Tag: African Diaspora

Tracing our Roots: On DNA, African Ancestry and hair

1 Comment

I recently came across this video on Facebook from the “Back to Our Roots” episode of the talk show, Sister Circle. 

***Please note: I do not endorse AfricanAncestry.com nor the validity of their DNA testing.***

 

After watching this clip, I really felt tempted to do the DNA test. I (like I’m sure many other members of the African Diaspora) would love to know exactly where my ancestors came from.  However, I do have certain reservations about giving companies access to my genetic information, who may then, in turn, be selling that information to third parties; so I don’t know if I’ll ever do it.

Although I may not know the precise ethnic group I came from, my hair and my melanin-filled skin serve as constant and powerful reminders of my African ancestry.  As stated by Dr. Gina Paige of AfricanAncestry.com in the clip: When we [displaced Africans] got [to the New World], we lost our names, our languages, everything. We are the original victims of identity theft, but we didn’t lose our DNA.  Her statement really resonated with me: though the enslavers tried to strip us of our African culture and all of those practices that made us “human”, they could not erase our DNA.  But for those particular elements which they could not destroy—our skin, our features, and our hair—they simply demeaned.

Try as they might, however, Africa is (and always has been) with us.  Africa is in our hearts and in our souls, and more importantly, she’s inscribed in our genetic code. And the global spread of the Natural Hair Movement is a clear reflection of this: while we, members of the African Diaspora, may have various ethnocultural and linguistic differences, our unique hair texture is a distinct genetic marker, connecting us together and also linking us back to the Motherland.  As noted by Byrd & Tharps in Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America, ever since the Transatlantic Slave Trade, hair, rather than skin colour, has been used as the main identifier of “Blackness”, and this notion is evidenced by the way Black people around the globe can relate to each other’s experiences with their hair (and the politics of hair), no matter our geographic coordinates.

So, until I take the DNA test, I may never know exactly who my “people” are, but what I do know is that I belong to a resilient community of people of African descent, who not only share a common history of enslavement, resistance, perseverance, but also similar lived experiences, foods, music, artistic and cultural expressions, and of course, hair.  And I think that’s good enough for me…for now, at least…

Would you trace your ancestry through DNA testing? Why or why not?

Share in the comments below.

 

Advertisement

Cross-Cultural Talks Interview

Leave a comment

Recently, I had the honour of being interviewed by Robinette D. Cross of Cross-Cultural Talks, LLC!

“Cross-Cultural Talks is committed to the instruction, education, and upliftment of all mankind and, as global citizens, making sure that all who wish to have access possess the fundamentals needed to be successful in academics and cross-cultural understanding.”

Please support this good work that Robinette is doing: like and follow her Facebook page and subscribe to her YouTube channel to tune in for more interviews from the African Diaspora!

Watch the interview here:

 

 

Share your thoughts in the comments!

Phenomenal Professional Naturalista: Ms. Abigail Browne

Leave a comment

What is your name?

Abigail Browne

Where do you live?

Toronto, Canada

What is your occupation?

Government Lawyer and Trademark Agent

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.), McMaster University; Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B), University of Windsor; Master of Laws degree (LL.M.), Queen Mary- University of London

How long have you been natural?

Roughly 5 years.

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

It was time…and YouTube videos let me know it was possible!

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

2 French braids, a twisted-out bantu-knot undo, or a braid-out and end twist-around.

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

I don’t think so.

What do you love most about your natural hair?

The versatility and its health.

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

The fact that I can’t just wash and go! Also, trying to maintain moisture.

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

I go to my “go to” styles!

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

Put the health of your hair first and find a style that makes you feel beautiful and confident!

Phenomenal Professional Naturalista: Mrs. Shaneka Shaw Taylor

Leave a comment

What is your name?

Shaneka Shaw Taylor

Where do you live?

Toronto, Canada

What is your occupation?

Lawyer, Partner at Boghosian + Allen LLP

What is your educational background?

Honours Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Windsor; Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

How long have you been natural?

From birth until around 1995; and since 2004 to present.

