How Shalom Blac Rediscovered The Beauty Of African Heritage In L.A. | Skin Deep | Refinery29

On this episode of Skin Deep, we explore the African heritage of KZbinr and influencer, Shalom Blac. After losing touch with her Nigerian roots since moving to America, Shalom is finally exploring how this culture has taken hold in L.A. Watch this week's Skin Deep for a glimpse into Shalom's amazing story!
ABOUT SERIES
Skin Deep is a docu-style beauty series, where influencers immerse themselves in different cultural epicenters of Los Angeles in order to uncover beauty traditions from around the world. Beauty is deeply personal and, at times, passed on through generations and cultures.
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[@refinery29]

How do you reconnect with your culture on a daily basis? Let us know in the comments.

[@catluvr8781]

Idk I eat potatoes I’m Irish

[@lalabarker2814]

Refinery29 I’m Congolese and I visit every year!

[@ginaplopper-norton8839]

I was adopted so I didn't know what culture to identify with until recently. But I don't feel any connection to Irish, German, or Nordic culture other than passing interest.

[@ShawnaHill83]

My husband is a faith keeper for the Seneca nation and is also part of the false face society so we go to long house with our children and we speak mohawk/Cayuga and eat traditional Iroquois foods at home.

[@halfofmyheart3167]

Refinery29 I am Italian and since I could remember Sunday’s was a day of homemade pasta and many, many other Italian foods. Dinner is always very early, at 3:00 and full of talking, laughing, and relaxation.

[@afternoondelight6741]

This girl is UNSTOPPABLE! I have been watching her videos since early on and I love her "cocoon to butterfly" story.

[@meriambouhnini7036]

I knew her in high school too and I can tell you that she is genuinely a good person. She was popular but very nice in high school.

[@rebekahplaza8132]

I also have had scars for nearly all my life. I was burned in my orphanage at 8 months old and have struggled with my self image. Beauty in the eastern Asian community revolves around perfect skin, and it’s difficult to navigate both those pressures along with the other cultures I’ve been raised in. I admire her so much, and think she is gorgeous. ❤️❤️ All the love to you!

[@MegaEllie78]

You are a beautiful and unique woman. And your experience have made not just unique but like Shalom a leader. Make your experience a positive one and set your own beauty standards stamped with you on it 💖💖💋

[@user-xp2lz8qk3q]

Shalom looked stunning in those outfits!!!

[@jordinanteneh5841]

I think that she looks beautiful and we should respect each other, love each other, and have peace with each other

[@ijustdontgiveafuck5767]

I love this woman so much😢😢😢💕💕💕...she's so beautiful her personality is everything...

[@africanchic1821]

She's so pretty

[@funkytownnay4773]

I’m just ready for shalom to upload: visiting home! /VLOG lmao it’d be lit.

[@Openyoureyez83]

Burn scars or not she is still beautiful

[@mon6745]

Congrats Shalom! Amazing video Refinery!!!😍😍

[@sharonbaker3007]

I love Shalom!!! Thank you so much for featuring her!!!💙💙💙

[@julianasekai]

Loved this! Shalom is such a beautiful and inspirational person.

[@blackfroot]

Omg so proud of you Shalom this was absolutely beautiful ! Also congratulations on your citizenship ! You make me proud to be Nigerian ! Much love 💞

[@shanniasampson3041]

You're such a queen ❤️

[@cocov5818]

I love shalom because she brings such positive energy

[@refinery29]

+cocov Agreed!

[@zakiaalexis5468]

I love this it was so beautiful to watch I love her she has such a beautiful soul

[@MichellePepe]

Girl you’re beautiful never doubt it♥️

[@halfofmyheart3167]

You are gorgeous with or without makeup, but I have to say you do in an incredibly, amazing job on you’re makeup!! I think a nice bright eye look would look gorgeous. Juvia’s Place palettes are one of the best formulas and they have bold eye shadow colors that I think you would enjoy just as much as I do... along with many other people! I’m not 100% positive, but I do believe the make up is made by African Americans and they are one of my favorite palettes and really loved by many people in the beauty community.

[@knowdaqueen177]

Halfofmyheart she’s a beauty guru. She’s done a variety of eye looks and has used juvias place products

[@laylahenderson8680]

This is so amazing and inspiring!! I love this channel because of the variety of content that it produces💕💕💕

[@refinery29]

+laylah. Thanks for always being here!!

[@lovewilson5800]

Love watching her, such a beautiful young lady

[@bluBlaq33]

She’s such a beautiful girl.

