I arrived in NYC on Saturday night, reeling with nervous energy. Doped up on antibiotics, a night cap was out of the question, so I barricaded myself in my hotel room and called it one. Sunday came and I was up and at ’em by 5am, even though my alarm clock was set for 6:30… almost as if I could hear Gia dragging her sippy cup across the slats in her crib demanding milk #ThePeopleDemandMilk #Attica
Tried to practice in the mirror but felt silly, so I decided to clear my mind and fill the empty space with an incessant stream of Bey, Kanye and for some reason, Nicki Minaj. My phone was blowing up with text messages from Momma, Daddy and Hubby wishing me well, but the message from my Mother-in-law spoke volumes-
‘Don’t be nervous. You will be just like Tyra that time. You will be anointed. It won’t hit until it’s time. Luv you.’
I headed down to the breakfast buffet. Couldn’t eat. Balancing my ill packed garment bag and enormous purse on stilettos, I wobbled out of the hotel to the town car, threw everything in the back and told the driver to give me a sec so I could run back in to get some cash from the ATM. He said, ‘Don’t worry about a tip, the studio puts everybody in this hotel and it’s only 2 blocks from their front door.’ I thanked him, but still got some cash and 10 minutes later he dropped me off on a busy street. Standing in the midst of what I later found out was the beginning of the Puerto Rican Day parade, with a searing headache, I called hubby. Even with all of the technology in the world at my fingertips, I still
asked him, who was hundreds of miles away, where the nearest Walgreens was!
The conversation went something like this-
Hubby: Isn’t there a Walgreens at Time Square?
Me: I don’t know. How close is that?
Hubby: Aren’t you at 30 Rock?
Me: Oh Sh*t, um yeah, I guess so!
A wave of realization came over me and for some reason I turned around and looked at the building like Tracy Morgan was gonna run out and say something ignorant. All this time, I hadn’t put that together- MSNBC… NBC… 30 Rock, duh.
Even though on TV his skin can sometimes look like a well worn leather
boot, in person, it’s actually- get this – super smooth. And not just
regular smooth – its a baby’s butt wearing a silk diaper under a satin
onesie smooth!
I was honored to be included in such an illustrious panel. The hair, the credentials, the discussion… it was a good day.
Desire, cultural
critic Joan Morgan, and University of Pennsylvania professor Anthea Butler.
The Queen! MHP is amazingly talented, brilliant and even more beautiful in person. Love her!
Look closely. Recognize that natural beauty on the right? You should. That’s Traci ! CurlyNikki Idol alum, friend in my head (and now in real life!) and staff at MHP!
Nicole is STUNNING! #MajorGirlCrush
Shoes (old) from Nine West
And in case you missed it–
ORIGINAL POST
6/8/2011
Hola chicas,
I’ve been under the weather lately but I’m shimmying into my big girl drawers and making the trek to NYC to appear on MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry. The guest panel looks awesome and the discussion should be lively! So if you get the chance on Sunday, tune in at 11am EST to check it out, I’d appreciate the support.
Wish me luck!
Nik
p.s. For those that missed my interview with Melissa, click HERE!
"A wave of realization came over me and for some reason I turned around and looked at the building like Tracy Morgan was gonna run out and say something ignorant" loll, love 30 Rock. This whole experience (like I was there, lol), was really inspiring. I love seeing black women in politics. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing this so all could see what a fabulous segment you took part in. You were working it by the way! Go Nikki!
What a fabulous segment on MHP!!! I was watching her show and surfing on the net when I found out Nikki Walton was a guest on the show. I did miss the original air date but I'm thankful she included the photos and recap. Great discussion and what a distinguished panel.
Congratulations Nikki!!!
GREAT show! I am loving the fact that MHP had such segments on the show. Makes me proud to be a naturalista!
Congrats Nikki!
You are curly angel. You have been such an inspiration to so many..a blessing in my storm of endless hair issues thanks to years of chemical processing..thanks to you and your site I have the ability to be an example for my daughter of how to embrace all that is wonderful about being a natural diamond.
