PEORIA (25News Now) – In the realm of beauty and hairstyling, the significance of hair care and unique hairstyles among Black women is both a rich tradition and a vibrant culture that traces back to ancient Africa.
“Women have been styling their hair since the days of Egypt,” A’lelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter of Annie Malone begins, “Black women, in particular, have always been at the forefront of amazing hairstyles and creating innovative products.”
This deep-rooted history underscores the importance of hair care in the Black community, highlighting Black women are not just following trends but continuing a long legacy of hair care innovation.
The entrepreneurial spirit within the hair care industry has allowed many to turn their passion into lucrative careers.
James Agbara Bryson, the great-grandnephew of Annie Malone explains that “owning your own business, setting your own hours, and being recognized as a professional can exponentially increase your earning potential.”
It was that sense of independence and financial freedom which was important, especially in communities where such opportunities can be life-changing.
Recognizing the importance of professional training in this field, Woodruff Technical Career Academy is the only school in the state offering a braiding license program.
“This is a very unique opportunity. Typically, you don’t get this chance until you’re an adult. With no state board test required yet, we offer personalized support to ensure each student can become certified within a year,” says Audurone Simmons, the hair braiding teacher at Woodruff.
For students like Ashani Ford, a senior at Woodruff, the program is more than just learning how to do it.
For Ford, it’s a step towards self-reliance and personal empowerment, “as a woman, maintaining your image is vital. Braiding is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too. For me, learning to braid my own hair was a way to combat hair depression.” She, along with 20 other students, are a part of this year’s braiding license class and are using the certification as a stepping stone to a side hustle after graduation.
The emotional impact of teaching this program is profound for Simmons, who faced barriers in her own journey to becoming a licensed braider.
“Growing up in Mississippi, I had to become a cosmetologist just to braid legally. Without a license, you risked fines or being barred from working. So, it’s a blessing to teach these students and ensure they’re licensed,” Simmons reflects.
The class at Woodruff is part of a broader educational effort in Peoria which is teaching younger students as well. At Hines Primary School, the fourth graders were just introduced to braiding using hair extensions.
“We aim to give them a foundational understanding of cosmetology, so they’re better informed when making future educational and career choices,” Special Education teacher Tamika Causley, who started the after-school cosmetology program explains.
Both of these schools are examples of how they are not only honoring the legacy of pioneering entrepreneurs like Annie Malone and C.J. Walker, but also ensuring the next generation can build upon their legacy. “These women were true ‘bosses’ in every sense of the word, laying the groundwork for what has become a thriving industry,” Aishah Bilal-Ali, loctician and Founder and CEO of Hairadox says.
“But what these two women did was nationalize the distribution of commercially available hair care products. They were really the giants who helped to establish what we now know as the modern black hair industry,” Bundles concludes.
As Woodruff and Hines continue to nurture the talents of young stylists, they are doing more than just teaching braiding techniques; they are encouraging students to weave their paths to success, with skills, knowledge, and a sense of their rich cultural heritage.
You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.
Copyright 2024 WEEK. All rights reserved.
