Description
Book SynopsisBlack women continue to have a complex and convoluted relationship with their hair. From grammar and high schools to corporate boardrooms and military squadrons, Black and Afro Latina natural hair continues to confound, transfix, and enrage members of White American society. Why, in 2022, is this still the case? Why have we not moved beyond that perennial racist emblem? And why are women so disproportionately affected?
Why does our hair become most palatable when it capitulates, and has been subjugated, to resemble Caucasian features as closely as possible? Who or what is responsible for the web of supervision and surveillance of our hair? Who in our society gets to author the prevailing constitution of professional appearance?
Particularly relevant during this time of emboldened White supremacy, racism, and provocative othering, this work explores how writing about one of the still-remaining systemic biases in schools, academia, and corporate America might lead to greater understanding and respect.Table of ContentsForeword by Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I: A Critical Lens The Ancient
Iris Crawford Toward Decolonizing Our Roots
Lyzette Wanzer, MFA The Swiftness Black Women Know
Dr. Regis Fox Black Women Maneuvering Nappy
Judy Juanita.
Black Hair Matters: Teaching and Living Race amid Civil Strife
Dr. Shatima Jenique Jones Natural’s Not in It: Black Women’s Hair in Majority White Professional Settings
Margalynne Armstrong, JD.
Part II: The Pilgrimage Peinate el Pelo
Carmen Bardeguez–Brown Hair Politics: An Afro Puerto Rican Womyn’s Untangled Narrative
Dr. BÁrbara Idalissee AbadÍa-Rexach.
Naturally: A Hair Journey to Africa and Beyond
Kim Coleman Foote Another Layer of Our Freedom
Lyndsey Ellis, MFA ’Fro Fatigue and Other 4C Woes
Dr. Adrienne Danyelle Oliver.
Part III: Intimate Encounters solstice in solidified sugar
Dr. Raina LeÓn Pelo Liso Y Pelo Malo: My Mother and Me
MK Chavez Self-Care and Sanctuary in Black Women’s Salons
Dr. Sherry Johnson My Locs, Her Locs: Our Personal Journey
Sulma Arzu-Brown My Curls, My Crown
Dr. Priscilla Ferreira.
Part IV: The Unshackled Chronicles Yo soy parte Dominicana, Yo soy Black, Yo soy misma!
Tyrice Brown, MA Power Struggle
Jasmine Hawkins, MA.
In the Kitchen
Jewelle Gomez, MS.
Beauty Is Pain: A Hairstory
Kelechi Ubozoh.
Hair Chronicles of an Afro Puerto Rican
Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa.
Turning the Lens Rightside Up
Lyzette Wanzer, MFA Reader Discussion Guide
Resource Guide
Contributors
