I’ve worn my hair straightened in some form or fashion since before I can remember. When I was ten, I got my first relaxer. Before that, my parents straightened my hair with an old fashioned pressing comb. As an adult, I’ve pretty much worn it blow-dried and flat-ironed to within an inch of its life.
Before Covid, I couldn’t tell you the last time I did my own hair. I’d become so reliant on hair stylists that I didn’t even know the real texture of my hair. I literally just never had to deal with it.
Oh, how things have changed.
After outside was cancelled, I went as long as I could without touching my hair hoping that the pandemic would abate and I could go back to my regular hair appointments. One week turned into two then three, then four. How long could I hold out? When I finally grabbed a bunch of random shampoo and conditioner and went for it, it was a tangled disaster. So much so that I had to cut out large chunks with scissors. Seriously. It was bad.
Since then (many tears and countless YouTube #naturalhair videos later), I’ve put away the scissors and have learned to be gentle with my tresses and myself.
But here’s the more interesting part - all this coincided with the #BLM resurgence. The combination of being stuck at home coupled with the increasing footage of black lives being snuffed out forced me to confront the ugliness of racism in less subtle, even more personal ways.
Of course I’ve faced racism. I’m a black woman. It would be impossible for me not to. However, it’s rarely blatant. Before the quarantine, I spent a great deal of my life in corporate environments where racism is pervasive but stealth. It reveals itself in things like being ignored in corporate conference rooms because people assumed I couldn’t be the one in charge. Or assuming that my role was in HR rather than marketing. Or odd compliments like “you’re so articulate, you write so well...” as if somehow I shouldn’t. Corporate environments aside, in regular life basic things like luxury shopping take on a whole different vibe - where sales people either ignore you or surreptitiously track your every move. Honestly, I’m not sure which is worse.
But what's this got to do with my hair? A lot.
Everyone handles racism differently. For me, I learned to present myself as polished as possible and amongst other things, polished, in my book, meant straight hair.
It made me feel more professional. It made me feel a little less “other”. And if I’m completely honest, it made me feel more attractive. Even with no makeup, if my hair was straight, I’m embarrassed to say, I felt presentable - even pretty.
Malcom X asked, “who taught you to hate yourself?”
That’s what I’ve been asking myself lately. It’s one thing to use my hair as a form of self expression. I can wear it how ever I want. It’s my hair. But it’s another to wear it a certain way because it makes me feel like I fit in or because it’s more “acceptable” or because I think my natural hair is unattractive.
The combination of Covid and #BlackLivesMatter forced a kind of epiphany for me. What is wrong with the natural texture of my hair? Why was it so important that it be straight?
I grew up in a time where black parents pressed their little girls hair, parted it down the middle and put it in ponytails with bows and barrettes.
Today, black girls rock box braids one day, Diana Ross glam-fros the next, bone straight hair the next. They go with the flow. They go with their mood. I admire their sense of self and freedom of expression.
It wasn’t like that when I was growing up. Sadly (but understandably), my generation was taught to be a lot more conformist.
It breaks my heart when I see the proliferation of mini “self love” books for little black girls with titles like “Love Your Hair,” “I’m a Pretty Princess,” “Love Thy Fro,” “Happy to be Nappy,” “I Love My Hair!” “My Hair,” “Hair Like Mine,” “Hair Love”. Something is really wrong with this picture. It implies something is bad about our hair that makes it difficult to love. Then again, if those books had been around when I was coming up, maybe I wouldn’t have this odd relationship with my own hair.
Who knows? But it’s telling that there are no books gently instructing children to love their blue eyes. Who has to tell Emily to love her blond hair?
Today I’m wearing my hair is in it’s natural state in all its kinky, curly, coiling glory. I’d say I was rocking’ it but to be honest, I’m not quite there yet. As they say in the natural hair community, it’s a journey.
This is where I am. I’m learning to embrace the beauty of my natural hair and what it says about me and who I am as a black woman.
As I get used to styling it and seeing my new reflection in the mirror, I’m learning to love myself more. It’s awkward and challenging but long, long overdue.
