kinky roots

It has been one year since I decided to embark on this journey to natural hair. It has not been easy and I still have a few more inches of relaxed hair to grow out. I've been trimming my hair each time I go to the salon. I've contemplated the big chop, but I still enjoy the versatility of having the length of my hair. I miss my long tresses! I miss throwing my hair into a ponytail on days I don't feel like doing my hair. However, I love how much more healthier my hair is now, and I enjoy the versatility of going from kinky to straight when I want to, without using chemicals. I got Senegalese twists this summer as a protective style this past summer, which was the first time I ever had weave braided into my hair. I am very tender headed so I did not enjoy sitting for 8 hours, but I was happy with the results! I enjoyed the new look, but I quickly got bored with my new hairstyle.  I'm still growing to love my kinky roots even though I hate the shrinkage when it's wet. Beautiful hair comes in all forms: kinky, straight, curly, nappy, coiled, and every other texture under the sun, so I will gladly continue this journey. :)





"I'd cry, if only I had the time to do it." -Kathryn Stockett, The Help

Congrats to Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer on their Oscar nominations for their roles in The Help! Viola Davis has been nominated for Best Actress and Octavia Spencer has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The Help also grabbed the Best Picture nomination. The movie, The Help is the adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s bestselling novel about a young white woman in early 1960s Mississippi who risks her social status to write a book about the lives of local maids. I read the book and supported the movie in theaters; however, I did not feel the movie fully captured the story. I am also very biased when it comes to comparing books to the movies. The book is usually better in most cases.

But on another note, why does Hollywood continue to give nods to Black films depicting Blacks as mammies and maids, and every other Black stereotype? In 1939, Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to be recognized by the academy, winning Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind. Roles for Blacks have changed very little since then. Blacks are depicted as coons, servants, mulatto Jezebels and criminals. When will more Black films get recognized? When will production companies start investing in films portraying Blacks in a positive light? When will mainstream roles open up for Black actors and actresses? Within the 84 year history of the academy not one black film has won Best Picture. I would like to see Black men and women playing more interesting roles and WINNING! 

Octavia Spencer & Viola Davis, Photo via UPTOWN