Lighting The Road To The Future
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A New Take on Paint and Sip “The People’s Paper”
March 18 - March 24, 2017 51st Year Volume 47 www.ladatanews.com A Data News Weekly Exclusive
Preserve Our Culture
The 300-Year History of the Native Masking Community. Page 2
Newsmaker
New Healthcare Bill Impacts Millions Page 4
Style
Ain’t Easy Being A Braid Goddess Page 11
Page 2
Cover Story
March 18 - March 24, 2017
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Preserve Our Culture The 300-Year History of the Native Masking Community
Many Black people were taken in by indigenous people of the Americas, saved from slave captors.
Eric Craig Multimedia Editor
Black masking has had a long, intricate history in the United States.
Unmasking the Tradition
Sunday, March 19th marks Super Sunday, where several Uptown Mardi Gras Indians will gather and parade throughout the City in honor of St. Joseph’s Day. Arguably, the most attended processional is the one led by the Mardi Gras Indian Council. While the festivities will take place on Sunday, a deeper question remains. How did the Mardi Gras Indian Tradition come about?
To understand the Mardi Gras Indian Tradition, Data News Weekly interviewed the Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Tribe, Chief Shaka Zulu. Zulu, along with his wife Na’imah, are the Founders of Golden Feather, which is a Restaurant and Gallery located directly across from Congo Square in Treme’. The gallery showcases Mardi Gras Indian art, masking, and serves as a lecture hall where Chief Zulu gives an oral presentation on the history of the culture.
“We are a culture that lives on oral traditions. And if you don’t document your history, someone will document it for you,” Chief Zulu said. To start, the chief refuses the name Mardi Gras Indian. He says the name was given to the native tribes because they would perform on Mardi Gras Day. Instead, the Chief recognizes the tradition as Black Masking, an Ancient African Tradition. Cover Story, Continued on page 7.
Cover photos and story photos are courtesy of Shaka Zulu.
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Book Review
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March 18 - March 24, 2017
Madame President
The Extraordinary Journey of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf By The Bookworm Sez
Madame President The Extraordinary Journey of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf c.2017, Simon & Schuster $27.00 / $36.00 Canada 336 pages
Your friends follow what you have to say. Whether on social media or otherwise, they listen to you and understand, ask your opinion, seek your wisdom, and look to your lead. With them, you live a good life. Have followers like those, as you’ll see in “Madame President” by Helene Cooper, and you can change the world. “This child will be great.” Roughly translated, that’s what a local prophet said about Ellen Johnson when she was born in Liberia in October, 1938. Those words were repeated in praise and in sarcasm as Johnson grew up, but no one had any idea then how right the man would be. Though illiteracy was very common in Liberia, Johnson’s parents strove to educate their children in a manner befitting their upper-class status. Johnson expected to go to Europe for college but when her father fell ill, she knew that college would no longer be possible. Instead, she married Doc Sirleaf, a man several years her senior. The babies started coming almost immediately; shortly after their fourth son was born, Sirleaf and her husband seized an opportunity to go to America, to Wisconsin for college. Leaving her children was difficult for Sirleaf, but it wouldn’t be the last time. It would, however, be a few years before she’d leave her abusive husband. By then, she was working for Liberia’s Treasury Department and it was obvious that there were problems. Politically and socially, things had been shaky for some time, in part because of a two-tiered society that wasn’t functional anymore. Sirleaf attempted to continue working
in-place but her connection to Liberia’s controversial President Tolbert made her vulnerable, so she applied for a job in America with the World Bank. It, and that she was a native Liberian, probably ultimately saved her life. In 1980, following the government’s overthrow and Tolbert’s murder, Sirleaf continued being vigilant while working for the new President as well as for World Bank. She knew she could do more if she stayed in-country during Liberia’s Civil War, but her eventual outspokenness was consequently perilous: for her rebellious actions, she was jailed in 1985, which outraged the country’s market-women. They helped get her released. It would be two decades before they’d get her elected. Whew. Reading “Madame President” very well could wring you out. Starting with birth and a basic history of Liberia, Author Helene Cooper takes us through a half-century of turmoil with a woman that, considering what surrounded her, possessed grit and guts. Cooper tells Sirleaf’s story as one that’s triumphant but also brutal and raw, with violence in a little too much gruesome detail; still, despite that those parts are uncomfortable to read, they inherently tell readers more about who Sirleaf is and why her Presidency is so remarkable. Though you’ll cringe often when reading this, it’s a book that’ll make you want to cheer, too. World History buffs will truly enjoy “Madame President,” as will fans of international politics and women’s issues. And if that’s you, then it follows that you’ll love it, too.