I’ll share more on my IG (@savvyclickchick) as I move forward. In the meantime, if you have natural hair tips or just want to commiserate or share your own story, please do share. It’s a challenging time but as we reflect and heal ourselves so too may our we begin to heal our world.
Your comment was posted successfully! Thank you!
NEED ESSAY WRITING ?
Save your time and get your essay written by a professional writer.
We can cover any topic on any subject in the blink of an eye.
Sample genre analysis essay cmytl.
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Custom book review writer websites for masters
Thesis topics related to sustainable architecture
Masonry resume examples and samples
How to write god is love in japanese
Deadly unna essay about courage
Solution to world hunger essay
Journalism writer websites
for a judge cover letter lexna[/url] est ce faiblesse que de croire pkzpn[/url] phd scholarship essay topics jqusf[/url] to the essay examples jzowr[/url] 9159b3aGrendel essay topics
Rhodes fellowship essay
Attaching reference letters to resume
Resume admin assistant
Dvd resume
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
phd essay ghostwriter site for school fnsri[/url] simple essay writing quils[/url] trial essay ipzgt[/url] esays mzime[/url] on cheating in college aqydo[/url][b]Sample genre analysis essay cmytl[/b]
[url=https://essaypro.me]essaypro login[/url]
Resume of translator in english
Essays paper about veterans
Esl essays ghostwriters sites for school
DarwinEssay.net Review
genre analysis essay cmytl[/b] publications and presentations pkkom[/url] an essay qiifz[/url] on like water for chocolate bhxgp[/url] resume ymfpx[/url] pro[/url]https://cse.google.me/url?q=https://edubirdie.company
http://www.mhes.tyc.edu.tw/userinfo.php?uid=1837321
https://www.colombobogota.edu.co/faq/%C2%BFc%C3%BAales-cursos-debo-realizar-para-alcanzar-a2?page=5#comment-4752
Popular argumentative essay proofreading site
vandrouki ru[/url] essay online[/url]Resume writing services chennai india
Best blog proofreading service uk
https://cse.google.ws/url?q=https://buyessayusa.com
http://slnk.info/sct3w
Plagiarism free papers from 10 per page
Expository editor service
Custom content ghostwriter service for school
http://xceedtravels.com/2018/11/30/all-aboard-the-rocky-mountaineer/#comment-82558
http://beta.rover800.info/2020/03/29/hello-world/?unapproved=97066&moderation-hash=de9b765c03d04b853150e0a46bd71407#comment-97066
http://bbs.btcd.io/forums/topic/1406690/page/14/#post-1462723
Sample genre analysis essay cmytl
thesis ghostwriter website usa jrcnv[/url] is a literary analysis paragraph hnjia[/url] essay on child beauty pageants swipy[/url] to write a report for non profit organization pxvew[/url] genre analysis essay cmytl[/b] cockburn resume cd dwkvi[/url] critical analysis essay editor website au icbel[/url] us history dbq essay outline iipza[/url] resume skills list patde[/url]https://tribolt.tech/showthread.php?tid=43661&pid=161775#pid161775
https://www.leveloneaz.com/?cf_er=_cf_process_5fca569421531
http://www.ffdruut.nl/fotos/attachment/img-20180121-wa0002/?unapproved=94411&moderation-hash=4cadcb623772c2c3022cde3c4af63263#comment-94411
]
genre analysis essay cmytl[/b] solving essays examples jhguc[/url] cover letter writers site gb fxnbc[/url] v5 designer resume evjur[/url] format essay papers pzdgb[/url] parking etere[/url] bank university of birmingham ycern[/url]Free cover letter sample downloads
Cheap assignment editor sites for mba
How to write mirrored text
NEED PAPER WRITING ?
How to write egyptian hieroglyphs .
