On Oct. 13, 2016 the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. hosted their first “I Am Not My Hair Forum” in Taylor Center 221. A professional hair stylist as well as students were on the discussion panel to talk about the different hair textures African American women have.
The discussion was moderated by Lavashti Moxey, a Junior majoring in Communication and a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority Inc. She presented questions to the members on the discussion panel as well as the students.
“As an African American woman, I’ve learned to take pride in my hair,” said Shenekia Barron, a Junior majoring in Nursing. “If I don’t embrace my hair how can I expect someone else to? ” During the discussion, there were women that shared their stories of their “natural hair journeys.”
“I decided I did not have anything to hold on to.” said Lashavia Patrick, a Senior majoring in Pre-Pharmacy. “I cut all of my relaxed hair and decided to embrace my natural curls. ”
There were other women who admitted that they had a hard time finding out what worked for their hair. Others decided that the natural hair route wasn’t something they could commit to. According to hair stylist and panelist Shaquentta Ivey, many African American women are not willing to take the time do the research to find out what works for their hair.
Some women try to take the easy way out and watch tons of YouTube videos without realizing that what one video blogger uses on her curly texture hair may not work for another individual’s coarse hair. In the African American community, many women prefer to wear hair extensions instead of their natural hair. Today, this group of women feel the pressure to obtain long straight hair to conform to the norm. However, the women who decide to wear their hair in its natural afro or curly state are often stereotyped negatively.
African American women hair is classified as nappy, and some are considered lazy because they are not willing to straighten their hair like some African American women. In order to achieve straight hair, there are women that either relax or hot comb their hair to make their hair resemble European hair. Moxey hopes that by sharing her experience and talk to the participants on the panel that more women will be willing to embrace their natural hair. For more information, on Delta Sigma Thetas upcoming events, follow the sorority’s Facebook page at Divastating OM.
By Seneithia Parker
Photo courtesy to Shaneka Barron