When you shine..we shine.. so shine on, Girl!!!
Congrats Nikki you looked soooo beautiful and fit right on in with the other ladies! Nicole's hair is gorgeous and compliments her so well.
Enjoyed the videos, thanks for sharing!
You looked gorgeous and you are very articulate, loved watching you. Congratulations on your book.
I DVR and watch MHP every week. I was so empowered and inspired from watching Sunday's show. The topic was about Black women and their hair. I loved it. I've been trying to decide whether or not I should wear braids for a while. I am going through menopause and my hair is going through a transition on it's own. I decided to try braids like the braids MHP wears. Perhaps I will go natural in the future. Again the show was inspiring and you all are so beautiful and dished out some great information!
this show is great…ladies keep this woman on air by watching every week. just like she said little blacks (and not so little black ladies like my self) are seeing her and being inspired!
A+++++ I already pre-ordered it on Amazon to my kindle. Good Job girl 🙂
You were awesome; expected nothing less. 😉 Loved the entire segment. Can't wait for the book! Love, love, love me some MHP ever since her days on Keith Olbermann.
Very interesting that MHP gets so many questions about her hair given all of the thought provoking topics she discusses. Loved how she broke it down!
Nikki! You looked stunning!! You're make up was perfect. I enjoyed watching the segments! May you have continued success!
awesome awesome show! so proud of you Nikki and I cant wait for your book to come out!
congratulations on your book and this segment on MHP was incredible, what an amazing roundtable!
Great discussion!!!
You were great and gorgeous! The 30 Rock story was hilarious 🙂
Just love MHP!
Loved your hair! You are my curly idol because you represent the definition of a black woman. You are educated hair working, helpful woman who is rocking the curls and not afraid. I am so grateful that I found your site it has helped me style my 3c/4a hair with ease. Thank you Nikki!
Love,
Megan Montgomery
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/better-than-good-hair-nikki-walton/1111397921
Awesome you can preorder the book at barnes and nobles for only 14.99$. Thanks or making this an affordable resource…I ain't got 35$ to spend on a book…though I prob would have bought it anyway. Thanks Nik, it's clear you really care about the community.
Brenda
You did awesome Nikki! And you looked absolutely stunning! I am so proud of you and I wish you continued success and God's blessings in your life! <3
Hello!
Welcome to NYC. Hope you had a great experience. The show was amazing!
Bobbie
Great job! Not only am I a big fan of your blog now, but also of the MHP show. Very thought provoking discussion, enjoyed every minute of it that I could online
Nikki, I had no idea you had a book! Def will be buying!!!
Go Nikki! I was actually nervous for you when it was your time to speak, lol. It's so interesting how connected we can feel to strangers through sharing our lives over the internet. You did a fantastic job. How wonderful is it to see this issue of Black women's hair on such a highly respected show?
Thank you all for these amazing comments and for all of your support! I'm so happy you enjoyed the discussion and I'm SO HAPPY TO BE BACK HOME!
xx
nik
The show was a.maz.ing. Beautiful well spoken, women, relevant topics. Take that BBW.
Great segment, Nikki!! I LOVED this discussion and you looked AMAZING as usual:)!!
Wonderful job Nikki! I enjoyed the panel interview and you looked absolutely amazing! Those dry twistouts are amazing!
For the record, I almost cried like five times watching you guys talk about little black girls and hair! You not only did an amazing job on the panel, but you look stunning! I will be purchasing the book!
your makeup was stunning…..tell us what they used on you????
you looked beautiful!
you looked beautiful!
Nikki didn't realize you had written a book! Excited for it!!
Excellent segment Nik! I do believe the the natural hair movement is political. It may not be political on an individual level, but as a collective movement it is definitely political. I agree with Ms. Morgan that we as black women have always been "studied" by the larger society and have become objectified in many ways throughout history. Therefore, regardless if we agree or not, our actions have political, social and economic connotations, especially when the hair industry numbers decreased in 2007 when more women began to move to natural hair.
