Congradulations Mandisa.

Kudos to sisters with locks and fros! However, “hair” must not be considered natural unless it is. And pride of embracing nappiness is only pride when actually embracing nappiness…not its plastic imposter. What most women attach to their heads is neither hair nor nappy. And for a profound relationship with self and culture I encourage my beautiful sisters to consider surrendering their weave…at least until our African diaspora has committed to establishing a stronghold in “hair” manufacturing (as evidenced by a toe-hold). Now with new permission to unpack race issues for deeper healing…when the triple bottom line of “people-planet-profit” has earned at least universal lip service, please ask how the product woven to your head is made - what raw materials, using what processes, using what humans…and why you prefer it. Then decide if sewing it on can really gift you with a glow of esteem. Is it really self-esteem if “the look” was engineered and shipped through complex systems? Certainly the billions we are committed to spending on our crowns can feed our tummies, too. Capturing those dollars from the “one-way-street” of wealth that bleeds from our purses into pockets which will not reinvest with us - this is possible, here in the age of Obama. Here’s what we could do: invent, invest, manufacture, and merchandise “hair.” Not just merchandise it - though we do precious little of that. If we simply must augment what God gave us, let’s own the industry. Find out who among us is manufacturing and become progressive customers - loyal, yet insisting on sustainable practices. Become an engineer (or the mother of one) who manufactures bamboo “hair” here and wherever the demand exists abroad. Discover or invent other options. Our diaspora - to rediscover our God-given glory - must once again manufacture our own products. Try some kitchen chemistry, to start. For years I’ve been searching, experimenting; and taking the journey is soul-surviving sweet - even for those like me who understand comb-resistant, arm-numbing hair. It’s a trade-off I accept though, truthfully, I’d rather never comb my hair. And yes, sometimes stress and neglect get the better of me and my ‘do. But for the 10 years I’ve been natural (for the second time), strangers approach me on the street and say how lovely my hair is. Now that’s pride. Lovely sisters can be found throughout the internet sharing their favorite recipes. I am proud watching them work their hair. And yes, we have the most amazing hair on the planet - can transform into anything. And I love high fashion, too. But not as a run from the inescapable curl pushing up and out of our blackness. And not at any cost. With Obama, every doubter now knows that everything is possible - even blacks owing the black hair industry. Certainly we can ill afford to exchange our freedom for life in a colony waiting for the truck to come. Consider a lifestyle where those hair-care dollars go in a jar on the shelf. How many jars would it take to start a hair plant with your sisters? How many jobs would it produce? How much freedom in how many ways could it generate? Thank you for thinking on this message with the love and solidarity intended. For each new measure of freedom we stake here in the age of Obama - where finances and food and fresh water and the most life-lending elements of our survival are seizing - consider this paraphrase from decades ago when last our eyes were on the prize: “Free your head and your assets will follow.” Much love, Nae P.S. Bamboo is a plant easily grown in an earth-friendly, plenteous way - transformable into floors, clothing, and yes…hair. Want to talk about it? Email naomi@blacksingreen.org.

Congratulations, Mandisa…I can absolutely say I love the versatility of natural hair. Keep up the good work and much success…

I am so proudof you little sister. Great job!

Keep up the excellent work! I applaud what you are doing and wish more would join in the act. Don’t let the asians take this from us as well sister.

I went natural about 10 years ago now and found my true freedom with detached any and all significance from how I wear my hair! I’ve colored it, pressed it, braided it, and from time to time put a wig over it and its ALL GOOD! My freedom from relaxers for the past 10 years had as much to do with my health (I became suspicious of putting toxic chemicals on my head every 6-8 wks) as it did with getting comfortable with my natural self. It took something for me to embrace the beauty of natural hair and I took on the challenge and I realized just how much my thoughts and actions were being controlled by the media and society’s view of what was attractive. When I finally, truly, saw the beauty and fabulousness of my hair I was again able to be free in wearing however the day struck me! I love that as a woman we get to change our look whenever with please with new hairstyles and/or make-up. I can’t wait to find out more about your interlatch weave! I also am very interested in creating a sustainable environmentally hair for when I get my braids and/or weaves! The possibilities are endless!

Congratulations and continue keeping the sistas gorgeous! You are the brightest ray of sunshine! Peace