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

I just really wanted a change and a fresh start. I had just started undergraduate studies when I started my dreadlocks from 2004. I cut my locks in 2011 when they got too difficult to manage and I didn’t have the time to spend on my hair as I previously did. I cut my hair to a low fade, and the rest is history.

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

Hahaha, a side part with slicked sides and a side tapered afro.

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

Not to my face! I have heard of other negative experiences but I personally have not had any challenges due to my hair.

What do you love most about your natural hair?

The curls! I have tight coil curls that resemble the spring coil inside a pen; however, I have noticed that my curls have changed over time, perhaps due to the chemical colouring of my hair.

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

Maintaining the right balance of moisture in my hair and trying to get it to grow. It perpetually seems to be staying at the same length.

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

Honestly, I don’t do anything different. From season to season, I try to mix it up with crochet or regular braids, and once per year, I get a blowout. Otherwise, my hair does what it wants!

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

Embrace your curls. Do not feel limited by others’ perception of what your hair should look like. Once you accept your hair, the way it grows and the way it makes you feel, others will learn to accept and appreciate it. Do not feel the need to conform to Western society’s beauty constructs, as that narrative often does not view Black hair as beautiful. The more you embrace it, the more others will. Get a great stylist who is adept at working with natural hair and get him/her to teach you how to properly care for your curls. Be kind with yourself!

***

Follow Shaneka on

Linkedin: shanekashawtaylor

Instagram: shaneka_taylor

Twitter: @shanekashaw

or visit: http://www.boglaw.ca/shaneka-m-taylor

Phenomenal Professional Naturalista: Ms. Janine Clarke

Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your name?

Janine Clarke

Where do you live?

Toronto, Canada

What is your occupation?

Process Excellence and Operations Management in the Financial Services Industry

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Toronto; Master of Business Administration, Queen’s University

How long have you been natural?

Almost a decade…and a lifetime to go!

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

After decades of chemically processing my hair (since childhood)—from Jheri Curl, to Hawaiian Silky, then Wave Nouveau—I started to notice a lot of breakage. Since my hair had always been curly (albeit with chemical assistance), I already really loved curls and was curious to see what my natural curls looked like. It was initially challenging to find the right products and to figure out how style my hair, but after years of trial and error, I figured it out and love my hair so much!

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

I love doing flat twist-outs. The style keeps my curls poppin’ for days!

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

No. I’ve been fortunate to work in organizations that embrace diversity and authenticity. My colleagues often compliment me on my hair and are impressed by my range of styles.

The only disappointing experience I can recall happened just as I was finishing up undergrad (my hair was curly, but not natural at the time). My family and I stopped by the office of a (former) family friend, who was also a successful entrepreneur from our community. After I excitedly told him about the different potential career paths I was considering after graduation, he said to me “…whatever you choose, you’re going to have to straighten that hair if you want to be successful.” This happened so many years ago, and I can still remember leaving his office feeling so deflated. On the bright side, I’ve definitely proven him wrong!

What do you love most about your natural hair?

I love that my hair is healthy and versatile.

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

It has taken me years of trial and error, years of being a product junkie, and many #hairfails to figure out what works best for my ever-evolving mane. I don’t view this as a challenge though. It’s really a labour of love and ongoing self-discovery. I consider the time I spend on my hair to be an expression of self-care and creativity.

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

The short answer is: I don’t! LOL. I’m often up late “setting” my hair so that styling in the morning is easier and my hair looks on point. One thing that has helped me save some time is protective styling. After years of our long and frigid winters taking a toll on my mane, I finally decided to introduce more protective styles into my repertoire. While I’ve embraced experimenting with different styles (mostly variations of crochet braids), and appreciate the time I save by not having to set/style it daily, I really do start to miss my own hair after a few weeks. Haha!!

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

Our hair is so beautiful and versatile. Embrace it. Learn about it. Seek out help and advice (friends, YouTube, hairdressers, etc.)

Many of us are raised to believe that our hair is what defines us. It’s a lie. What defines me at work is being an exceptional leader, my subject matter expertise, and how I drive results. I have zero tolerance for, and would seriously question the vision, mission, corporate culture, leadership, and frankly, the long-term sustainability of, any organization that would limit my professional advancement based on my decision to wear my hair how it grows naturally out of its follicles.

