Our favorite naturals in the ’90s helped to shape who we are today. They were role models, fashion inspirations and constant reminders of our #BlackGirlMagic. Here are 51 things that our favorite naturalistas taught us that we’re oh-so-grateful for.

1. When to tell the truth

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2. Simultaneously, when to hold your tongue

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3. That peer pressure is all around you

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4. And not to fall for it

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5. That people will judge you based off of your looks

6. But style and personality are just that — personal.

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7. And they get better with time

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8. That rapping isn’t just for the boys (Peep MC Lyte in the Background)

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9. And neither is dancing

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10. That these men will be threatened by your strength

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11. But the only person whose opinion matters is yours

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12. And no dream is too big

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13. How to stand up for yourself

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14. How to prioritize a well-rounded life

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15. How to address someone touching your hair (No matter how fine they are)

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16. How to pray

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17. How to defy gravity #afrogoals

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18. How to have ownership over your sexuality

19. How to address negative natural hair comments

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20. And how to DEMAND respect

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21. That love can be found anywhere and in anyone

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22. And we are here for love in any kind of way.

23. Especially SELF-LOVE

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Say it again!

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24. That curl power defines girl power

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25. That sisterhood is LOVE

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26. And we all need sisterhood at some point.

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27. To not only think critically

28. But to live critically

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29. And to be self-aware

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30. But self-awareness and self-love will still take time.

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31. How to pack

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32. How to throw and evade the shade

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33. How to be trill

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34. How to be smooth

35. And know that you can be both at the same damn time

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36. Because you aren’t one dimensional

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37. That people will disrespect you

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38. And to never forget it

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39. That sometimes your love interest might call back

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40. But sometimes you would have been better off without them

41. So don’t fall for anyone’s games

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42. Because actions speak louder than words

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43. That becoming an adult is hard

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44. And you will make mistakes

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45. And you will disappoint yourself

46. And sometimes you’ll feel like giving up

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47. But find your peace of mind

48. Tell your insecurities where to go

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49. Find your light.

50. And be you your own hype woman.

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51. Because you always got you, QUEEN.

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Girl, you said that.

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What have you learned from being a fabulous naturalista? Let’s chat below!


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Hey, I’m Ashley. A Bay-area-bread gif connoisseur and natural hair aficionado. Sometimes I stand behind a camera, sometimes I’m in front of it. We can be friends as long as you can sing all the words to the ‘A Different World’ intro. Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat @yesfredia.