Black & Plastic…

It was announced that Eartha Kitt recently passed away at the age of 81, of colon cancer. While many know of Ms. Kitt as a 1-woman showstopper, self-proclaimed sex kitten, 1st black Catwoman with the infamous puurrrrrrrrrrrrr…many DO NOT know that it took all of her strength and resolve in her formative years to be who we know her as today.

Eartha Kitt’s unique look: wide-set yet pentrating eyes, strong jawline, wide small, one dimple, light skin was the product of a mixed relationship.  While it doesn’t make headlines today-in Ms. Kitt’s time she was shunned.  Not only by school aged children, but her family as well.  When Ms. Kitt’s mother married he accepted Eartha’s sister-but not her.  Ms. Kitt was sent to live with a neighbor and then an aunt.  Her tumultuous younger years would haunt her for the rest of her life.

The beauty of  Ms. kitt is that she did not allow her troubles to overtake her.  She fought against the odds, and her stubborness propelled her to survive…proved to be what has driven her up until her death.  Yes she was beautiful on the outside.  But her inner beauty resounded moreso.  It was that inner beauty and strength which allowed her, a black woman, to stand up to first lady Lady Bird Johnson and speak on behalf of youth.  It was her strength that allowed her to persevere during blacklisting. And it was her inner beauty that transcended time, winning new fans up until recently.  Inner beauty cannot be bought, purchased, order, made, created, stolen, or bartered.  It is a gift that is nurtured and treasured.  It was a gift that was treasured by our gift…Eartha Kitt. 

RIP, Ms. Kitt