions in the African/African-American community in general and some families specifically. Interestingly enough, the ongoing passion surrounding "HAIR-ITAGE" has help to build a multi-billion dollar hair care industry. To understand the full impact of this dialogue and the deep rooted emotions tied to hair in the African/African American tradition, please read my previous article here.

Now, without going into full detail here (see attached links for that), let's just say that the filmmaker, Regina Kimbell of My Nappy Roots fame, is back and wants to protect the integrity of her product and tell the story the way she had originally intended. Enter, "My Nappy ROOTS" Fundraiser - slated for April 24, 2010, in the Hollywood Hills of California.

Ms. Kimbell tells me that she not only wants this fundraiser to support completion of her film, the event "will support the indy voice, freedom of speech and a new distribution model for the old Hollywood way of doing business as usual." According to Kimbell's analysis, "for years Hollywood has always had a filtering system that would strain the unique films out of mainstream distribution. With accessibility via the internet, studios are freaking out because Hollywood does not quite know what makes the people really resonate with certain projects and films." In other words, with the loss of control of distribution similar to what is happening in the music industry - there is a power shift taking place clearly illustrating that the traditional systems and ways of doing business is changing rapidly. Kimbell is confident that like other independent voices - she and her team are primed to "make it happen."

In order for her work to have a lasting impact and community relevance, Kimbell and her team at MNR (MyNappy RootsMovement.com ) have partnered with Black Women for Wellness (www.BEELA.com) which promotes the health of Black women. "Their shared vision for empowering women of color by making them aware of the toxins they may be using on a daily basis is an idea whose time has come.Black women have a higher incidence of illness and death compared to any other race of women. This is why we are pledging percentage of our funds to support the important work Black Women for Wellness is doing in the community;" Kimbell shared.

So, as we move into a new age of awareness, conversation and business models, Regina Kimbell and her partners are hoping to lead the charge - they are knocking down doors and blazing trails to the entertainment industry with their films, events and unique projects.

Their endurance illustrates their commitment to telling their stories their way, while using innovation and talent. So, as new vision meets old - the movement continues; "Fundraising For: My Nappy ROOTS!"