What’s the deal with New York’s latest statue?

Singer, Lizzo posing in front of the Thomas J Price scuplture of a black woman in Times Square

Originally Published April, 30th 2025

Explaining the online discourse within the black community of the Thomas J Price scuplture of a black woman in Times Square.

Mid-April 2025, artist Thomas J Price unveiled his latest artwork titled “Grounded in the Stars” . Grounded in the Stars depicts a Black woman made of bronze, as the woman wears her natural hair in plaits. The piece of work stands 12 feet high, and the woman is full figured proudly wearing her curves. The woman is also wearing simply a t-shirt and jeans with her hands on the backside of her hips. Standing tall in the middle of Times Square. She is put on display until mid-June of 2025.

The statue is Thomas J. Price does a wonderful job of visualizing the features of black women. He is a Britain-based artist, and has done numerous afrocentric artworks. He conducted casting calls spanning from Los Angeles to London for black women. His own take on those white statues of old men, you know, the ones . A spotlight on the most unprotected woman, the black woman.

There are tons and tons of statues around. This one feels special. I will always appreciate when someone gives us some shine in the right way. In the hands of someone who values us.

Of Course, there’s online discourse about the artwork. I have been seeing lots of comments about her appearance. Aside from the general misogynoir. The main comments coming from us were that of the clothes she was wearing. “Why can’t a girlfriend wear a dress,” or “ why the braids”? Yes, lots of people expected the statute to be 30-inch buss down wig on her.

The thing with appearance stims so deeply rooted. Why can’t black women just be average? As a black woman, in my average everyday life, I stopped wearing makeup daily, I don’t put crazy amounts of gel in my natural hair(yes, it gets frizzy), and I wear shirts and jeans, and glasses. I am average. Yet I get looks about my appearance. I can’t stand it. My non black counterparts never get the comments about stepping up their looks.

My fellow black women, it is okay to be average. I promise you our stress levels will finally go down!

Best Looks of the Cowboy Carter Tour

Ridin’ Solo: Interview with Alt R&B Artist, Savvy

Savvy , (25) formally known as Savannah McClain, is an independent artist born and raised in NYC, emerging from the grounds of Queens, NY. Her sound is new and inspiring while including notes of familiarity that reminds us of the sounds we know and love. The sweetness of her voice combined with the depths of her harmonies produce an angelic experience for all to hear.

Savvy’s goal is to comfort and uplift others with her music. With Savvy’s goal of unity amongst all in mind, she reminds us of our power, shifts your perspective, and opens us up to a plethora of love and opportunities.

Welcome to the Garden Savannah! I'm excited to speak with you. At Brown Orchid we speak with fellow Black women from all walks of life platforms and to spotlights. 

-Arianna: What made you interested in pursing music?

Savvy: Since I could talk, I could sing. It was a natural born talent that I began to cultivate in the church since I had a Christian upbringing. Even though I no longer resonate with the church, I loved singing on stage with my choir members and improvising with the band every Sunday. I continued to find outlets to sing until I found my way into recording studios and taking my craft more seriously. It felt amazing being able to showcase my talents and have others be touched and inspired by it. I just knew even at a young age that I was going to become a superstar. It was an intuitive knowing that was always within me.

Arianna: Describe growing up in New York and how did it impact your music ? 

Savvy: Growing up in New York was a bit different for me than the average. I was sheltered for most of my adolescence due to my parents being afraid of how the concerts jungle would alter my mind. Eventually, I was able to explore my city and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. New York is exactly how people describe: hard, fast, and if you’re not careful, you’ll be up on your ass! But this city prepares you for anything, and instills a specific kind of grit and determination that you cannot get anywhere else. This ambition that I gained being here is the very fire that drives me to do what I do everyday to make my music become a reality.

Arianna:What does a typical day look for you? 

