To kick off their latest national campaign ‘My Pride. My Way,’ African Pride, the olive oil-infused hair-care product line, headed to the King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta to host a star-studded evening of fun. The star of TV One’s upcoming show ‘The Ultimate Merger’ and former ‘America’s Next Top Model’ contestant Toccara Jones teamed with ‘House of Payne’ actor Lance Gross to host the evening of festivities.
‘Cosby Show’ actress Keisha Knight Pulliam, who just wrapped filming the 200th episode of TBS’ ‘House of Payne,’ came out to support her co-star.
“Honestly, I just came to support. I think it’s definitely important for women to embrace whatever hair they have that God has given you,” Pulliam told BlackVoices.com.
“As black women, we are so diverse and have all different types of hair, whether it is curly or kinky, short or long, it’s yours — and a reflection of your style. I think it’s fine to do it all. Hair is an accessory. I have natural hair, but I may throw in a clip-in piece in a minute, and there’s nothing wrong with it. The versatility is what’s so fun.”Gross revealed that he isn’t picky when it comes to preference for black women’s hair.
“I believe in black women taking care of their hair, and they can take care of it with African Pride [laughs]. I like all kinds of hair, whether it’s natural or weave, as long as it’s tight,” Gross shared.
He also was candid about his dating life and how he’s bounced back since being engaged to model/actress Eva Marcille.
“It was tough because it was in the public eye,” he confided. “I learned a lot from that relationship. It got sticky at times and we went to Twitter and stuff, but since the last time we talked, if we have problems with each other, we will call each other up,” he said. “I am dating. I’m at a very good place in my life. If you would have asked me a couple of months ago, I would have said, ‘No, I’m not going to be in a serious relationship,’ but I’m at the place now where I’m ready for that.”
So So Def Recording artist Dondria took the stage following hair demonstrations, makeovers and consultations by style experts, to perform her hit song ‘You’re the One.’
Fitness coach and actress A.J. Johnson, hairstylist Derek J and ‘Days of our Lives’ actor Duane Mclaughlin were just a few of the other notables at the My Pride event.
The campaign’s next stop will be at the 2011 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this July. Charlene Bastien, the company’s national sales and marketing director, is proud of the Atlanta kickoff and how it represents black women.
“African Pride to us is more than a brand, it’s a movement. Whether you wear weave, braids, locks or twists, there’s something in the brand that speaks to every woman. It is about us supporting each other and beauty. I think our brand really celebrates that,” Bastien stated.
“Atlanta is where it starts. Atlanta women are some of the most beautiful women, and they really celebrate in any given way. It’s been wonderful.”