Lol@" its a baby's butt wearing a silk diaper under a satin onesie smooth!" You have such a way with words. 🙂
Loved this show. You all were great! 🙂 And your makeup was fab. Loved the eyes.
That "Teachable Moment" is everything!
I definitely can say that my natural hair journey came out of a purely financial need. I was always in a relaxer until I had a financial set back in 2008. I had to cut out the things that I really could not afford to do anymore and one of those things was monthly trips to the salon. But over time I moved to wanting to be able to take care of my hair on my own so that I could have some control over what it looked like instead of relying on other people to make that happen for me. I don't regret the fact that I had this shift in my focus on my hair because I have never been happier with the way my hair looks and feels. So I'm glad that I had to make the decision to become natural because I don't know if I would have made that choice without some outside force pushing me to do so. LOVED the interview! Nikki you did a great job!
You did a wonderful job!! What an awesome panel! I didn't know that you are an author as well!
Great show Niki! You were fab as were all the ladies. Loved it 🙂
Great discussion! I love MPH and this panel was spot on. I love how Melissa broke down so much of the language for those ill-informed viewers she has. I guess THE REVOLUTION will be televised after all!!
Great Job Curly Nikki!! Absolutely loved seeing all of you discuss the politics of hair. It's still very political and personal on so many levels for many people. People are curious and some are critical. A platform like the one you were just on will help to enlighten millions of people. Congrats, thanks, and hugs!!
Elle L.
Saw you!!! I had everybody (natural and relaxed) that I knew watching. You looked beautiful and I only wish that the segment could have been longer!
You are simply amazing Nikki! Can't wait to order your book as soon as it hits the shelves!!! Great interview and panel! The UPenn Dr was beautiful and loved what she had to say about not being desirable to some men because of her hair. This topic is so deep even though it's.just.hair.!!!!!
It's been said before and I'll say it again, Thank you for representing us so well Nikki! So proud of you!
Aw Nikki, you are so pretty and well spoken!
I just watched the entire interview. OMG!!! So proud of all of you beautiful black woman. I am forwarding this interview to all the naysayers that speak negatively about ethnic hair.
You will be anointed-the wisdom of our elders!
Great job.
P.S. 30 Rock let you keep your devices because their security is more like the Secret Service bubble where devices are under surveillance so there is no need to confiscate them 😉
You looked absolutely gorgeous, it would have been a honor to be around such distinguished women. I know you did a fabulous job boo boo, lol!
Brooke B.
Nik, what an assortment of beautiful Black women! I too am crushing on Nicole. 🙂 Lovin the pix of you and Rev. Al. Thanks for letting us live vicariously. Love it!!
You sound like me with calling the hubs no matter how far away. I once called him from home because I thought I might have seen a snake in the garage — he was at work 30 miles away!!LOL!
I felt like my play cousin was on television. Congrats on the new book. How do you do it all?
You looked so cute like a little barbie doll. congrats. Btw, I love Nicole but she doesn't have a thing on you!
Nikki, you were incredible. I am 22 years old and I have never had a relaxer in my life. My childhood was full of many a press n' curl however the past few years I have worn my hair completely free of heat. Unfortunately I do not have the ability to do routine trims due to my religion (Apostolic/Pentecostal) However your blog and forums have been a literal godsend. I have learned so many techniques, styles and general hair care information via your resources. Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you again!!!!! May God continue to bless your efforts and I wish you all the best
Great interview. There was a good mix of hair types represented.
Congratulations, Nikki, on a job well done. You were so poised and articulate, as were all the panelists!
Loved it! Everyone did well. Now we need the deets on Nicole's hair routine and color! Absolutely love it!!! And congrats on the book…you are doing the damn thing!!!
watching it now and at work and I am def enjoying it!! And wait…you have a book coming out?? Why do I feel so late in knowing this lol. Congrats girl!
LOVED the Teachable Moment! Nikki I thought you did great and you looked SO PRETTY!!!!!
