A few years ago, the business school at Hampton University, one of our nation’s top historically Black universities, implemented a policy that banned natural hairstyles for its male students. The university declared ‘braids, dreadlocks and other unusual hairstyles are not acceptable’ for majors in their five-year master's of business administration program.” At the time, … [Read more...]
On Falling In Love With Black Hair
By 3 Comments
So the Gabby-Hair-Drama continues. If you have no idea what the words “Gabby-Hair-Drama” mean, you can get a cliff notes version in Part 1 of this post. Initially many had concerns that the longer this topic was in the spotlight the more harm it would cause. But as an “eternal optimist” – I actually think the conversation has begun to evolve into a more critical and powerful … [Read more...]
Nappy Haters: You Look Like a Shocked Slave
By 7 Comments
After posting this picture of herself wearing an Afro on twitter, female rapper and America’s Best Dance Crew judge Lil’ Mama got a reminder of just how challenging it can be to be natural. According to a report posted on LoveBrownSugar and CurlyNikki, Lil’ Mama’s Afro picture was not very well received. Some of the folks on her twitter stream saw the photo and … [Read more...]
Nappy Hair Time: Not Just for Mommies and Daughters
By 7 Comments
“Mommy, your hair is so fluffy,” my son said as he buried his face in my Afro. Taking a deep breath he dug his four-year-old fingers closer to my scalp and exclaimed “I love your hair. It’s so soft!” It was one of those moments that first time mothers savor for a lifetime. My husband and I have one son – and while we debate having more – I pretty … [Read more...]
Black Hair 101: Thank You Melissa Harris Perry
By 3 Comments
Class is in Session! Ahh Black Hair 101. I have long wished that there was a class or some sort of program that I could send people to when they have questions about Black hair. When I cut out my perm it was rare to see a Black woman in a natural style. So rare that one of my earliest memories of seeing a natural Black woman was watching Freddie on Bill Cosby's A … [Read more...]