This week, we're celebrating the black people magic of Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson, who became the first black women to win an Oscar in the category of best hair and makeup last weekend for their work on Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman in his final film role.
Mia Neal is a native of Gary, Indiana (who also wore a gorgeous gown designed by CD Greene, another native of Gary). In her acceptance speech, she honored her late grandfather, James Holland, who was a Tuskegee Airman, track star who represented the U.S. in the first Pan Am games, and served as deputy mayor of Gary. He was also a graduate of Northwestern at a time that blacks couldn’t live on campus, so he stayed at the local YMCA.
She told his story to “say thank you to our ancestors who put in the work, were denied, but never gave up.” Mia, that’s the very definition of black people magic… congratulations to you and Jamika!
& Remember to always celebrate your magic! xo