Black Hair & Black History Month: A story about black hair throughout history

During Black History Month, it's important to celebrate and acknowledge the role that black hair has played in shaping not only black history, but American history as a whole. For centuries, black hair has been a form of self-expression, political activism, and cultural pride. From the afro, to dreadlocks, to braids, black people have used their hair to make bold political statements and to challenge societal norms.

The black hair journey is not without its challenges. Throughout history, black hair has been suppressed and marginalized.  Many black people are still facing discrimination and stigma in the workplace and society due to their natural hair.  For this very reason the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act was introduced to prohibit discrimination based on natural hair and hairstyles.  

Black hair is such an integral part of black culture and history it is imperative to celebrate and honor some of the most significant moments in the black hair journey:

• 15th - 19th Centuries: During slavery, black women were forced to wear their hair straightened and styled in a manner that reflected European beauty standards.
• 1920s: The Harlem Renaissance marked a new era of cultural pride and artistic expression, with many black women embracing natural hairstyles such as finger waves and marcel waves. Madam C.J. Walker he was the FIRST self-made female millionaire in America. Walker built her fortune through her hair care products and cosmetics business for African American women.
• 1960s: The Civil Rights Movement brought a new level of political activism, and black women started wearing Afros as a symbol of resistance and pride in their heritage.  Activist Angela Davis popularized the Afro and wore it as a symbol of black power.
• 1970s: The "Black is Beautiful" movement encouraged black people to embrace their natural hair, skin, and features, leading to a new era of hair experimentation and self-expression.
• 1980s: The popularity of hip-hop and breakdancing reintroduced ancient hair trends such as cornrows, braids, and dreadlocks.
• 1990s: The "good hair" debate sparked a conversation about the pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards and the cultural significance of black hair.
• 2000s: The rise of the internet and social media allowed black women to connect, share, and celebrate their hair journeys, leading to a growing natural hair movement.
• 2013: The CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act was introduced to prohibit discrimination based on natural hair and hairstyles.

These movements have brought a renewed attention to the political and cultural significance of black hair, and the ongoing fight for hair diversity and inclusion. Today, black hair continues to be a source of self-expression and cultural pride. Black people are promoting hair diversity and embracing natural hair in all its forms.