Comments on: Mfon Essien: Photographer/Black Body Hero

By: black lily

black lily — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:49:26 +0000

Nicole, I remember that beautiful interview you did in 2000. ASANTE, Sis. She’s one of my personal body (and life) heros too….for so many reasons (most which I’m too cowardly to share on this open thread), but suffice it to say there are some aspects of my own struggle which are similar to this M’s. Her courage is something I’ve held onto…so much so, that I saved all those old clippings (remember the Essence interview/pictoral??) and even have a half-written novel (which may always stay half written) chilin’ in an old desk drawer… inspired, in large part, by the images from “The Amazon’s New Clothes.” Anyway, I yammmer on. Just wanted to say thank you for remembering and holding space for this sister’s powerful story and beautiful spirit.

By: Karen

Karen — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:18:07 +0000

Nicole your so dope. I have been blessed to have been photographed by Mfon and is absolutely by far the best portrait of my life. SHE WAS AMAZING!!!

By: Radha Blank

Radha Blank — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:10:19 +0000

as a person who has struggled with weight and struggled with identity as it relates to weight gain and weight loss, this has been a soul shaking lesson/reminder. Mfon had a body that many craved to hold, to possess and touch…a toned, slick, gazzle-like, chocolate body adored for its physical, visually stunning external beauty…and yet within this most beautiful frame, there was a war being fought. This article has reminded me to appreciate the rolls, the cellulite, the extra meat i have often scoffed at, cursed at, damned and dismissed. It is my body. It is here. It is fat. It is mine.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:36:49 +0000

What fearlessness and uncommon spirit Mfon had. Thank you for sharing her story, Nikki.

By: Kierna

Kierna — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:48:14 +0000

How blessed are we all to have been touched by the spirit of Mfon!!! Thank you Nicole. The hotness is the hotness.

By: joicelyn Dingle

joicelyn Dingle — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:26:34 +0000

Nicole I love you for this. I love that Greg Tate perspective on all things black.
I think about Mfon all the time. I miss what it meant to work with her. I am so happy she shot my first nudes. She is pure magic and light. I miss her and it is important that we keep her work and the spirit of her work alive.

By: Joyce E. Davis

Joyce E. Davis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:06:17 +0000

I was working at BET when these Mfon’s photos made their way to me. And they were as arresting to me then as they are now. I have to admit I’m not 100 percent comfortable with my body or looking at hers. But I am empowered by her choice to use her power for good and to turn what was a devastating moment in her life to something inspiring for others. Thank you for your post.

By: Julia

Julia — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:39:25 +0000

Hard to believe it’s been more than 10 years…

By: Jelani Bandele

Jelani Bandele — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:22:29 +0000

I first met Mfon at the studio of a designer I was representing and I knew I was in the presence of someone special. Thank you for re-telling her story and posting the always profound words of Greg Tate.

By: crystal whaley

crystal whaley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:10:17 +0000

Thank you for celebrating and remembering our beloved Mfon ~ my sister, housemate, and one of my greatest teachers.

Her legacy is one of light, love beauty and divine courage.

A phenomenal spirit, she was…

Crystal