Dear Dumplin,
Last weekend I went to the International Natural Hair Meetup Day with your Aunties Cassie and Kat. We had so much fun at this event hosted by Natural Partners in Crime that I didn’t take any pictures! Luckily my Instagram friend Nicole Mondestin (who I met for the first time at the event) was there taking pictures. I’m so glad she was able to capture the fun that was in the air.
First I’d like to say that natural hair amongst African American women is much more common now then it was when I first went natural in 2007. People thought I was nuts! People kept asking me, “So when are you going to relax it?” No one understood what I was doing and why I was doing it. Sometimes you just have to do what’s right for you. People may eventually get it and sometimes they won’t. It it what it is.
In 2014, people seem to think natural hair is a trend or fad but I disagree. I believe women of color have a higher level of self-acceptance now. As a result, less women feel the need to chemically alter the very DNA of their hair. But that’s just my opinion. I get so excited to see a group of beautiful women of color get together to support one another. It starts with hair and who knows where the Sista Luv will end? Never I hope.
The three of us met at the event space and were greated with goodie bags (for the first 25 to arrive) and a free drink. I’m not much of a drinker so I passed on that. Once inside there were vendors and rows and rows of beautifully coiled, spiraled, and curled heads! It was awesome. People were so friendly. Talking to strangers was not frowned upon. I bought the MOST lovely post cards from Brooklyn Dollyas well as an amazing massage oil candle from Clo-vee Products. These were just the icing on the cake. Listening to beautiful black women talk about how to take care of themselves, and love themselves just the way they are was worth the long bus ride and getting up early on a Saturday. I was exhausted (you have molars coming in and aren’t sleeping) but I was so glad I forced myself to get up. Julian Rita Addo of Bella Kinks provided us with useful information on essential oils and how to use them. I loved how thorough she was and how she answered questions in a well educated matter.
Women supporting women is always worth the effort. I hope this movement will continue to grow and expand for you to enjoy as you are older. Now to find another event to go to!
What I want you to know? Your hair is perfect just the way it is.
Want to see more pictures from the event? Check them out here.
Love,
Mama