The Natural Hair Journey

Weddings in September

This girl happens to be from Kenya!

What style!

Kirigo

Your Natural Hair Coach

Mau Mau Statue from Kenya

This is a piece of history that I came across during one  of my many visits to Kenya, East Africa.

This sculpture was completed in remembrance of the Mau Mau regime otherwise known as Kenya's Freedom Fighters. They fought for independence of the country from the British colonists.

Mau mau's lived in the forest, so they were feared and highly misunderstood.  Their appearance and especially their hair was became a sigma of negativity.

Mau mau's were also the very first people with locks/ dreadlocks that were shown publicly through media to the rest of the world.

In fact when I started my own locks in 1997 and traveled to Kenya the fear and questions from my Aunts especially was " Are you becoming a Mau Mau?" At first I was so insulted,  but soon I decided to walk strong in my lock journey and decided that yes I was going to stand for my forefathers.

Today in Kenya, hair locking is very trendy especially with the middle class. Young professionals are making the way.

Times are really changing, globally.

 

Kirigo

 

Your Natural Hair Coach

September Weddings

I find that September is a great month for weddings.

It's not too hot outside, nor is it too cool.  Hair styles hold better and longer.

Here is a 2 Strand twist plucked out, and pinned up.

How beautiful is this?

Kirigo

Your Natural Hair Coach

S.E.L.F. Image Awards, September 12, 2009

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Photo's from left to right: Myself, Dr. Joanne Cornwell, Cykeithia Henderson.

I attended the S.E.L.F Image Awards, the first of it's kind, hosted by Marci & Shanti Walker, owners of Madam Walker's Braidery and School.

What an incredible night! All the Natural Guru's  such as Dr. Joanne Cornwell founder of Sister Locks, Glynn Jackson from Glynn Jackson Productions, Taalb Din-Uqudah and Pamela Ferrell founders of Cornrows and Company, Kafele Thando from New York and much more.

All attended with one goal that night, and that was to support The House of Ruth in Maryland, a shelter for abused women and children.

I learned that 3 women out 5 live in abused homes, paralyzed by absolute fear. I also learned that we ( especially sisters) are quicker to judge someone, than to help the situation even if it's just listening without judgment.

Although we heard sad testimonies, the night was exceptionally well planned, dinner was great and I was glad they had a vegetarian option. The Afro Blue vocal jazz ensemble from Howard University was outstanding.

I felt absolutely blessed to be amongst the founders of natural expression through our natural hair. The beautiful hair styles that were in that room were so inspiring, and nothing but love and positive energy flowing.

Positive things happening in the natural world.

Stay tuned, more to come...

Kirigo

Your Natural Hair Coach