I Love My Hair
“Do you know why you’re so lucky to have this head of hair?... Because it’s beautiful and you can wear it in any style that you choose.”
“I Love My Hair” by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley is an ode to all of the beauty found in the hair of a little girl named Keyana. It begins with a ritual between mother and child. Keyana must have her hair combed, and it is painful for her, but her mother is there to support her through it. Her mother shares with her that despite the pain it may bring, she is lucky to have this hair. The symbolism throughout the story honors the story that is lived because of having natural, Black hair.
On the surface, this is just a sweet story of a little girl loving her hairstyles. However, the current policing of black hair means that this story is also an important means of resisting the efforts to oppress and discriminate against Black culture.
Controlling Black hair has its root in slavery. When Africans were abducted and brought to North America, their heads were shaved as a way to erase their culture, identity, and to dehumanize them. Since then, Black hair has been and continues to be controlled by labeling it as unkept, something to be tamed, and in adults, unprofessional.
A quick Google search will pull up countless news stories of discriminating against Black hair. Dreadlocks, braids, afros, and other Black hairstyles are deemed distracting and unacceptable in places of education and work. When dress codes determine which hairstyles are appropriate and which were not, many of those hairstyles are traditionally worn by Black people.
Compare that with the untamed hair of someone like Boris Johnson - who is known for the “silly” style of his hair. His image is acceptable and has not prevented him from educational or professional growth. He might even be considered a trailblazer for redefining what professional looks like. It is, unfortunately, not the case for Black children and adults - especially if they choose to wear their hair like Johnson - as it grows, naturally, and without conforming to the beauty standards dominantly represented.
This is why representation matters. Children’s books offer a mirror for them to feel affirmed, celebrated, and appreciated.
There are so many messages that are bent on controlling and crushing the spirit of young Black people by telling them they are not worthy of education and jobs because of how their hair grows. Books like “I Love My Hair” offer hope and an alternative story to those harmful messages. The more representation we have, the more likely we are to change the narrative to become more inclusive and less oppressive.
This story celebrates Black hair as it is - and all the ways it can be. The comparisons to beautiful things we find on earth - cornrows that sustain us, the moon that is our constant companion. Connecting the beauty we see in our world to Black hair reminds our children that they are worthy and as much an integral part of our world as anyone.
Some Things to Think About…
For Teachers:
Does your collection of books incorporate a wide range of ethnicities? Are Afro-Latinx communities, indigenous communities, and communities that cover their hair represented in the texts you’ve chosen?
Through read-alouds, role play, discussion, and other activities, children begin to build empathy and also a sense of confidence in their ability to understand and honor each others’ experiences. Use them to foster meaningful discussions, a welcoming environment, and a chance to make a change in the way we see and treat one another. Remember - representation matters!
Questions:
Is a hairstyle important? Why? Do you have someone who does your hair? Was there a time you did your hair really special? What is your favorite thing about your hair? Make a self-portrait and style your hair your favorite way - or a way you would like it to be!
Activities:
Set up a barbershop or hair salon for pretend play. Invite your child to do your hair, dolls’ hair or even a pet’s hair! Showing appreciation for hair and how we wear it helps your child understand the value and pride one has in representing themself as they choose. No matter how they style it - it will be beautiful!
illustrated by E.B. Lewis