 

Phenomenal Professional Naturalista: Mrs. Natasha Patten

Leave a comment

What is your name?

Natasha Patten

Where do you live?

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

What is your occupation?

Creative Director at Blue Image Group, Outerwear Collection; Makeup Artistry and Makeup Education

What is your educational background?

Bachelor of Applied Arts, Ryerson University; Certificate of Pattern Drafting, Ryerson University; Diploma, Creative Makeup Design, Toronto School of Makeup Art

How long have you been natural?

5 years

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

I really just wanted colour in my hair and my stylist said I can’t lighten it with a relaxer—it’s too damaging. So, that day at the salon, I cut the relaxer out so that I could have the colour!

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

Short and blonde!

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

None at all. As an entrepreneur, I don’t have those same “run-ins” with associates, but I do have to meet new people regularly. I bring my confidence and professionalism to the table and hope that’s what they see.

What do you love most about your natural hair?

I love how easy it is to take care of! With very little effort, I’m ready to go in the morning. And of course, I love my curls!

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

In the beginning, I couldn’t find a style that was “me”; a signature cut, so to speak. That was the hardest part for me. Now I’ve found my groove.

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

With two small children, a husband, and a business to run, I don’t have a lot of time to devote to my hair. I need it to look good though—all the time—so, again, I balanced that by having it in a short, easy-to-maintain style.

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

Negative perceptions should never be taken on by the person to whom they’re directed. Don’t take responsibility for anyone else’s actions or thoughts: it’s way too much work! I know natural women who are partners at their law firms, doctors, architects, politicians and entrepreneurs. Don’t let that stop you from being yourself! As for maintenance, every hairstyle we do requires maintenance: it’s a fact of being a Black woman. The sooner you accept that, the easier it becomes to take care of.

***

To see Natasha’s masterpieces, visit:

http://www.mycoatisblue.com
http://www.blueimagegroup.com

Follow her on Instagram:
@jnatashapatten
@mycoatisblue

and Facebook:
My Coat Is Blue

Phenomenal Professional Naturalista: Ms. Norah Dorcine

Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your name?

Norah Dorcine

Where do you live?

Currently, I reside in Paris, France.

What is your occupation?

Lawyer.

What is your educational background?

Licence in Civil Law (LL.L.) and Bachelors of Laws (LL.B.) obtained at University of Ottawa; LL.M. candidate in international law, Universite Paris Descartes

How long have you been natural?

Since 2007.

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

I just loved the natural hair look. Sometime in 2006, I was at the hair salon. While under the dryer, I was looking at hair magazines. While most styles were done with relaxed hair, one hairstyle caught my attention: it was beautiful, curly black hair, well-defined. I asked my hairdresser how I could achieve the look, but she said that it was not possible with my hair type—and, plus, I would have to stop perming. I was disappointed. I had been perming my hair since I was 10 years old; I couldn’t imagine anything else! Another time at the salon, I noticed that my hairdresser was selling curly black ponytails that resembled the look I liked so much in that magazine. I bought one and was able to pull off a cute curly ponytail hairstyle. The only problem was that  I could not let my hair out and achieve a complete curly look because my own hair was relaxed. In 2007, I decided to stop perming and start my natural hair journey. I never looked back!

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

It depends. One week, it can just be a simple wash-and-go (using flaxseed gel), which can last about 3 days for me. Another week, it can just be a twist-out.

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

Thankfully, no. Any barrier to not wear my natural hair was self-owned. Back then, I thought that it didn’t look professional enough for a lawyer to wear an afro look. Over time, I just realized that there was nothing wrong with my afro or my twist out—and it certainly didn’t make me less professional!

What do you love most about your natural hair?

The versatility! The shape of my curls, the different hairstyles I can achieve—just everything! When I was perming, my hair was flat and had no body. Now, it is full of curls and life!

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

The maintenance. Admittedly, it is time-consuming. Keeping my hair moisturized during the winter months takes time and patience.

