Guinness Book of World Records 2016
“Kinky”, “Coily,” and “Free to be”. This is something that traces way back in “Our Black Roots” history. A style that can make a statement, no matter the size or shape. Defines a culture with just one take. Day to day, our people struggle to decide if they want to make “the transition”. A transition that may grant them unwanted access to this worldwide proposition. So many years, we have straightened, pressed, and curled, just to slightly fit in with this hypercritical world.
The slave trade brought the cause of dehumanizing Black hair. The Afro or its texture was described to be like wool. I can imagine that this is where the “Good Hair” vs “Bad Hair” controversy emerged. This “Bad Hair”, so they say, was an identity for our people. This hair allowed our people to express their social status, religion, class, and even fertility.
During the 1960s and 1970s, our people decided that we should make a statement and free ourselves of the European beauty standards. Many black activists rocked the AFRO through many oppressions, and this sparked a movement in the Black community: The Black Power Movement.
Would you have ever imagined that this round, fluffy crown or even the tamed, mane of glory would cause such an up uproar in the world?
Before the age of 10, so many of us were stripped of the choice of accepting our Black hair. Our mothers decided to “perm” our hair to make it more “manageable”. A perm… A relaxer is a chemical process that alters the original state of one’s hair, one’s kinky and coily hair. As the generations progress, many mothers are easing away from this process allowing our young Black women to become more expressive and accepting that Black hair is beautiful.
Today, there are so many ladies, both young and mature, who want to be able to wear their “Black hair” without being judged. Black hair can be worn in many styles that bring a delightful ambiance without even trying. It speaks peace, freedom, the will to be!
Black hair allows us to be expressive without even speaking. From twisting, braiding, finger coiling, knotting afro hair can be worn and shown off in many ways.
September 15th, World Afro Day, brings needed attention to normalize, educate, and bring inspiration to Afro hair. Today, there are so many ways to become educated on how to transition and become one with Afro hair. The TWA, Teeny Weeny Afro, the first of many introductions into afro hair, speaks liberation. It’s the beginning of being set free of the European beauty standard confinement. As the grows, the louder and louder its voice speaks.
EMPOWERMENT! FREE TO BE!