In one of my most popular blog posts to date, I expressed the wish that Black women generally would wear natural hair styles, rather than feeling the need to straighten their hair. I ended the post by calling for a Natural Hair Day:
"Let there be ONE day out of the year when Black women everywhere feel free to wear the hair God gave them.
Who's in?"
I had no idea that such a day - or something close to it - already exists: National Natural Hair Meetup Day.
From the website:
"The International Natural Hair Meetup Day is an annual one-day event. Its purpose is to allow the opportunity for women across the country to meet in their own communities while networking, sharing and meeting (virtually) other women across the country participating in meetups on the same day. Natural hair meetups are events designed to share information, techniques, inspiration and products to aid individuals in their natural hair journey."
I consider this a great idea, so I was disappointed to learn that:
On the other hand, having just missed this year's NNHMD means that Pittsburghers have nearly a full year to plan for next year's NNHMD, which will be Saturday, May 18.
So now my question is, do any Black women in Pittsburgh have a strong enough desire for this to happen here to help make it happen, here?
If so, I have a slogan for you: "Helping you to take good care of your good hair."
What about it, ladies?
"Let there be ONE day out of the year when Black women everywhere feel free to wear the hair God gave them.
Who's in?"
I had no idea that such a day - or something close to it - already exists: National Natural Hair Meetup Day.
From the website:
"The International Natural Hair Meetup Day is an annual one-day event. Its purpose is to allow the opportunity for women across the country to meet in their own communities while networking, sharing and meeting (virtually) other women across the country participating in meetups on the same day. Natural hair meetups are events designed to share information, techniques, inspiration and products to aid individuals in their natural hair journey."
I consider this a great idea, so I was disappointed to learn that:
- This year's NNHMD was on May 19, and
- Pittsburgh was not listed among participating cities (Philadelphia was the only Pa. city with a listed event).
On the other hand, having just missed this year's NNHMD means that Pittsburghers have nearly a full year to plan for next year's NNHMD, which will be Saturday, May 18.
So now my question is, do any Black women in Pittsburgh have a strong enough desire for this to happen here to help make it happen, here?
If so, I have a slogan for you: "Helping you to take good care of your good hair."
What about it, ladies?
11 comments:
I think it's an excellent idea Mr. Green. Pittsburgh should be included. I see African American women all over this city wearing natural hairstyles (I wore my hair natural for 18 years then decided I wanted a change so I enjoy my chemically treated hair for now.). There will be a day when I go back to natural hair and that day may be May 19, 2013.
Thanks Ms. Abrams - I think that your reverting on 5/19/13 would be tres cool! Not that my opinion should concern you :)
Oops - make that 5/18/13!
I was natural for over 15 years before becoming a bleached-blond. My natural locks will return this fall.
I look forward to the look, Ms. Kiva - if you're still in the 'Burgh :)
E: Thanks for the post and idea. I'm in and will spread the word!
Thanks, K!
I think it's a cool idea because it advances the notion that non bone-straight hair is beautiful, which it absolutely is. However, I wouldn't participate because I really don't appreciate this sense that the rest of the world feels it has the right to police black women's hair. If a black woman wears her hair straight she's denying her ethnicity but if she wears it natural she's militant and counter to mainstream America. I think that as long as hair is healthy women should wear it as they please. Telling them they should do otherwise for any reason is a form of control.
Anonymous - Thanks for commenting. My impression is that NNHMD is not about telling women that they should not wear their hair as they please, but that it is about helping women who are choosing natural styles.
An easy no-brainer for me. I wear natural hair - the stuff the Creator intended for me to have!
Thanks for your comment, CDJ - hope all is well with you :)
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