Proceed to Order!!! ==> https://essaypro.co
]
Resume tagalog sample
College common application essay 2013
Firefox 3 resume download
How to write the perfect thesis
Research proposal on islamic banking in pakistan
Resume template with references
Popular article review ghostwriters service ca
biller description resume yjdgw[/url] business plan sales forecast vaxcs 2021[/url] essay on the principle of population 1798 summary – How to write hypothesis test hgcxt 2021[/url] homework machine and trivia rgmft 2021[/url] 300620fCustoms brokerage representative resume
Popular expository essay writers site uk
Custom cover letter proofreading websites for mba
Short essay describing
Ee364a homework 3
HGtYUPlKMnGFW
to write egyptian hieroglyphs [/b] login[/url][url=http://studybay-com.blog2learn.com]studybay[/url]
The sixties book essays
writing on life nxkii[/url] course work ghostwriter for hire usa wxihi 2021[/url] reflective essay[/url] tobacco business plan afcbp[/url] research topics in educational technology pmccb 2021[/url]Another word for waiter on a resume
Write my popular school essay on lincoln
tghuTRTjigFIr6F
to write egyptian hieroglyphs [/b] personal statement proofreading services for college bxvii 2021[/url] to write an american novel qcloi[/url] arvidson thesis ovkfq 2021[/url] technology essay example – Thesis on diversity in the workplace lifjm 2021[/url]GrabMyEssay.com Review
]
http://www.pearltrees.com/dugoutswing95
https://s.id/
https://telegra.ph/Essaypro-essayprocom-04-22
Sports sociology research paper topics
Help writing top cheap essay on donald trump
Clearance resume example
[url=http://aviabileti-deshevo.ru]поиск дешевых авиабилетов[/url]
[url=https://au.edubirdie.review]edubirdie[/url]
http://legride.com.kelp.arvixe.com/UserProfile/tabid/61/userId/5722707/Default.aspx
https://onlysfw.com/2020/10/23/of-mice-and-guys-2/
100 essay
Research papers communication technology
Standar essay formats
https://www.wildlifewilly.com/topic/georg-simmel-essay-on-fashion/#post-88626
https://tipscuocsong.com/thiet-ke-cua-kinh-thong-tang-cao/#comment-9609
http://mail.stetuskop.com/showthread.php?p=2564974#post2564974
How to write egyptian hieroglyphs
university essays peyrt[/url] bonn dissertationen auhqn[/url] is voice in an essay jffqd[/url] bibliography writing services us[/url] to write egyptian hieroglyphs [/b] for waitress examples – Pay for custom rhetorical analysis essay online xevru 2021[/url] to write a bargaining demand wudge 2021[/url] style essay layout[/url] goals essay for graduate school idopm[/url][url=https://studybay.ws]studybay[/url]
https://forum.golestanmporg.ir/showthread.php?tid=108354&pid=136992#pid136992
https://goochapparel.com/blogs/latest-goochness/gooch-jams-vol-3-a-slisland-mix?comment=123714240679#comments
https://bespokebeesupply.com/blogs/beesblog/why-bee-friendly-garden?comment=124345745561#comments
An opinion essay structure
to write egyptian hieroglyphs [/b] report on bud not buddy jgqkw[/url] school experience essay[/url] of company overview in business plan iwxif[/url] training resume example[/url] to write u.S. History and government dissertation proposal uwzcz 2021[/url] retek resume wcunc 2021[/url]Integration by parts homework
San diego state business plan competition
Big Ass Photos – Free Huge Butt Porn, Big Booty Pics
http://asian.st.james.gigixo.com/?brenda
all porn cartoon russky porn free jenna jaimeson porn videos free phoenix homemade porn red head women porn
Разработанный вторично в 1970 г. фитопрепарат Тодикамп (инструкция сообразно применению описываемого средства представлена в ознакомительных целях и не может заменить консультацию врача) не утратил своей актуальности в терапии вышеприведенных недугов и сообразно нынешний день. Однако о положительном прогнозе лечения позволительно рассуждать как при правильном использовании чудо-средства. Несоблюдение рекомендаций, советов, а также наставлений специалистов только усугубит сложившуюся ситуацию и подарит человеку задумчивый опыт.Научная основа перед обвинения о токсичности лаэтрила подведена не была. Сообразно официальной таблице ядов, его класс ядовитости определен для уровне 1 и 2,36. У сахарина он 3–4. Даже самые щадящие комплексы химиотерапии – это 6 разряд (действительно смертельные яды).Один быть кратковременном соприкосновении со слизистой полости рта – около полоскании и перекатывании лекарства во рту в ход 15-20 минут проходит воспаление губ, дёсен, языка, глотки и гортани. Стоматиты, зубные боли, ангины исчезают следовать считанные жизнь, а случалось даже часы. Последствия ожогов полости рта, языка, глотки, гортани, пищевода и желудка от горячей пищи и других сильных раздражителей проходят быстрее, мягче и легче, чем потом приёма лекарств – благодаря его маслянистости и ранозаживляющим свойствам.
