It IS Black History Month

While we're still in the month of February, I wanted to be sure I squeezed in a post commemorating natural hair, within the realms of Black History.  Recently, I listened to some funny podcasts where natural hair was being discussed.  The podcasts are old, years old in fact, so some of the ideas that were expressed then, have now fallen out of popularity. 

 For example, answer the following questions below -

1: African hair textures come in a multitude of curl diameters. (True/False)

2:  Larger curls are always an expression of genetic admixture (African and European, etc). (True/False)

If you're a natural head today, my bet is that you answered both questions correctly.  

Good job.

For those of us who are still learning, the increased representation of our hair textures in our ordinary human experiences, will make it easier for us to grow.  The journey ahead of us is still long, and in many regards, irritatingly tumultuous, but I think we are privileged to be able to personally witness the birth and evolution of this period of awareness in ourselves.  It's pretty cool.  Perhaps, in ten to twenty years from now, the process we all took part in jump-starting, will be a seen as a curious 

Hopes and dreams, right?

In the meantime, while we're still in the present, I thought it would be apt to recognize some of the women who inspired me along my natural hair journey.  Though, some of them have passed on, the knowledge they graciously shared, remains evergreen.

Dawnyele

Dawnyele, your spirit was refreshing and the breadth of your knowledge, extensive.  
From you, I learned that spending hours detangling tightly coiled hair like ours, didn't always have to be. 

Longhairdontcare2011

 Dominique, I'd never doubted that black women could grow their hair, however, watching your hair story unfold was particularly awe inspiring.  You were a solid hair icon for many of us.  Yours is another sweet spirit, that we will always miss.

Chery818

Chery, my dear friend, you were the first YouTuber I saw with hair that looked exactly like my own.  You taught me that ssks happened to us all, and that it was okay to accept it.  Your honest approach to your hair and its upkeep, is sincerely appreciated.

Shingai Shoniwa

There was a time when no one could tell me that I was not this woman.

  I devoured articles about her, snatched up magazines in which she was featured, and lost count on the number of times I replayed Never Forget You.  A unique blend of charming whimsicalness and strength, and beauty, can you tell I still fangirl  over her??

There are several more who continue to inspire, but I thought I'd leave it at these four.

What about you?

  Who are the YouTubers, bloggers, forum posters, and hair icons that inspired you throughout your natural hair journey?