Nikki, you rocked! and Nicole is just stunning. #MajorMassiveGirlCrush!
Loooved it (in my best Oprah voice). Nikki, you were great and absolutely beautiful.It was so good to see all the naturals at the round table and all the versatility. I pray that the number of naturals increases, even if the natural is rocking braid with extensions because it will show that we as black women are in a good place with ourselves and how GOD made us.
and feel better!
Congrats Superstar. I missed the show this morning but please if there is a link to the interview post it! I would love to watch it!!!!
You looked awesome Nik! Great round table convo and how funny it was to hear you speaking, lol:)
Great job Nikki! Very interesting convo you guys had!
Congrats! So informative, and I like the mixture of guests: academia, entertainment and entrepreneur.
Thanks for the link Janel21 – I don't watch television and I'm at church when this show airs, so I wouldn't have been able to view it at anyone's.
thank you for informing us about the show. i tuned in and enjoyed the discussion.
Anonymous 4:54 keep on going. Don't give in. The Curly Girl Handbook may continue to inspire you. I was reading how even for non blacks "curls" have been political; so I understand the curly girl struggle.
But that said: CN I was glad to see the cross section of views. I think curls are here to stay and I like that you related it to environmental and lifestyle issues as well; political + reality issues equals curls are here to stay. And I was super proud to see my sister rockin the gray. At some point in the journey to embracing who you are, embracing the ease of lifestyle gray hair will come into play for many (not all…I know some will never embrace it) But that sister with the gray hair afro was smoking. I loved her whole look.
It would have been great to see a special where some of the multicultural hair entrepreneurs were shown also. I know this is around the corner.
Thanks for showing up at the interview. Your points as well as the rest of the panel were made well.
Nicole Ari Parker, looked absolutely stunning on the show and Nikki you look cute as a button and I was thinking I finally heard your voice…lol…after reading your words so many times.
You were fantastic today on Melissa Harris Perry!! I went natural in 1989 when it certainly not the thing to do and to see such a panel today was blessing to my heart, I have lived for the day when being natural would be viewed as yet another beautiful option. We still have more work to do, when strangers stop touching my hair to see if it's real, maybe that will mark the day that natural hair will truly be a common phenomenon. Until then keep up the excellent work. 🙂
Uhmmmm….how come we're just hearing about this book with the rest of tne world? I'm mad but still so happy for Nikki! Congratulations!!
Great job!
That was a GREAT segment on MHP! I'm white and Jewish with curly, frizzy hair. I'm 58 and about 10 years ago I made my peace with my hair after fighting it all my life. My hair has never been healthier, and healthy always looks best! The other day a friend suggested (for the second time) that I should straighten it! I told her I don't look good with straight hair. I might have been insulted or hurt by this comment when I was younger, but I realized she said it because she was still fighting her own battle with curly hair! There's no greater zealot than a convert, and I believe that all women, black or white should stop perming. To me a curly perm looks as bad on a woman with straight hair as a straight perm does on a woman with curly hair! I went to high school in the late 60's and all the girls of African-American descent had natural hair (except for one girl who was a cheerleader and hung out with all the WASP kids). I always thought they look so beautiful and cool with their soft bouncy halos, and I've never understood why black women went back to perming. I guess it's a sign of how far we've gone back to the future, and those halcyon days of progressiveness have become a distant memory. I DO think hair is political and when I see evidence that there's a renewed movement by black women to embrace their natural hair, it gives me a glimmer of hope that the culture and politics will start turning toward progressive values as well.
Thanks Janel21 for the link. I do not have cable.
Just finished watching (DVR'd). Great job Nik. It was very informative and exciting to see all these beautiful, intelligent black women having this discussion. I just wish it could have lasted longer. Thank you and the ladies for representing us so well. Can't wait to get that book!