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

I try to keep it simple during the week. Before going to bed, I spritz my hair with some water and aloe juice. I put it in a bun and put on a satin bonnet—this keeps my hair fresh for about 3 days. I repeat this process midweek.

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

Your hair is your crown, it was beautifully and uniquely designed by God.  Perceptions do not define who you are—what people think of you or your hair is irrelevant and has no bearing on your professional skills.  As for maintenance, keep it simple and moisturized, and try something fun during the weekend.

Phenomenal Professional Naturalista: Ms. Fana Gibson

Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your name?

Fana Gibson

Where do you live? 

London, UK

What is your occupation?

Strategy Consultant, Financial Services

What is your educational background?

Howard University, BS Physics, BA French; University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School, MBA, MA International Studies

How long have you been natural?

For most of my life. My hair was permed for three or four years as a teenager but I got tired of the maintenance and grew it out. Two other times I’ve gone back for a ‘change’ but those periods have always been short-lived (a year or less) before I revert to being natural.

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

I don’t know if it was ever a decision to “go” natural as much as coming to the realization that putting a chemical in my hair for it to look a certain way doesn’t sit well with me. I’ve spent a lot of time in extensions, either braids or crochet styles. Now I’m challenging myself to leave even those behind and to learn to style my hair as is. This, of course, is a process, and I feel like I’m still on that journey of loving my hair for what it is.

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

Twist-out or a braided two-strand flat-twist.

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

No. I’ve worked in a corporate role for my entire career and have never been made to feel singled out because of my natural hair.

What do you love most about your natural hair?

The versatility. We can do so many great things to how we look by simply changing our hairstyle, whether it’s a two-strand twist, braids, a blow-out, or picking it out into a beautiful Afro!

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

Figuring out how to take care of my hair in the right way has definitely been a challenge. Black hair is so diverse that the same hair care routine or product range won’t work for everyone. In the beginning, I’d get frustrated because I just wanted someone to give me a handbook of all the right things to do, but unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. So it’s been a journey of discovery learning about my hair – from porosity, to the LOC method, to how weather and seasons affect it. You just have to keep trying and tweaking your routine- which sometimes can feel like a hassle but the end result is beautiful, healthy hair, which is worth it.

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

On weekends I usually spend several hours washing, conditioning and moisturizing my hair. During the week I have a very busy schedule so I try to minimize time spent on my hair to 5 minutes on mornings. I have two or three go-to styles that fit into that timeframe: either a braided flat-twist or a twist-out which I can quickly unravel if done from the night before (usually takes 20 minutes while watching TV).

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

You should be able to bring your full self to your job and part of that is deciding what hairstyle is right for you. The key is to own that decision and to have confidence while doing it – then it won’t matter what anyone says. In terms of maintenance, it’s definitely a journey – one that can sometimes be frustrating, but, more often than not, rewarding. Throw yourself into it, learn as much as you can, and create a routine that works for you and your lifestyle.

Phenomenal Professional Naturalista: Dr. Shelby Wilson

Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your name?

Shelby Wilson

Where do you live?

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

What is your occupation?

Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Morehouse College

What is your educational background?

B.S. Mathematics and Computer Science, Spelman College 2006; Ph. D. Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland, 2012

How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural since I graduated from Spelman in May 2006.

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

My original motivation was simple: Perms burn my scalp. I tried every technique possible, and couldn’t keep my scalp from burning. At some point, I just asked myself “Why?”, and decided to stop getting touch-ups. I still straightened my hair on/off for the next 6 years. In 2012, I moved to France and committed to not putting heat on my hair. It was in my time overseas that I took the time to learn how to work with my hair.

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

When my hair is long, I typically wear it in a twist-out. When it’s short, I sport a wash-n-go.

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

I’m fortunate in that I work in a mostly black city (Atlanta) in a mostly black environment (an HBCU). So there’s very little pressure in my daily life to conform to certain hairstyles. But on multiple occasions, at professional conferences, I’ve been told that my appearance or hair was “unprofessional” or made people uncomfortable. Early in my career, these types of reactions really discouraged me. But I let these negative experiences spur my outreach activities aimed at changing the perception of what a mathematician “looks” like.