Savvy: My typical day is pretty busy. I wake up around 6am to get ready for my 9-5 job. Afterwards, I get ready to transition to my second job, and then I settle in at home by preparing for the week by meal prepping, going to the gym, or planning for the rest of the week. I always make sure I include time for my music, even if it’s like 5-10 minutes. I dedicated 1-2 days per week to solely focus on that so my Soulmates can keep getting great music.

Arianna:How did you come up with your song Solo ?

Savvy: I wrote Solo when I was 17 years old. I was experiencing a friendship breakup with multiple friends (my entire friend group) and I felt like the scapegoat, forced to walk away from the dysfunction. I was sad and angry because I loved my friends but didn’t understand why they were treating me the way they were. I hated that I had to experience all of that pain and confusion alone, feeling so unsure if any of this was my fault? I realized that I made the right decision, and decided that no matter how much it hurt, I would much rather be alone that stay around “friends” who didn’t truly appreciate me and my value.

What is your take on Blackness in the Alt music space? What is your take on how the soul and rnb genre can mesh with the Alt Rock scene?1 response

My take is that the Alt Space IS our space. Even I learned this recently, discovering that, yet again, we are the originators of what is considered the alternative space. If you think about it, just existing as a black person would have been considered alternative in the past, due to the attempted erasure of our culture and existence. So you can only imagine how powerful is it to see black voices reclaim and take up that space. Even if you look at what R&B stands for: Rhythm and Blues! Is that not considered Rock in some cases or at least under that umbrella? I know that R&B genre now can be weaponized in a way to kinda push all black talent into one box, because why would a black person create a pop album? Or a folk album? (sarcastic tone lol) I think there is no question about how soul/R&B can mesh with Alt Rock because it is already occurring and, quite frankly, the roots of what we know R&B to be now.

Who are your musical inspirations? Do you have an muse? 1 response

I don’t have a specific muse that I center. However, I do have my influences of course. They can range from Alicia Keys, to Adele, Imogen Heap, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Beyoncé, the list can go on and on. I think the commonality between most of my musical inspirations is that most are the Black Greats that have come before us. I hope to lead by their incredible example of creativity, wisdom, dedication, and culture.

How you you describe your music style ?1 response

I feel that I am still on the process of growing and cultivating my sound. However, I fear (in a good way lol) that my journey may never end. As I grow and change within myself, my music will always reflect that growth, which is why I am great at being extremely versatile. What tends to come up the most in my music, are the soothing, inventive melodies and harmonies that I include. I know much of that comes from my church/gospel roots, and those roots will always be present in my music regardless of what style I tend to explore.

What is a dream( we manifest here)  preformance?1 response

It’s the beginning of my first world tour. I’m kicking it off in Queens, NY of course! Paying homage to the city that influenced me the most. It’s sold out; hundreds of thousands are filling up the seats, running in because they know I’m about to go on. I can even hear my Soulmates screaming from the outside. Maybe they couldn’t get a ticket and are hoping to see me at the end. Everyone’s chanting “SAVVY! SAVVY! SAVVY!” I look towards my boyfriend/producer, and he gives me the look and head nod that says to me “I’m so proud of you. Go kill it!” I give him the warmest smile back and get to my spot. The stage is lifting up right on queue to the beat of the first song. Talk to Me. Everyone recognizes the beat, and begin to scream even louder, ready to sing the lyrics loud and proud! I’m raised up to the top, the light is shining so bright on me, and I can see all my Soulmates faces one by one. Even the ones up in the nosebleeds! I close my eyes, silently praying “Thank you, Spirit.” And I sing my heart out, dance my ass off, and give the best performance anyone has seen in the last decade. My hard work has paid off, and I’m only just beginning at the same time. We have more than one show on this world tour! I continue every show with a standing ovation, the Soulmates screaming for more, and a heart so full and grateful.

What is a go to song you preform? 1 response

As of right now, it would be Talk To Me. However, with only two songs out, I know that answer my change as I continue to put out more music.

