It's February 1st, and although I celebrate being black every day, the month of February is a set apart time that the rest of the country celebrates along with the rest of us! There are so many things to celebrate about the rich and deeply profound essence of #BlackExcellence.
con·tro·ver·sial
/ˌkäntrəˈvərSHəl,ˌkäntrəˈvərsēəl/
adjective adjective: controversial
giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement.
One thing that 2020 has taught some and reminded others is that being black in America is extremely controversial. The amount of civil unrest experienced by a nation already gripped by an overpowering public health pandemic was felt by most. The racism, the inequity, the obvious blind eye, the ignorance, the despair, the anguish, the reality and even the hair remains to be extremely controversial.
There are spaces where natural black hair is frowned up, and dare I say banned. Crazy right?! I've spent my entire career as a public servant working the a local governmental entity for 15 years, before retiring to concentrate on my ministry responsibilities and non profit organization (The Polished Institute), and Although I've never had an employer that frowned upon melanin blessed women with natural hair, I've experienced the stare, the unsolicited hair touch (insert cringe) and the "innocent" comments from men and women of other races. I've unfortunately had negative comments made by family/friends regarding my natural hair. This year marks 10 years since my "big chop" and it was by far, the best hair decision I've ever made. It was one of the most important identity decisions that I've ever made.
Polished Woman, with the big hair and the even bigger presence, this is my ode to you.
No need to straighten and subdue your hair to feel professional. The kinks, curls, locs and braids are real, admired, desired and professional. Just like you!
No need to hate the shrinkage. The only shrinkage that you must hate is shrinking your presence, thoughts and utter grandness to be more palatable. Be big sis!
No need to assimilate, fit in and look like anyone else. God didn't make a single mistake in the way He formed you! Embrace it and walk heavy in your endowments girl!
THIS IS MY PROFESSIONAL HAIR!