What do you love most about your natural hair?

I love how BIG it is!

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

Learning to accept what my hair “wants” to do. This can be related to the weather, the health of my hair, the time I have, or a slew of other things. My hair doesn’t always do what I want/plan for it to do. I had to learn to accept that and work with what I’ve got!

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

This is something I really struggle with. Before I had kids, I had all the time in the world, and my natural hair was long, healthy and beautiful. Since having kids, I have trouble finding the time to put together professional styles for long natural hair. Now, I mostly opt to keep my hair short. This gives me a professional look without too much time spent on my hair each morning.

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

Go for it!! Don’t let your colleagues send you the message “We can accept you as long as you’re striving for unattainable standards of beauty.” Also, find a good natural hairstylist. A good stylist will definitely have you looking super-polished and professional with your natural hair.

***

Follow Dr. Shelby Wilson on Facebook: Shelby Wilson Chembo, Handle: ScrabbitNicole

or visit: www.shelby-wilson.com and www.mathematicallygiftedandblack.com

Phenomenal Professional Naturalista: Mrs. Racquel Brown

2 Comments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your name?

Racquel Brown

Where do you live?

Brampton, Ontario, Canada

What is your occupation? 

Instructional Coach, Peel District School Board; Founder of Empower & Equip, an organization that provides resources to support parents in their journey to raise passionate, empowered children

What is your educational background? 

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education, Redeemer University College.

How long have you been natural?

14 years

Why did you decide to “go” natural?

When my husband and I decided that we wanted to have a family, I started to think about the impact that chemical relaxers could have on a baby. I had no scientific research to back anything up – it was just a decision that I felt was right for me and more safe for my baby.

What is your go-to natural hairstyle?

TWIST OUT, 110%!!

Have you ever experienced any challenges in the workplace due to your natural hair?

Well, when I went natural, I just jumped right in with a big chop! No transitioning, I just ripped the band-aid off and went for it. I Kept it short for a long time – my barber was my bestie! As is began to grow, I felt that I needed to flat iron regularly to feel comfortable around my colleagues. Now, to be clear, no one ever said “straight is great, and fro is no”; it was something that I just felt and never questioned. Over time I began to realize that I was the one who needed to be comfortable with my Blackness and stand in the truth that my hair is a huge part of who I am, and I need to own my right to wear it 100% natural—with confidence. Sooooo, enter big chop #2! I started fresh, and as it grew, I embraced it, and I have not straightened it in 7 years.

What do you love most about your natural hair?

EVERYTHANG!! The shape, the versatility, the sheen, the curls… LISTEN!! There is nothing like a fresh twist-out that is 100% behaving itself!

What have you found to be most challenging about being natural?

Sometimes Wash Day can be tiresome (maybe that’s why it is Wash DAY). I also have two daughters so Wash Day x3 can be a bit much. But I have a system, and I am slowly teaching my girls how to wash their own hair.

How do you maintain your “work-hair-life” balance?

Well, contrary to what some think, I do not spend hours twisting my hair every night. My routine is manageable and I don’t feel like my hair is “in the way”. I do have to strategically plan when I wash, twist, rock a puff…but all of these things are probably the story of every natural out there.

What words of encouragement would you offer to someone who is considering going natural, but may have reservations due to their profession?

IF you are wearing your hair straight because of external pressures or perceptions, whether real or imagined), that is a form of colonization that you deserve to be free from. Black women are crushing the European standard of beauty, and we will continue to do so. If we want the world to accept us for who we are, we first need to accept our beauty and wear our skin and hair with confidence. IF, however, you choose to rock your relaxer, weave, wig, locs, braids, twist-out, fro because it is what YOU choose, I say to you, “Go, on girl! Do your thing!” Once YOU have made that choice, walk with the beauty and grace of a beautiful Black queen.

***

Follow Mrs. Racquel Brown on

Instagram: @mrsracquelbrown / @empowerandequip

Facebook: @Racquel Brown / @Empower & Equip