You did a great job. Wonderful discussion! P.S. your hair was so full and lush! Details Details Nik……
GREAT segment!! It's a BIG discussion and I can't wait for MORE segments 🙂
Caught the last half of the show. You did great Alicia! I also loved a lot of Nicole Ari Parker's comments as well. Congrats to you and much continued success. Oh… where can I purchase your new book?
Coming back to say that was an absolutely wonderful show! My mom (also natural) and I were completely engaged. It was a beautiful thing to see all of you educated black women address this important issue with intelligence and relevance. I could have watched for another hour.
Just watched the show (DVR). Loved how the topic was presented as well as the knowledge/charisma of the entire panel. So proud of you Nikki. I've been a fan of your work for a long time. Now to see you on national political panels, new book on the way, etc. is like seeing a family member reaching all her goals. We are so happy for you and proud of you. Keep up the good work!
I am de-lurking to say Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, CN! I almost hollered and cried when I saw you on MHP's show. You did wonderfully and addressed many of the natural hair community's varied issues. I felt so proud of you and the other beautiful sisters on the panel. Onward and upward, onward and upward!
Trina
I just finished watching (DVRed on a newborn sleeping schedule lol). I really enjoyed it and you looked fabulous! Thanks for continuing to provide a platform for us to share and learn!
Nikki, the show was absolutely fantastic! I never really watched MHP's show before, but now…OMG, I'm loving it! And love her even more for having this topic on her show! I am truly excited for you Nikki! You were awesome, and might I add gorgeous on the panel! I was very excited to see all those beautiful, natural ladies on the panel. You guys did a wonderful job!!!! So happy I DVR'd it because I'll probably watch you all's segment again! LOL!
Natural83
Watched the show.. the panel was great. Four different hair styles which showed the versatility of black hair.
Watched the show.. the panel was great. Four different hair styles which showed the versatility of black hair.
You did well on MHP this morning CN. Kudos to the hair for holding up in June humidity! The transitioning – vampire analogy by Professor Morgan was classic. I wish the discussion regarding the economic impact of Black women and their hair care purchases could have been explored more…However it was great to see 5 smart Sisters talking about Black identity on a Sunday morning on MSNBC!
Loved the whole thing! MHP brought it home with the teachable moment!! LOL!! she thought of people passing on or vampires when using the word transition. Beautiful, intelligent women having a great discussion! You go Miss Nik! I didn't know you had a book coming out. Congrats!
Great interview Nikki! You did a great job explaining the politics of our hair!
Nikki you did an awesome job!!! You looked gorgeous! The hair…that BLAZER! What???!!! Perfect! The entire segment was wonderful! Melissa really broke the hair thing down for everyone! This was one of the best and most encompassing hair convos I've ever witnessed on television. The panel was great and Nikki you were the perfect addition. I hated to see the segment end. This was my first time watching but I will be tuning in again. I really like the show. Oh and I can't wait for the book Nikki 🙂 Doing big things lady! Congrats!
It's posted online now. 🙂 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46979745/#47755433
Nik, I watched the show this morning. All of you ladies were stunning! Loved the makeup!
The content was rich and timely! Melissa's prologue, "Teachable Moment" was informative and witty.
I wonder what the response will be from the wider MSNBC audience….
I saw the segment and it was great. I also liked the diversity of the women's hair that was shown.
Beautiful, all of them. 🙂
I loved the show!!! I've never been more proud to be a Black woman…and a natural one at that. Thanks for representing Nikki!
i caught a little bit after running errands–at the car wash! the white people were looking like why is msnbc talking about black hair?
and why are the only 2 ladies of the darker persuasion in here staring so intently 🙂
awesome awesome awesome! please post it on the site so i can watch it in its entirety!
Love YOU Lil LADY!! Please post the piece from Today "Politics of Hair" very insightful piece!!
You looked beautiful!!! You and the other participants clearly spoke the truth about the politics of black hair…and looked good doing it!!!
Great discussion.
I think it's sad that natural hair is viewed as political, why does my hair need to be straight to make some people comfortable?!
Great job on the MHP show!!!! I love seeing educated black woman in a open discussing issues related to us!!!
