Black History and Hair Through The Years
It's Black History Month -- 28 days of education and celebration of our ancestors. And here at BVHairTalk we're certainly going to join in the tributes, from our own unique area of specialty, of course!
The history of black hair and hairstyling of course began in Africa. Before the slave trade began, many African cultures wore notably elaborate hairstyles. This is where twists, braids, and intricately parted styles began. From the minute black people were brought to America, many of these traditions began to die as these proud people -- now slaves -- were deliberately separated from each other. Because their indigenous styling techniques and products were now out of reach to them, they were forced to use their ingenuity. That involved taming afro-textured hair with animal fat, kerosene, lard, butter - whatever.
In the 1900's, Madame C.J Walker revolutionized the hair straightening market with her "Wonderful Hair Grower."
We have come a long way, baby.
You can directly see the influence of our ancestors in our cultural beliefs about hair, and in the various ways we care for our hair today. Madame C.J Walker can be seen to be an influence for today's entrepreneurs -- Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter, Karen Tappin of Karen's Body Beautiful, Miko and Titi Branch of Miss Jessie's, Mahisha Dellinger of Curls, Shelley Davis of Kinky Curly and Anthony Dickey of Hair Rules come most immediately to mind, but there are so many more men and women of color who have realized the power of the hair products they've whipped up in their kitchens at home. Today black hair is a billion dollar industry, and we've come full circle when it comes to hairstyling. Now there is recognition that we have a choice in how we wear our hair -- whereas in the past so many women and men of color saw straight hair by any means necessary as the only way to get ahead, now it's recognized that you can wear your hair in any style you wish and find success.
What lies in the future for black hair? It is up to us. And only time will tell.
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Thank you Madam CJ Walker. I thank you and my hair thanks you :-)
February 07 2011 at 11:08 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down Replywhen I was a child my dad sold her products along with Oveton Nut Brown and some other black poroducts I sure wish I could get my hands on them now the lemon cream so if any body knows where let me know
February 07 2011 at 2:51 AM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down ReplyHave you any information on black nurses in Canada?
February 01 2011 at 5:33 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down ReplyQuite a contrast to what other races do for their culture.We as a group of people , does not have that giving spirit of investing .It really is a condition that we inherit ed as slaves.African-Americans was conditioned to look out for themselves and the immediate families.We will never be able to spread our knowledge and be resourceful with the money we make.What a blessing it would be if our rich sisters or brother would each sponsor an underpriveledged child with a HIGH GPA A COLLEGE EDUCATION. We as Americans need to form a coalition to help our worthy children that wants to become the best they can be.Oprah can't do it all.I say yes we are all selfish by means of being enslaved with havenots,that created behaviors as receiving only and self gradification.
January 26 2011 at 8:46 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down ReplyIn light of all of the money that black people especially woemn with the braids and weaves now in style, we have let yet another group of people take over the control of our products and most black beauticians have to buy their products from them. The Koreans have taken over the hair products business and own most of the beauty supply stories in most of the big cities across America. Why have blacks not pooled their resources to own businesses across the board. We are too busy trying to make it for "OURSELVES" which leaved out collective cooporatives like other groups have done. We were here before all of them and we have beceome subjected to tall of them. Come one people. We are about to celebrate Black History Month. We need to get it together. We work for everbody from the government to the streets. Even dope pushers don't work for themselves.
January 26 2011 at 2:50 PM Report abuse Permalink -1 rate up rate down ReplyI just wanted to inform you and your readers of this very important fact – Madame C.J. Walker’s historic company still exists today and has never stopped manufacturing all of the original hair oils! Please visit our website at http://www.madamewalker.net to view and purchase the full product line. The website also contains valuable information about Raymond Randolph’s purchase of the original Madame C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company in 1985 from the Walker Trustees in Indianapolis, Indiana and how his family continues to keep Madame Walker’s "true" legacy alive. Due to our ownership of Madame’s historic company and the historical documents and memorabilia of the company, the Randolph Family can provide the most detailed and historically sound information about Madame C.J. Walker and her company by calling toll free, 866-552-2838 or going to the contact us page of our website.
Angela Randolph
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