What are some of the struggles that black women in the industry go through?1 response

It’s a double entendre as a black woman. Having to face both racism and misogyny while trying to be an artist. I’m sure I haven’t even seen my hardest battles as of yet. However, it can be frustrating dealing with producers who wanna holla instead of work. Or even feeling undermined because you don’t come from a certain tax bracket that allows you to create to your fullest potential. Even seeing your white peers excel while wondering “is my work just not good enough?” The good news is, THATS A LIE! I’m confident in my talent and abilities. Regardless of what obstacles may come and from what sources, I know that this is my destiny and Spirit is holding my hand the entire way through.

Whta is something you want your fans and audience to know about who Savvy as an artist? 1 response

I want my community to know that I am truly always thinking about them when I’m writing my music. Even the Soulmates who haven’t joined the community yet! Yes, I do this work for myself and I get a lot out of it; but I truly want the Soulmates to remember how loved and important they are to me and the rest of the world. That they are never alone, and whatever you are going through, someone can relate to your experience. I hope that they can feel that through my music, as well as feeling inspired to be a positive light to the people around them so they can share the love and comfort that I share with my music.

Black womanhood is something we hold very deeply together. What does represenation mean to you and how does your music translate - represent to fellow black women?1 response

Representation is incredibly important to me, especially when it comes to my music. It’s important for all experiences and walks of life to be platformed. Seeing diversity be prioritized is important especially for the younger generation coming after us. You can see that intention shown in my music video for Talk To Me. I was able to work with an incredible creative director/choreographer, Kris, who choreographed the dances and made sure that we were sticking to my vision for the video. When it came to dancers and extras, I specifically wanted black/Afrolatina individuals to be casted because I know how much we are underrepresented in the arts. It was incredible to see all of us get together to make that vision possible and I’m so happy I was able to do that.

What do you think of the music industry and how does it feel to be an indie artist in 2025?1 response

I think the industry is full of opportunity, but it can be discouraging for indie artists like me who are trying to build this from the ground up. Seeing great artists who have come before me get taken advantage of, or trapped into bad deals, can make the industry seem really intimidating. As not only a vocalist, but a writer as well, I understand my value and continue to invest in that. I want my hard work to credited, not just for the sake of validation, but to ensure that I am being granted what is rightfully mine as a creative. I’m hopeful that this will occur, and that other indie artists like me can continue to grow and help each other to make those independent dreams possible.

Arianna:What does the future look like for Savvy ?

Savvy: The future looks bright. It may not seem like much on the outside, but there’s so much work and intention going on behind the scenes. There’ll be more new music, performances, creativity, and intention coming your way. I’ll be making sure to documenting more of this on my YouTube channel so that the Soulmates cause see my journey a bit more. But I’m excited to see what the future holds while continuing to expand my art.

Arianna:What are some of your favorite song you have writtten?

Savvy:I won’t go into too much detail year, just because the song isn’t out yet! lol. But I’ll say this: my favorite song that I’ve written so far will be dropping in May 2025! I’m sure once you all hear it, it’ll be your favorite song too!

Arianna:What is vibe you go for?

Savvy: The vibe I go for is all about exploring your inner self, and expressing that authenticity to the world unapologetically. It’s not really an aesthetic you can throw on a Pinterest board, but more of a philosophy that I lead my life by.

Arianna: What is a childhood idol or that childhood rockstar dream you had? ( we all did lol)

Savvy: As a child, I always wanted to be accidentally discovered by a famous singer or producer! Kind of like how Mariah Carey got discovered; or blow up on the internet like Justin Bieber and become an overnight success! I would get my contract and immediately start recording, traveling, and performing all over the world. Sometimes, when I was younger, I would sing out loud at the mall or the grocery store just in case someone heard me. Even at that age, I was always ready to shoot my shot! Lol.

Arianna: What one thing you want our audeince to know about yourself?