Visit www.ladatanews.com for more photos from these events
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March 18 - March 24, 2017
Newsmaker
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CBO Scores Republican Healthcare Bill, Millions Lose Out Eric Craig Multimedia Editor On Monday, March 13th, the Congressional Budget Office released a monetary analysis of the Republican-Proposed Healthcare Plan Replacement. The new policy, supported by President Trump, is expected to strip millions of Healthcare while saving the country billions of dollars. According to the analysis the legislation could potentially reduce the Federal Deficit by $337 billion over the next 10 years. The CBO also reports that the total deficit reduction of a sustained healthcare plan may be reduced to $1.2 trillion. However, the CBO also suggest that over the 10-year period of budget saving, 18 million Americans will lose health insurance coverage, who all are currently covered under
the Affordable Care Act. By 2026, over 24 million additional Americans may be without health insurance, bringing the national number of Americans without health insurance to 52 million. If the current Affordable Healthcare Act is to remain, the number of uninsured Americans would total to 28 million people by 2026, which is 24 million people less than in the proposed plan. Under the new legislation, the individual mandate requirement would be eliminated, but healthcare premiums would rise by at least 10 percent for single policy holders for the first couple of years, according to the CBO. After that, the CBO plans for the premiums to drop. Several officials in New Orleans are disappointed with the proposed bill. “The CBO projects that premi-
President Donald Trump is in support of the Republican-Proposed Healthcare Bill despite promising an alternative better than the current Affordable Healthcare Act. Photo by Michael Vadon.
ums, deductibles and out-of-pocket
costs under the Republican Healthcare Bill will increase, making
healthcare unaffordable for tens of millions of Americans. Additionally, the bill will secretly give the wealthiest Americans a tax break that the rest of the country will pay for,” said Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, in a prepared statement. “This nonpartisan analysis has confirmed our worst fears,’ said Mayor Mitch Landrieu in a prepared statement. “President Trump is blatantly violating his campaign promise that more Americans would have better healthcare for less money. His proposal will strip 14 million of our most vulnerable citizens of the health care they need by 2018, while creating a massive tax break for the rich. It gets worse by 2020, with millions more losing healthcare coverage. It would be bad news for Louisiana’s health, economy and budget.”
Data News Weekly is Hiring Data News Weekly Newspaper, The People’s Paper, is hiring in our New Orleans Office.
Sales Manager/Retail Ad Manager About the Job Data News Weekly Newspaper is the leading African American media company in New Orleans, publishing a weekly newspaper. Additionally, its website under ladatanews.com is the most read Black website in the region. We are currently seeking a strong leader to pro actively manage broad aspects of the advertising division. You will be working in a positive teamoriented atmosphere which has a modern press, leading website and award-winning newspaper. Responsibilities include but not limited to:
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March 18 - March 24, 2017
Data Zone
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A New Take on Paint and Sip Events
Story and Photos: Delaney George Data News Weekly Contributor In early March, painting pros and amateurs gathered at Entrepreneur’s Row to participate in the Ceaux Young Instructed Paint and Sip. Hosts of the event, Alexis Miller, a New Orleans Entrepreneur, in collaboration with Abstract Nola, a Creative Consulting and Production Company, came together on the event to bring a different angle to their events and audience that focused directly on art.
“I wanted to produce something highlighting different artists and painters, ultimately getting others to be engaged in their work as well” said Miller. Co-Founder of Abstract Nola, Antarah Leilani, said Abstract Nola’s goal is to provide an array of platforms for artist to showcase, share, and sell their artistry. “I wanted to partner with Abstract Nola because they’re a Premier Brand in the City that works with many artists to provide them with a platform. I knew they would bring the idea to life” said Miller.