It was such an interesting conversation. You did a great job and all looked so beautiful. So proud to see educated black women having interesting and culturally relevant discourse.
So happy I was able to catch the segment. The discussion was great and the entire panel looked beautiful. Only reaffirmed my decision to go natural!
Nikki, you look great ! Your hair looks so amazing in person and you look stellar ! Glad to see you on the show!
Also in the seventies we wore our hair natural and we had a great Pride in wearing it for who we are, BRING IT BACK!!!!
I am seeing MHP and love that Black Women look so beautiful with different styles, and yes we love to get our hair done, but I am happy for our natural look coming back because there are women who only make $7.50 an hour and cannot go to the Salon often, so to come back to the natural look is great!!
Love this segment on MHP! This is the first time I've read this blog and I'm impressed! I will note that there was a conservative blogger who said the Obama girls looked like "Ghetto trash" because they had braids in the summer!
ROTFL, had to post this: "When I think of transitioning, I think of people dying, or I think of vampires." – Joan Morgan
I see you I see you! What a good dialogue.
Nikki, I'm watching you now and you look absolutely beautiful!!! I love the way you and the other ladies are handling the subject. Keep up the excellent work and I look forward to purchasing your book when it becomes available.
Wendy 🙂
Watching now – your doing fabulous!
It's on in 5! Anyone else watching and ready to livecomment?
No, you didn't miss it.
Did I miss it? It's 11 and I just found out the show actually started at 10. Now they are talking about minimum wage 🙁
Tuned in and got my coffee. Congrats, Nikki!!!
Should be interested. I wonder what they'll be talking about. Twitter is abuzz with a certain celebrity who said I don't wanna talk about my natural hair no damn mo. I will be tuned in. Are we reaching the tipping point with the curly hair thing? what does this mean? I saw comments where naturals were saying that twist outs is the new relaxer. Where are we headed? No pun intended.
Setting my DVR now.
Good luck Nikki. Can't wait to see the show.
DVR cued up!
I love MHP! I tune in every weekend and I love CN! Congrats!!
I'm so excited!
I never miss the show. By the way the show actually comes on at 10am EST. Is it that you will be on at 11am?
Awesome Nikki! I'll tune in for you!
Woot woot! I will be watching! Congrats!
Definitely gonna tune in!
I love love love Mrs Melissa! I watch her show each weekend, that is if I don't have anything to do that weekend or haven't over-slept, lol.
But yeah MHP + CurlyNikki = one very excited viewer. I will definitely be tuning in. Congratulations!!!!!
I can't wait to see you on t.v. I missed you on Tyra. I wonder how you going do your hair braidout,twist out, or twist and curl. I guess I have to tune in. Good luck girl go rock that interview.
Megan Montgomery
Congratulations on the TV Appearance. Good luck and keep up the great work!!!
Way to represent, Nik! Now let's get back to bid-ness (channeling my Beyonce)…what are you wearing?
Omg! I'm so excited to watch! I love her weekend show…and obviously, curlynikki.com. Congrats on the appearance!
Congrats and good luck! Go for post-TV sangria and open-air DJing at Cafe Noir in SoHo if you get the chance.
Good luck you will do wonderfully cause you're very knowledgeable
Brooke B.
Good Luck Boo!!! You deserve all of your success!
Good luck! You will do great. I will be at church at that hour so will not watch.
YAY Nik!!!! I'll be watching. Let's have a code word or signal (Like Carrol Burnett used to do) as a special shout out to all of us tuning in……..Hmmmmmmmm! Mention "Hair Grease" or scratch your forehead. No the forehead thing may look tacky. Um….ok, just pull your earlobe (not original) and then tell MHP that's the curlygirl code!
Yeah Boi!
You will do just fine! I'm a regular watcher of the MHP show, I'm excited for you! Make sure you study because she does give pop quizes!!
Wow that's awesome!
I will definitely tune in!! Love some MHP! Can't wait to see you in Charlotte. Queen-sized Curls for Queen City baby!