Savvy: I want them to know that anything you want is yours once you choose it for yourself. I know it sounds a little corny, or maybe you’ve heard others repeat these exact words. The truth is, you can receive whatever life you want in this world. You just need to become the person who can carry that blessing. Sit and imagine what the person loving your dream is doing everyday to achieve that. Are they working out 3x a week? Are they reading 3 books a month? Are they putting in 20 hours a week on their craft? Whatever those habits are, figure it out and execute as consistently as possible. Watch the growth and see what happens after some time and dedication.

Arianna: What is the best advice you ever recvived?

Savvy: The best advice I’ve ever received was to water your own garden. I struggle with anxiety, and having that fear based mindset can cause you to get so distracted. Consistently wondering if your life will work out, if the people around you love you, if there’s any meaning to anything I’m doing? All of these thoughts pulling your energy away from yourself. If you think your negative thoughts deserve to be heard, then is it that far off to think your positive ones deserve to be heard too? Focusing on yourself and your garden will allow all the people things, and places who deserve to be there to arrive. And they will bring you everything that you need because they belong there. Just like a real garden, tending to your plants and flowers will attract the beautiful butterflies you love to admire; or the bumblebees who gift you with their honey.

Follow Savvy on all platforms @SavvyyMusic

Stream Savvy’s singles, “ Talk To Me” and “Solo” on all streaming platforms

Watch our Episode on YouTube: HERE

Read our Interview in Vol.2 Spring/Summer 2025 Issue HERE

Beauty Files #2 : A Coversation with Kaylee White

Kaylee White is a beauty influencer, professional makeup artist, and licensed esthetician. Her mission is to empower all fellow Black Women to be full in color and be fearless. This pink makeup look adored by flowers is inspired by faires. Brown Orchid welcomes Kaylee White to the garden.

Interview also featured in Vol 2. of Brown Orchid Magazine. Read HERE.

Watch our video interview on YouTube HERE and stream our interview on Spotify HERE

Interview done by Arianna Freels, on February 3r,d 2025

Kaylee is an 24-year-old from Kansas City, Missouri. She is a “black unicorn” living through life. Her makeup is colorful and vibrant, just like herself. She sets her apart from her peers in the beauty game. She is currently in esthetics school to pursue a long career of makeup artistry. Her future plans is to eventually create a makeup brand that represents dark skin black women authentically. I plan to use my license to travel and spread my Unicorn Makeup style. Kaylee is an inspiration to all black women and black little girls.. Kaylee has gone through difficult personal experiences, but makeup is her passion and therapy.

Arianna Freels: How did you get started in makeup? 

Kaylee White: I started makeup once Fenty Beauty launched in 2017. My mother went with my to purchase my first product before heading to college. My favorite first product was and still is Trophy Wife Killawatt Highlighter.

AF:What is the story behind the "Glammed Unicorn"? 

KW: The Glammed Unicorn began because of my passion for staying true to being unique in my community. I am rare, my style is rare, and when I glam someone it isn’t about just makeup. It is about the experience and the love I give my clients.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

AF: I have been following your TikTok since early 2023, Let me tell you, your makeup, your style , YOU!  In the age of beauty influncers. This is the most captivating face ive seen! How did you find your signature style? 

KW: I found my signature style through inspirations like Rihanna, Bratz, Raven Baxter, and life being a black woman. I have always been obsessed with maximilism. I’ve curated this style by investing and pouring into things I love. A lot of times we wait for people to be brave before we practice bravery ourselves. I’ve grown to be brave and bold on my own. I’ve spent a lot of my life shrinking and feeling like I had nothing important to say, when all along I’m a black unicorn.

AF:The artistry of how you work with colors is amazing. How did it influence your style of makeup?

KW: I started utilizing colors because I was afraid of them. I wanted to start doing things that scared me more. I believed darker black women didn’t look good in colors, but that is such a huge lie. I started playing with colors, and now my face is truly a palette.