Miller and Abstract Nola chose Ceaux Young, a Professional Tattoo Artist and Painter to instruct guests on how to paint a Mardi Gras inspired umbrella and magnolia flower. All 35 guests sat relaxed and prepared to start learning and engaging in art the New Orleans way. “Ceaux Young is one of the best painters in the City, so it was a huge goal to have him be the first artist of our paint and sip” said Miller. Many of the events attendees were familiar with Young’s work prior to the event, making for an even more engaged
crowd. Event attendee and Frenchmen Art Market Director Riyael Curry, had been following Young’s work for approximately three years. “I love his art and his way of storytelling through painting which is why I was honored to be able to attend. Ceaux has a way of capturing the reality of that person in his painting. Nothing is ever just a figure or person on a canvas, it’s symbolization for something greater,” said Curry.
Cover Story Data Zone
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March 18 - March 24, 2017
Page 7
Cover Story, Continued from page 2.
In the Black masking tradition, in the United States, many people payed homage to the indigenous people.
“I have not really seen much about this culture that seems to be accurate. So, it prompted me to start doing research on my own,” Zulu said. The chief documented the Culture of Black Indians throughout the United States and in Louisiana. He noted that the existence of Black people, and its indigenous people predate the arrival of the European colonizers. In fact, according to Zulu, Africans have explored many parts of the world. While already present, Blacks did not begin arriving in Louisiana in the Transatlantic Slave Trade until roughly 1718. Despite the slave trade, many Blacks escaped colonizers and took refuge with the indigenous people of the Americas. While the common notion is to refer to the indigenous people as “Native American,” Zulu refuses to, stating that all people deserve to be called by their nation, and not by the name given to them by colonizers.
The Start of Masking According to Zulu, Black Masking predates masking tradition in the United States. The art form stems from African Tradition, primarily in Nigeria. “When it refers to Black Indians—Mardi Gras Indians—I can speak of why and when we started, and who are the cultural bearers of that culture,” Zulu said. “Blacks have always worn feathers. All we did, once we got to this land, was practice traditions we have done many years ago,” he added. One aspect of Black Masking is its unique use of beads for art and
Child Mardi Gras Indian: Mardi Gras Indians depict stories through their patches, visible on the front and back, which portray stories and tales that are important to the wearer.
decoration of the suits. Zulu noted that beading is a strong part of Nigerian Culture. In Nigeria, beading is used to enhance art, furniture and other artifacts of meaning, he added. Most of all, Zulu said, the beading style used in African Culture is different than the way it has been utilized in Native American Culture. However, as many African slaves began to pay homage to their indigenous heroes, many of the masking traditions began to resemble the styles of those indigenous to the Americas, Zulu said.
The Development of the Mardi Gras Indian Mardi Gras Indians was a term given by people outside of the tradition because Black Maskers would traditionally parade on Mardi Gras Day, Zulu said. Parading on recognized holiday meant that maskers would not need to go through the difficult process of obtaining a permit from the City, he added. “Black people use carnival all over the world to practice Africans use traditions and to celebrate. It wasn’t until about 40 years ago, Black Masking was turned into Mardi Gras Indians,” Zulu said. Traditionally, after the Black Maskers would take part in their ceremony, they would destroy the suit and begin to work on next year’s suit. It wasn’t until this became a part of New Orleans Music Culture that this tradition stopped, Zulu said. The culture stems from the African Tradition of masking, where the wearer of the suit becomes the energy or entity of what he or she
The art of beading is a staple in Africa but has been transformed since its inception in the United States.
masks. “The suit is a temple and you transform into the mask,” Zulu said. The chief said the suits were destroyed to prevent anyone for taking credit for or misusing the
Black masking is a sustained cultural tradition that has survived many hardships in the United States, and continues to be a wonder in New Orleans.
culture. You could only mask in the suits once, Zulu said. Most of all, the Black Masking Culture merged with the New Orleans Culture. “New Orleans is a Gumbo Cul-
ture: a mixture of different cultures.” Just because its difference doesn’t mean that its better. It made us the most African City in the United States today, Zulu said.
