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| After many years of a straightening comb plus chemically straightening and even the Jheri Curl look. I realised, that I was wasting valuable time trying to assimilate a look that literally disliked the color of my skin, and my hair was rebellious to change. Something had to give, it was time for a change. At last, I granted my hair its natural order. I was emancipated and at peace with my hair. I locked it. |
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I was raised in a culturally
enriched environment and relaxing my hair was not an option. Kwanzaa was celebrated every
year. All seven children in my parents home, with African names attended Uhuru Sasa Shule
(Freedom Now School) in Brooklyn. African values and cultures were our daily regime,
along with an occasional protest against police brutality across the Brooklyn Bridge. For
thirty years I lived in New York and to see someone with locks was normal. My parents had
locks and most of my teachers wore locks proudly. Now in live in Georgia and in the south
you do what they do. NOT I. After having twins there is not much time for hair and
I refused to have bone straight hair like the masses. I could no longer go against my hair
natural grain. I have had my locks for over two years, they are funky, dramatic at times and always radiant. I have re-discovered that you don't have to have straight hair to be beautiful. My locks are about individual freedom. They display my faith in my beauty, and my confidence. Because of my locks I cannot be ignored, they demand a second look. People are amazed with locks, they wonder how does it get to grow soooo long and if they can touch it etc. etc. I am not Rasta but when a kinsmen speak the name, I always acknowldedge the call with much respect. You don't have to be Rasta to bear dreads or have spiritual connections, just the want to identify with your African identity or be different. In most countries (Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Jamaica) where dreadlocks are present, there's a purpose behind them - political, spiritual and a responsibility attached to them. From my understanding the Rastafarians brought them out of Africa and to the rest of the world through their doctrine of Ras Tafari and their music. When dreads are sported as a chic statement by youths it makes me smile because for such an extensive time, our youth were raised to look like Europeans. Dreadlocks are changing the aged old dilemma of identity crisis (Amen) among our people.
Be mindful of your head of dreads or locks, it represents ourstory of history. Related Links
Toi/Toi design
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