AF: Describe the highs and lows of social media fame. What has it taught you? 

KW: The lows of social media fame has taught me to truly stay grounded in who I am and what I love. My following, my support, looks so much different than other creators. I’m not a creator that produces a lot of buying power, but I do show others what true and unique expression is. I give people something different. The highs of social media has consistently taught me that my voice matters. No matter who you are people want to hear you. You’re never alone.

AF: What has been your favorite look you have done?

KW:My favorite look has been my Halloween fairy look. I really tapped into a love for whimsical and magical things I’ve had since a little girl. I felt so alive and beautiful.

AF:What is the best advice you have ever recvived?

KW:The best advice I have ever received is to “do it scared.” A lot of things scare me, but it can’t stop me. I have to do the things that scare me because I am stronger than my fears. If I can’t fight my battles, no one will. If I don’t overcome, I will drown. I deserve a beautiful life above water.

AF: If you can paint anyone in the world who would you paint?

KW: If I could paint anyone in the world I would paint Rihanna. She is truly such a creative and beautiful woman. Her aura screams confidence and security in herself.

Follow Kaylee on these Social Platforms Click the links below

Instagram: kayleetheblackunicorn

TikTok: theblackunicorn23

Lemon8:theblackunicorn23

Read our Latest Issue of Brown Orchid feauring Kaylee HERE

Watch our Interview or stream our podcast

WATCH:

PODCAST

Our Princesses Need More Care. How Disney has failed women of color. Analyzing the Black & Women of Color featured in Disney’s Live Action Remakes.

Our Princesses Need More Care

How Disney has failed women of color. Analyzing the Black & Women of Color featured in Disney’s Live Action Remakes. 

March 27th, 2025

Rachel Zegler stars in the latest Disney live-action adaptation, Snow White (2025). Premiering later this month. The movie is met with much dismay.  It is another (* unneeded*)  remake of a Disney classic. It joins the club of reboots and live-action adaptations. This remake sparked negative press before the movie came out this year. Years in the making, since pre-production in early 2022. The casting is another color blind casting choice. Zegler, who is of Colombian and Polish descent. She proudly embraces her Hispanic/Latin culture. There was a side of the internet that did not believe it was an accurate portrayal of the Princess to have Zegler play. The r@$!t side of the internet and the incels did not let this go. Criticism over not having an actress who looks like Snow White and the fairy tale quote “ Her skin as white as snow” . 

I think you all get where I’m going with this.. This was the first instance of hate towards Zegler. In addition, throughout the filming, more negative stories came out. With the Seven Dwarfs being reimagined and not featuring people with dwarism.I really think they should have included more people with dwarism. It really would have given the actors with the condition major film work. Where to even begin with Gal Gadot. Not fit for the role and allegedly disliked by her co-star Zegler. 

With this being said. Does this remind anyone of what happened to Halle Bailey. Yes our Ariel! Back in 2023, Halle starred in the live-action version of The Little Mermaid(2023) as Ariel. 

I remember when it was announced she was casted in the role since it was another color blind casting. Controversy and hate comments gear towards Halle started to float in. Some fans simply did not see her as the Princess. 

First of all mermaids do not exist. Although I am not shocked but I am just taken aback on how people were genuinely wanting her to be recast. The things I have seen against her casting and portrayal were so frustrating and disheartening I have seen disgusting images of mocking her..For us Black women, we know how it feels when this hate is against us. 

As young black girls, we all know the feeling of not being represented in TV and Film. The few pieces of media that showcase black women. 

It was a breath of fresh air to see a character wear her locs/ box braids and beautiful melanin for the world to see. To see toys and other merchandise in the likeness of Halle Bailey’s version of Ariel. It was an absolute joy to see. I could only imagine how little black girls saw a version of themselves in Halle. I know I would have loved gifting my daughter loads of Little Mermaid merchandise. 

