In today’s age, hair is referred to as our crown.In Black culture, it’s a symbol of beauty, identity, and expression, from the laid edges to the naps in the “kitchen.”The evolution of Black hair is evident that we are not monolithic: wigs, weaves, locs, braids, short, long, finger waves, fades, braids, you name it. “I always say we descended from kings and queens when African hairstyles represented tribes, where they came from and who they were,” said Lamont Collins, founder of Roots 101 African American Museum.Collins, who dons a bald head, does not have tresses of his own, but he does have lived experiences being raised by women hairstylists in Louisville.As a historian, he also has the background knowledge of Black hair being deeply rooted in symbols of empowerment and resistance. It dates to enslaved people using braids to communicate on the Underground Railroad.“Cornrows represented what they wanted to do with directions and pathways of freedom,” said Collins. It’s also significant in present day with The Crown Act, which protects Black hair discrimination in schools and workplaces.The measure was passed in Louisville due to relentless efforts by a group of JCPS students known as The Young Prodigys. “It’s so important that we understand that we can be whoever we want to be and don’t have to apologize to be that,” said Collins. Unapologetically, cultural hair and artistry will be on full display at Louisville’s Black Recharge Hair Show on Feb. 28, wrapping up Black History Month.The event, put on by Change Today, Change Tomorrow, is also raising funds for food justice initiatives. Talented, award-winning stylists like Victoria Coakley, AKA “Chance Thee Barber,” will showcase their skills in live demonstrations, vying for the crown.“I used to have a lot of guys say I’m not letting my woman cut my hair, so I have to work extra hard and be good at everything,” said Coakley.While it’s a celebration of Black beauty, for Coakley, it’s also an appreciation for the past, a responsibility for the future, and more than just hair.“I want to create an atmosphere where I have the little girls can come and live out their dreams and get paid for their talents,” she said.Chance opened a new barber shop, Vice Versa, at 1609 ½ Bardstown Road in the Highlands.
In today’s age, hair is referred to as our crown.
In Black culture, it’s a symbol of beauty, identity, and expression, from the laid edges to the naps in the “kitchen.”
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The evolution of Black hair is evident that we are not monolithic: wigs, weaves, locs, braids, short, long, finger waves, fades, braids, you name it.
“I always say we descended from kings and queens when African hairstyles represented tribes, where they came from and who they were,” said Lamont Collins, founder of Roots 101 African American Museum.
Collins, who dons a bald head, does not have tresses of his own, but he does have lived experiences being raised by women hairstylists in Louisville.
As a historian, he also has the background knowledge of Black hair being deeply rooted in symbols of empowerment and resistance. It dates to enslaved people using braids to communicate on the Underground Railroad.
“Cornrows represented what they wanted to do with directions and pathways of freedom,” said Collins.
It’s also significant in present day with The Crown Act, which protects Black hair discrimination in schools and workplaces.
The measure was passed in Louisville due to relentless efforts by a group of JCPS students known as The Young Prodigys.
“It’s so important that we understand that we can be whoever we want to be and don’t have to apologize to be that,” said Collins.
Unapologetically, cultural hair and artistry will be on full display at Louisville’s Black Recharge Hair Show on Feb. 28, wrapping up Black History Month.
The event, put on by Change Today, Change Tomorrow, is also raising funds for food justice initiatives.
Talented, award-winning stylists like Victoria Coakley, AKA “Chance Thee Barber,” will showcase their skills in live demonstrations, vying for the crown.
“I used to have a lot of guys say I’m not letting my woman cut my hair, so I have to work extra hard and be good at everything,” said Coakley.
While it’s a celebration of Black beauty, for Coakley, it’s also an appreciation for the past, a responsibility for the future, and more than just hair.
“I want to create an atmosphere where I have the little girls can come and live out their dreams and get paid for their talents,” she said.
Chance opened a new barber shop, Vice Versa, at 1609 ½ Bardstown Road in the Highlands.
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