[@taliasclafani9509]

What a beautiful queen!!!! 💖💖💖

[@ArmyBarbie]

Shalom is so pretty

[@annkathr]

So... how does having scars impact her experience in any significant way? Like, this video was enlightening as to how African-American people can reconnect to their heritage in the States, but I'm not seeing the role of her scars here at all. Did I miss something? Enjoyed the video very much though!!

[@appdataprozent2537]

Ann Berg I think she refused African traditions and beauty because of her traumatizing experience

[@myriamkay]

She came to America for surgery and embraced American culture to fit in more despite the scars. She loves American beauty because it's a way to hide her scars.

[@halfofmyheart3167]

Myriam Nichols took the words right out of my mouth 😉 I think she is beautiful!

[@Beloved_Boahemaah]

So proud to be a Ghanaian!!! Thank you Refinery 29!🔥❤️😭

[@refinery29]

+maamefia Thanks for checking it out!!

[@dolsiem9801]

It is true, one will alway meet inappropriate people of all ages and races. I learned how to answer them politely. A lot of them (NOT all) learned to respect me as is.

[@elisabeth1st]

Beautiful woman with a very inspiring story. Thank you.

[@Sasha-kw5ud]

#naijasquad 🇳🇬

[@joycherotich9768]

Love you sis big love from Kenya U mean alot to me, hope to meet u one day in person

[@jadepalmer8653]

Absolutely gorgeous! 😍😍😍

[@akwaabab8504]

how did the fowler museum get those pieces? did they steal them from the continent?

[@Lana-yl1zd]

yeah pretty much

[@ShawnaHill83]

Yeah, museums have our Iroquois false face masks worn during sacred ceremonies, sculptures,wampum belts which were our way of documenting things....they do it to every culture and say "we are keeping them safe and to educate" 😒

[@Brownie8986]

Shawna Williams *yup* And my grandmother is half Iroquois so heyyy! ☺

[@maryjane7043]

Akwaaba B yes

[@MeezerGurlMakes]

In Canada - many museums are starting to repatriate artifacts to the reserves that they originated from and I think this is a great thing as they belong to the culture that made them and it's important for all generations to have access to their own history. A history that is not "taken care of" by white people as there has been far too much of that.

[@catluvr8781]

Early #R29 squadd

[@refinery29]

+sheeriobear #R29squad

[@DMKC]

+ 08.12.18:: THIS VIDEO was EPIC! Thank you Refinery29 + Shalom for this. This makes me wanna visit LA of the cites that were seen. I so wish they had a section of food. Because Nigerian can throw down for some good ęba, fufu, gari, and jollof rice!! Thank you again! And Shalom, Congratulations to your step in getting your citizenship! I pray an overwhelming blessings in your life. 💛

[@refinery29]

+dckc Thank you so much for being a part of it by watching!!

[@DMKC]

Refinery29 you’re welcome 💛

[@valeriastokes504]

Your subject matter and your interviews were very well done. Your editing is very professional. Your talent in thematic production of this video shows your versatility. Thank you!

[@refinery29]

+valeriastokes Thanks for appreciating the small details! :)

[@samanthacampbell8172]

Congratulations on your citizenship. Also, you look absolutely stunning. Your story is very inspiring. ❤️

[@Honeypepper.]

My Shalom❤

[@Kwantifye]

Shalom, congratulations on becoming an American citizen! I wish you all the best.

[@theawolfamily4458]

Love you queen👑 keep killin shit❤️ May God continue to bless you and yours🙏🏽

[@ruthjohnson4166]

Amazing

[@fruitsarelife148]

Woooww 😍😍😍😍

[@IllusiveBunny]

Shalom Blac!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@arineal5237]

Your beautiful with and without makeup

[@kundekates3092]

I love u shalom...much love from cmr

[@LVLV-im3ne]

Amazing Phenomenal Video👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@refinery29]

Thanks for watching!!

[@raviblife]

Nice vlog

[@toohollywood8825]

Yyyaaaassssssssss!!!!

[@Breonaleonard]

I wanna know what lip combo Shalom was wearing in the beginning ! lol

[@abigail9759]

💛

[@kaylawesley1064]

Im subscribed to her youtude channel

[@deanaleighton844]

HOLLOW/HAI

[@angieangie4991]

I got burned with boiling water.. on my face too.. I’m only 13 so my parents won’t let me wear makeup but I really want to though...

[@shalommeta9537]

My name is shalom too😂

[@catluvr8781]

We should the hate and celebrate eachother :)

[@Joycelina91x3]

I love you but don't promote African beauty with that blond hair. Stop.

[@reneerobinson3559]

Honey, her melanin is not being compromised. She doesn’t have hair, so you can’t say she should be natural. That blind makes her brown skin pop!

[@Joycelina91x3]

Excuse me, you don't have to agree with me and I def don't have to agree with you or the color. She is beautiful regardless.