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March 18 - March 24, 2017
Commentary
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Educating “45” and “One-Note Betsy” on HBCUs Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist
Eighty HBCU Presidents did a “fly-in” to the White House in a meeting organized by Trump whisperer Omarosa, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and others. There was a White House meeting, a meeting at the Library of Congress, and more buzz than twenty beehives. People were prepped to hear that the White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) would move from the Department of Education to the White House and that this would have an impact on the resources HBCUs would receive
from this president’s budget. Can somebody spell “hoodwinked?” Sure, the HBCU presidents came to Washington and got their photo-op with our nation’s 45th president (I’ll just call him “45”), but the listening session that was scheduled with some of Trump’s cabinet members was interrupted in favor of the photo-op, which means that many of the presidents that were tapped to speak and who had prepared remarks did not have the opportunity to deliver them. Notably, Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough posted his remarks online, and made a few media appearances sharing his dissatisfaction. Outgoing Morehouse College President John Silvanus Wilson shared his disappointment in a letter with the Morehouse community. To be sure, HBCU presidents are caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to President Trump. HBCUs have often done well under Republican presidents,
because they are low-hanging fruit. Located in the deeply Republican South, the senators who represent their states get points when they do the right thing, as do presidents who increase Pell grants and Title III dollars, as well as encouraging contract opportunities with government departments. Those who didn’t show up to the “fly-in” probably incurred the wrath of the vindictive Omarosa who said she was “taking names” and that 45’s detractors would have to “bow down” to him. Presidents pretty much had to show up, and hope for the best. They went home empty-handed, with an executive order moving the White House Initiative on HBCUs into the White House, but with no additional resources to manage it. There was also lofty, but resourcedevoid language in the executive order. And can we just call Education Secretary Betsy DeVos “One-note Betsy?” Wherever she looks, she sees school choice, although our
educational challenges transcend her myopic agenda. If an ant, enticed by honey, entered a charter school instead of the public school next door, she’d call that school choice. Still, there is no way she can justify her historically ignorant and irresponsible remarks about HBCUs and school choice. In describing HBCUs and “real pioneers of school choice” she ignored our nation’s higher education history that offered no choice for African Americans who wanted college educations. She has since back pedaled her remarks, but she clearly is comfortable with her historical ignorance. Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was accepted to Columbia University on a speech scholarship, but turned it down when she showed up on campus and they discovered that she was a Negro. She matriculated at New York University, instead. Charlayne Hunter Gault and Hamilton Holmes chose to attend the University of Georgia, but their matricula-
tion generated headlines, because White folks were not prepared to accept Black students in 1961. Vivian Malone and James Hood chose to attend the University of Alabama, but Governor George Wallace blocked their entrance in 1963. When James Meredith chose to attend the University of Mississippi, the National Guard facilitated his enrollment. How dare you, Betsy DeVos talk about school choice to HBCU leaders, when our very reason for being was that choices were few and far between. One-note Betsy is a frightening manifestation of ignorance. She is a songbird that must be muzzled before she further demonstrates her utter lack of knowledge. No matter what his rhetoric about HBCUs, our 45th President’s choice for Secretary of Education suggests that history and logic are not part of her portfolio. This woman has a clear one-note agenda. It does not inCommentary, Continued on page 11.
Speak Out to Protect Your Health
Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) NNPA Contributor
For six years, Republicans have repeated the same phrase in every conversation about healthcare: “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Now that Republicans control all levers of government, they are preparing legislation to strip 30 million Americans of the everyday security of health insurance. The impact of any repeal would be massive and disastrous. Experts estimate that repealing the ACA will kill 43,000 Americans every year. A disproportionate number of
these deaths will be from the African American community. The ACA is the most significant piece of health equity legislation we’ve had in a generation. It reduced the number of African Americans living without health insurance by more than half. We know that increased coverage has decreased the number of Americans dying from cancer. A recent report by the American Cancer Society showed that cancer deaths have declined by 25 percent since peaking in 1991. In their report, the American Cancer Society specifically notes that the ACA is driving “these shifts [that] should help to expedite progress in reducing socioeconomic disparities in cancer, as well as other health conditions.” The report also lauded the ACA for helping to decrease the “excess risk of cancer death” facing African Americans.
The ACA has also significantly expanded mental and behavioral treatment access, especially to community hospitals and schools. The Office of Minority Health notes that African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience “serious mental health problems.” Yet, only a quarter of African Americans seek mental healthcare, compared to 40 percent of white Americans. Thanks to the ACA, we are starting to see that gap close and more people are receiving the care they need to live healthy, productive lives. We know that the ACA saving lives, so why are President Trump and Congressional Republicans so determined to repeal it? This question is truly vexing when you consider the fact that, in addition to the tens of thousands of Americans who will die every year, we will also add trillions to the national debt and increase taxes.