With this being said, the 2023 version did fairly well at the box office, with 569.6 million worldwide at the Box Office against a 240 Mil. Budget. The press for The Little Mermaid was adequate, unlike Snow White. Right before the North American release of Snow White. Disney reduced its press and media outlets. 

Halle and Rachel are both women of color. These two have very similar experiences with their time as Disney Princesses. No doubt, Rachel had it much harder. In the heightened political climate we are currently living in, the United States.  Zegler also received backlash for supporting a pro-Palestinian side and strong dislike of Trump. These amazing actresses do not deserve the hate. 

Within the past 5 years there has been tons of hate between the two actresses. Disney has not done enough to combat the strong criticism. Yes, I know these are adults, and they can defend themselves. Disney I am sure have seen everything negative about their lead actresses. I think color blind casting is great. It gives more recognition to under represented Black and women of color actresses.   You can’t control how the public reacts. What Disney can do is give them better press runs. 

Baby it’s Chilly! Cinnamon Brown Beauty haves

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

November= New You

November = A time for Self Care. Here are some helpful tips & tricks for a healthy fall season!

On November 3rd, we officially “fall back” as we enter in Daylight Ends season. In North America, temperatures will soon cool down and our sun will set earlier. It is important to take care of yourself. Mind, Body & Spirit. Around this year most people experience seasonal fatigue & depression. Not to mention Holiday stressors such as Thanksgiving with Family and Christmas Shopping with Financial Stress for shopping

it is important to reduce stress. Stress has such a bad weight on our physical and mental health. As Black women, we often bottle up our stress and anxiety. It’s ok not to take over the world 24/7

Increase your Vitamin D & Iron Supplements

As Adults, we lose more & more bone density. the lack of sunlight in the winter and our melanin skin makes our vitamin D Levels lessen. Also, Vitamin D helps function and regulates our Hormones & Brain functions. so if you are feeling down, Vitamin ( or B12) might be a good option!!

Iron is equally important and essential to our Health. Iron supports Organ Function & Blood Flow. Studies have show Black women are twice as likely to be anemic than white women.Anemia was more common among African American women compared to Caucasian women (39.79% vs 21.41%, p <0.001). Normal HebGLevels are between 12 to 15 For black women it was around 11 to 10.5 5. Black people had the highest prevalence of anemia (46.9%), while Indians/Asians had the lowest (18.2%). .According a 2019 study done based of hospital data in South Africa.

Drink more water sis. Trust me

Ah yes , the Stanley craze of it all. But seriously most people are dehydrated. Simply drinking water is areat way to flush out toxins and keep you feeling better.91 oz of water each day is recommended for women. Although that seems like a water. It is merely just drinking about 4 to 6 glasses of water each day. So about two cups with each meal.

Start a Routine & Stick to it!!

It’s never too late to start a routine! or start over. Start prioritizing a better version of you. Write down what you still have not accomplished for 2024. This will help you achieve your goals!if its financial. Start Budgeting. Start with your income & spending last month. What were your biggest spenders? Try to plan out your holiday shopping and start with a budget.If it is weight try apps like My Fitness Pal or Lose It by tracking down your calories.Create a meal guide based on your weight. Prioritize routine and leafy greens to. Both will help with weight loss ( & Fiber Intake) !!

Walk More

Walking is a great mood booster! Although life does get in the way, especially us girlies with full time jobs. It is important to put aside time for exercise. Studies have shown that the more you walk the better it was your your body as it increasesmore happy hormones for your body! Plus it de stresses you! So find a good song and walk for half an hour!Walking more can also help aide with weight loss. This is low intensity exercise. Especially for women with PCOS, this is a great alternative.

Refresh & Moisturize

Especially on the East Coast. Our Winters get so cold! Lotion & Lip Balms are our best friends! prioritize a good skincare regimene. as time changes , it is also a good practice to sleep earlier. So I know you night owls will be mad but the sooner you get to bed , the better you feel! Plus it does help with our beauty!

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.