Requiem For A Natural Hair Icon: Our Sister Since learning of the death of Titi Branch, the co-founder of Miss Jessie's hair care products, a "Natural Hair Icon" in my book, there has been a heaviness dwelling in my heart and Spirit. It has compelled me to write this "letter". This occurrence I call a "selah" moment (from The Bible) meaning a "pause and reflect" moment. As a Master Pioneer in the natural hair industry who has contributed to paving the way for "natural hair" Love , my first thoughts beyond the pure sadness in my heart was, "be careful what you ask for" . For although I have been in the Natural Hair industry creating phenomenal products and events for the past 30 years, I never got the BIG DEAL like Carol's Daughter or Miss Jessie's. Many of my customers, friends and loved ones (like myself) f elt that I / New Bein' was deserving of it. Facts...it didn't happen. I though...
I am declaring the beginning of the next chapter in the book of my life. I decided after my last show on Memorial Day Weekend to finally stop going. I am taking myself off the road; I am not planning to do anymore hair, trade, cultural, or jazz shows in town or out of town. I am stopping. Pausing...to really work on what I believe God wants me to do. Earlier this year I got a revelation from God to speak and to write. It has been ruminating in my soul every since. But like most times...you keep going and going and don't follow the instructions until you feel you are ready or comfortable. I do understand mentally that change is usually uncomfortable. Stopping yourself in motion and being still is probably one of the hardest things that we must do as human beings. At the same time that I have been conscious of the possibilities that lie ahead and even feeling excited about them most of the time, I do discern the spirit of fear that alw...
When I began my research into the history and origins of Locs, it took me into antiquity. What an exciting journey discovering all of many ancient and vanishing tribes of Africa and other indigenous people. Beauty beyond words was what I found. And oh...what an enigma. In childhood I was taught in school that African people were uncivilized cannibals who swung it trees in the "Dark Continent". I was in awe of the creativity, magnificence and wonder of African adornment and fashion (not style). The beading, clothing, even some of the houses (Ndebele) were exquisite, regal, majestic, vivid, colorful almost magical. Indeed it was original; no where else had it been done like this, ever. The creativity and ingenuity was mind boggling; how feathers, shells, stones, skins, eggs, gold, silver and everything around them was used to create matchless beauty. As I began to synthesize this glorious past I realized that there was very critical c...
Comments
Post a Comment