According to the GOP’s budget resolution, repealing the ACA would add $29.1 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years. That’s more than $90,000 for every American citizen. But the fiscal pain doesn’t end there. A GOP Senate bill and recently leaked audio from the Republican retreat confirms that Congressional Republicans are plotting a tax hike. If you, like the majority of Americans, get health insurance through work, Republicans plan to give you a bigger tax bill. Even Republicans are skeptical of this proposal. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), said: “It sounds like we are going to be raising taxes on the middle class in order to pay for these new credits.” Now that we know the fact, we have a choice. Do we allow President Trump and Congressional Republicans to undo President Obama’s legacy,
imperiling and killing thousands of Americans by ripping away their health insurance or fight back. To me, there is only one option. We fight back for ourselves, our families and our community. Here’s how to fight back: Add your Senators and Congressperson’s phone numbers to your speed dial or call the Congressional switchboard at 202.224.3121. Remember, we work for you and Congress needs to hear from you! Together, we can stop the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and stand up for our fellow Americans’ right to live a long, healthy life. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (DIll.) says that thanks to the ACA, we are starting to see the mental healthcare gap between Blacks and Whites, close and more people are receiving the care they need to live healthy, productive lives. (Official Photo)
Entertainment
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Sweet Willie’s Cotton Club Musical Stage Play
March 18 - March 24, 2017
Page 9
100% Music Review
Enjolee’s full studio album will be available internationally on March 24, 2017.
John McAdams Data News Weekly Contributor
“Sweet Willie’s Cotton Club Musical Stage Play.” The musical is Written and Directed by Trinese Duplessis a New Orleans native.
Harvey Brown Data News Weekly Contributor This weekend is the last time to catch “Sweet Willie’s Cotton Club Musical Stage Play.” The musical is Written and Directed by Trinese Duplessis a New Orleans native. The last show will be shown Sunday, March 19th, at the World-Famous Café Istanbul at 2372 St. Claude Avenue. Tickets are $30 pre-sale and $35 at the door. Tickets are available
at stageplay.ticketleap.com. Duplessis’ current play is about a club owner who inherited a club from his late father, “Sweet Willie.” Against all obstacles, he turned the space into an African-American Cotton Club in New Orleans in 1969 when the Cotton Club days were pretty much over. The club owner’s dream is to have a Cotton Club and revive the old days by finding super talented artist to sing songs of Famous Greats such as Lena Horne, Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cook
and others. The musical direction is by Robert Pate, and will star New Orleans own Dino Hanson from Old School 106.7 as Johnny V. The Club Owner. Duplessis is the Founder of T. Duplessis Entertainment, which was founded in 2011. Duplessis had experience writing church plays in New Orleans, and has worked in the rolls of producer, director, playwright and an actress. Over the past five years, Duplessis Entertainment has produced seven stage plays.
One new artist is putting a 100 percent of her effort in her rapidly developing music career. Debut Artist Enjolee gives a modern and refreshing recorded performance in her new single “100%.” Speaking true to its name, the artist gives it her all, delivering a creative mix that is adorned by soulful lyrics. Enjolee released her new single on February 24th. Her full studio album will be available internationally beginning March 24, 2017. The debut single can be found on Amazon, iTunes and Spotify and other major digital providers. In her newest single, Enjolee speaks of women empowerment, self-confidence and love. As a strong, competent woman, Enjolee
ensures her lover that she is everything that her partner needs. As a musical artist, she supplies her listeners with the vocals and passion needed to keep the song flowing. Ever-present in her musical style, Enjolee pulls from Caribbean, African, and African-American Soul Music. In combination with thoughtful lyrics, and a soulful dance-rhythm, Enjolee successfully paints a trial of love throughout her song. Fortunately, this is the first of many musical projects that the artist will produce. Music Artist Enjolee is a soul artist originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Enjolee has had an elaborate career, ranging from a high school mathematics teacher to a soldier in the U.S. Army. Most of all, the artist has an undying passion for music.