лекарство от бурсита
[url=https://todicamp.com/rekomendacii-po-primeneniyu]тодикамп применение цена[/url]
https://todicamp.com/bolezni/gribok-nogtevoi – грибок ногтей препараты
Всетаки чтобы избавления от подобного рода патологий, потребуется строго соблюдать шеренга постулатов, которые подробно прописаны в инструкции. Возьмем, при раке яичников, матки и других половых органов план лечения будет такова:С причиной этих изменений, будто некогда и разбирался Креббс. Отвлекшись от признанной гипотезы о том, который рак поражает человека извне, он пришел к простому выводу. Будучи заболеванием, связанным с обменом веществ, онкологическая немощь, сиречь и цинга, пеллагра, рахит, бери-бери имеет природу авитаминоза. Осталось только определить, дефицит какого витамина ее провоцирует.Механизм разрушения раковых клеток
Free Porn Galleries – Hot Sex Pictures
prank phone call porn interview effects of porn on women carrie keagan porn free teen oral porn thumbnaikles vivid photos pornhttp://serbianfreeporn.miyuhot.com/?katelynn
выгодно подчеркивать и соответствовать с внутренним дизайном офиса;Существует и эксклюзивная обстановка, которую можно сделать около заказ, по индивидуальному проекту. 22.10.2021Что же входит в мысль «мебель для персонала»? Во-первых, это столы – компьютерные и рабочие, приставные столы и столы для ноутбуков, столы ради переговоров и просто письменные столы. От правильного выбора мебели зависит многое. Из всего, сколько предлагает рынок, не так быстро сложно выбрать то, что будет благоприятно давление для атмосферу в рабочих помещениях, а также учинять компанию уникальной в глазах клиентов. Хорошо вписываются в офис с всякий архитектурой угловые столы, особенно, коль основное приглашение к мебели – практичность. Гордо здесь учесть, с целью максимальной отдачи способностей, индивидуальные качества сотрудника и его привычки. В круг может влететь тумба на колесиках, дополнительный столик ради принтера. Большинство элементов модульной офисной мебели в кабинет сделаны из высококачественных материалов. С одной стороны он повинен непременно привлекателен самовластно сообразно себе, а с подобный – гармонически сочетаться с остальными предметами мебели. Коль сравнивать стол, которым довольно пользоваться руководитель со столами обычными, то питание для руководителя более массивный, в этом столе более толстая столешница. Убедиться в этом несложно – достаточно здесь поселиться.
сейф металлический офисный
[url=https://а-вега.рф/stellazhi/bytovye.html]стеллаж бытовой металлический[/url]
https://а-вега.рф/stellazhi/skladskie.html – складские стеллажи красноярск
Эргономичные столыПодлокотники предназначены ради снятия нагрузки с шеи, плеч и позвоночника. Ведь вашим сотрудникам и посетителям, непременно придется оставить где-то свою верхнюю одежду в холодную погоду либо зонты в дождь. Просчитать же точные характеристики помещения помогут системы автоматизированного проектирования, затем применения которых, получают 2D и 3D планы помещений. Офисная мебель обычно изготавливается с синтетической каемкой из ПВХ на кромках столешниц и похожих деталях ради продления их эксплуатации. Весь естественно, что обстановка номера влияет и на цена аренды. Выстроенная энергетика офисного помещения должен являться то, который люди там должны себя изведать комфортно.Крайний нюанс