How Natural Hair Makes the Black Female Community Stronger
I remember times spent with my mother as a child. Specifically those times that required me to sit and wait for her in our local hair salon. I have very clear memories of hearing conversations that included advice not meant for a 9 year old’s ears, but sage advice nonetheless. The biggest footprint left behind for me was the scene of women, black women, of all ages congregating and supporting one another while being groomed and beautified. They were, quite literally, participating in a ritual of cleansing and restoration. And all by the hands of other willing women.
Now, with the worldwide evolution of natural hair in the mainstream, I’m happy to see that same ritualistic development …show more content…
Whether it’s an Instagram image of a woman showcasing her natural hair that garners 500 likes or a natural vlogger that’s acquire 5,000 followers, there’s no doubt that the positive reaction to her natural crown serves as a boost to the comradery among black women. When we support each other in these circles, it forces us to protect each other from the outside, ignorant criticisms.
This mentality carries over into our communities. In these days of police brutality and the mistreatment of the black people, we need all of the confidence and unification we can muster. It starts with the small things like the recognition of our own beauty and one of those things is the natural hair on the heads of black women. The crowns that we are known for. Look at the heads of women revolutionaries like Angela Davis back in the day and today with Bree Newsome. Who knows how many change agents will born as a result of the sturdiness of the natural girl conglomerate?
There’s power in our hair and when it brings us into sister circles, our solidarity becomes second nature. That solidarity creates strong individuals that make our entire community better and
I remember times spent with my mother as a child. Specifically those times that required me to sit and wait for her in our local hair salon. I have very clear memories of hearing conversations that included advice not meant for a 9 year old’s ears, but sage advice nonetheless. The biggest footprint left behind for me was the scene of women, black women, of all ages congregating and supporting one another while being groomed and beautified. They were, quite literally, participating in a ritual of cleansing and restoration. And all by the hands of other willing women.
Now, with the worldwide evolution of natural hair in the mainstream, I’m happy to see that same ritualistic development …show more content…
Whether it’s an Instagram image of a woman showcasing her natural hair that garners 500 likes or a natural vlogger that’s acquire 5,000 followers, there’s no doubt that the positive reaction to her natural crown serves as a boost to the comradery among black women. When we support each other in these circles, it forces us to protect each other from the outside, ignorant criticisms.
This mentality carries over into our communities. In these days of police brutality and the mistreatment of the black people, we need all of the confidence and unification we can muster. It starts with the small things like the recognition of our own beauty and one of those things is the natural hair on the heads of black women. The crowns that we are known for. Look at the heads of women revolutionaries like Angela Davis back in the day and today with Bree Newsome. Who knows how many change agents will born as a result of the sturdiness of the natural girl conglomerate?
There’s power in our hair and when it brings us into sister circles, our solidarity becomes second nature. That solidarity creates strong individuals that make our entire community better and