Black girls are lit! We are out here writing our own stories, taking control of our images and giving new multidimensional perspectives of what it means to be black and a woman in society. As trailblazers like Issa Rae, Jessica Williams and Lena Waithe are blowing up the simplistic depictions that have defined us through society, no longer are we relegated to stereotypical, one-dimensional narratives.
In the spirit of this particular brand of #blackgirlmagic, Lupita Nyong’o continuously annihilates stereotypes and stretching perceptions in real time. We can’t seem to take our eyes off of her remarkable beauty and tremendous growth as an entertainer and humanitarian.
Let’s take a look at the flawless evolution of the Kenyan-Mexican starlet.
1. The Making of Greatness
Lupita is the second born of six children to Dorothy and Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, a college professor turned politician and former Minister for Medical Services in the Kenyan government. Primed for excellence, it is no surprise that the Yale School of Drama and Hampshire College alumnus, who is fluent in four languages, has achieved so much in her career. She’s just warming up.
2. Academy Award Winning Actress
Although Lupita was grinding as an actress, writer, producer and director since 2008, it was her Academy Award Winning role as Patsey in the 2013 film, 12 Years a Slave that catapulted her into superstardom. In 2015, the actress commanded the stage in the Broadway play Eclipsed for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for best actress. Her recent role in the 2016 Disney film, Queen of Katwe is already generating Oscar buzz.
3. Fashion and Beauty Icon
Once the world got a glimpse of her flawless radiance, Lupita quickly became a fashion and beauty icon winning a coveted advertising contract with Lancôme and gracing countless magazine covers including Essence and Vogue.
4. The Princess of Poise
Aside from casually slaying long held beauty standards and effortlessly nailing every red carpet, Lupita consistently exudes an elegance and poise far beyond her years.
5. She Keeps it 100
Given her Hollywood elite pedestal, it would have been easy for Lupita to bask in that flawlessly confident image but instead, she uses her platform to reveal personal struggles to inspire confidence in other girls. At the 7th Annual Essence’s Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, Lupita addressed the issue of self-hate inflicted upon black girls who don’t meet the mainstream standard of beauty, revealing that there was a time in her life when she “prayed for lighter skin.”
6. Her Black is Beautiful
Lupita has spoken out on various occasions about the negative impact that the singular European beauty standard has on people of color. Tired though it may be, we all know that the stigma around complexion and colorism continue to persist. Lupita, in all of her radiant glory, changes those conversations, delivering messages of self-love to little black girls and boys all over the world. Lupita loves the kids.
7. Lupita Comes through for the Culture
As the Hollywood starlet solidifies her space in the industry, she continues to reveal her layers peeling back her squeaky clean image to expose the endearing personality we all knew was lurking behind that flawless smile. Oh, and did I mention, the girl drops bars!
8. Random fits of Unapologetic Fabulousness
And for no reason at all, here’s #LupitaNyongo with a hula hoop, in heels, in the Vogue offices. pic.twitter.com/fnbuvCFKLP
— Andrew LaSane (@laptop_lasane) October 24, 2016
Once you unleash the magic, there’s no reigning it in.
9. Lip Sync Battle Champ
Well damn Lupita. We…we had no idea. On Spike’s Lip Sync Battle, Lupita’s feminine prowess came full circle. Missed it? Watch it again, and again.
10. Blerd Queen
Doing the #SillySeal with my @QueenOfKatweMovie co-stars. #WerkItWednesday #Queening
A video posted by Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo) on
Whipping work in Marvel’s upcoming Black Panther film Lupita is winning as a cult film goddess and emerging as the ultimate blerd queen.
11. Lupita is Winning!
One time for Ms. Nyong’o out here living her best life in all these glorious layers of excellence.
We see you Lupita!