MCDONOGH 35 �he Na�onal �c�onogh 35 �igh School �lumni �ssocia�on is reaching out to all graduates as it begins the celebra�on of the school�s �entennial �elebra�on ����� to �0���. If you are a graduate or if you know of someone who graduated from the school, contact the alumni associa�on at mcdonogh35alumni� associa�on@yahoo.com, mcdonogh35alumniassocia�on.org, or write to �c�onogh 35 �lumni �ssocia�on, P.O. Box 50306, New Orleans, �� �0���, ���� �lumni �ssocia�on. Submit New Orleans school items to Orleans@nola.com. Include contact informa�on.
Page 10
March 18 - March 24, 2017
Fashion & Style
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New Orleans Fashion Week Delaney George Fashion Columnist
A week loaded with the glitz, glam, and all things fashion comes around once a year in New Orleans. A combination of the best designers, models, and local fashion addicts all come to New Orleans Fashion Week, created by Tracee Dundas to revel in the fashion filled events. New Orleans Fashion Week launched its first showcase in 2011 and has continued to dominate the coastal region as one of the most
New Orleans Fashion Week is March 18th-24th.
well-known Southern Fashion Weeks. Fashion Week showcases a slew of local designers and boutiques from all over the metro area. Picking models from all over the coastal region, Fashion Week also provides a platform for models of several ages to showcase their talents on the runway.
New Orleans Fashion Week has ser ved as a platform for models such as Bianca Finch, a NEXT Agency Model, America’s Next Top Model Contestant Darian Ellis, and more. It also provided exposure to Designers like L’jai Amor, KoFetche, and Pedram Couture. Rowena Kay McCormick-Robinson, a local Fashion Mogul attended her first show last year in 2016 saying she enjoyed it so much that she did not want it to end. “It’s going to be ver y hard for our Fashion Week to be like New York, and what I loved about this show was how Tracy did not tr y to mimic it, she kept the New Orleans culture in the show. It was really nice and well put together” said Kay. The Fashion Week consists of 6 days of parties, runway shows, and interactive events. This year the show will be held at the Civic Theater from Mar. 18th-24th. For more information on the event and ticket sales visit www. neworleasnsfashionweek.com and check ladadatanews.com next week for a post Fashion Week article.
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Fashion & Style
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March 18 - March 24, 2017
The Survival Guide for Getting Braids or Twists Destiny Johnson Natural Hair Columnist
During the Winter season, I decided to give my curls a break and get Marley Twists. Marley Twists have the appearance of dreadlocks but uses synthetic hair to achieve the length and fullness of natural dreads. I also considered getting box braids or cornrows but landed upon the idea of Marley Twists because I was headed to Jamaica for Christmas. I was always so apprehensive about getting my hair braided or twisted by just anyone because I had read about and heard of horror stories of women who had gotten their hair braided too tightly of which caused breakage and hair loss. Wearing too many braids pulled into a bun on top of my head could be too heavy and potentially pull out or break my natural hair.
Commentary, Continued from page 8.
clude support of the public schools that most students will attend. She is our nation’s policy leader on educational issues and yet she simmers in educational ignorance. She doesn’t understand history, nor HBCUs, nor the challenges that African American students have overcome in an educational system that
Being a braided goddess ain’t easy.
So before making my appointment to a trusted braider, I did my homework to make sure that my
experience would be as comfortable as possible. If you are getting braids or twists soon, you should
is extremely racially biased. Can someone lock her up in the National Museum for African American History and Culture for a week or two? Or present her with classic tomes like “The Souls of Black Folks” by W.E.B. Du Bois (note the spelling, Betsy), and “The Miseducation of the Negro” by Carter G. Woodson to read before she offers another utterance?
check for the following: 1. If you feel as if your hair is being braided too tightly, always speak up. Having a headache after a braiding session is not ideal and your hair should not be pulled to the point of having discomfort hours later. 2. Ask the braider if they will be able to style with you with a certain length and volume so the braids or twists will not become too heavy on top of your head. 3. Wash your hair before going to the braider with Apple Cider Vinegar if your hair tends to get very oily or acquire dandruff after a week. 4. DO NOT allow the stylist to braid too close to your hairline or edges. The hair on this part of your head is very sensitive and can become easily damaged with constant pulling. 5. If you are wearing braids for a protective style, it is still important to cover your hair at night, wash them and keep your edges healthy by dabbing a little Coconut or Jamaican Black Castor Oil on them periodically. Follow me on Instagram @Seekyourcurls
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