For Black Women, Hair Has Always Been the Story
Two listeners of this show share their stories for Ep. 11, and we examine why Coco Gauff had to defend her own hair.
Our latest episode features stories from two listeners, both Black women, who were generous to share how their hair has always been part of their stories, from very young ages.
If you missed the last few weeks on the Internet, here’s a refresh. Vogue posted a picture of Tracee Ellis Ross and called her afro a “cloud bob.” (Essence’s piece on it here.) And Coco Gauff had to explain why she wasn’t going to apologize for her hair being…her hair in a Miu Miu campaign.
Episode 11 is out now:
When Hunter and Alyssa each let me know the role their hair played in their own lives, I felt you needed to hear their stories, too. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of why it’s never “just hair.”
In the episode, we reference research and lawsuits regarding harmful chemicals in hair relaxers marketed to Black girls and women. Here is research from Harvard on this topic, and a New York Times Magazine deep dive into the issue.
We also explore the hairstyles that have inspired us. Here is Lupita Nyong’o’s 2021 Met Gala hairstyle that we reference:
In Vogue, her hairstylist noted that her hair was inspired by the work of artist Lorna Simpson. If you haven’t seen her work with Rihanna for Essence, you must.
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