Where is the love for being black in Africa?

As I aforementioned, I had a fear of wearing my hair in a fro due to receiving criticism. In the beginning of this venture, I wrote about how the Malian women perceived my looks. They observed my skin and how it's browned over the past year and they've seen me experimenting with my hair as my perm has been growing out. And I mentioned that I would like to help change their perception of beauty, to help them see the natural beauty that is God-given. So, I finally got over my fear of what people might say, and I took a chance and wore my afro in village and I felt so bare and free! Like, this is me.

Now, I feel much more confident with my new 'do. I've gotten mixed responses, as expected, and mostly it's my family who's still hating on my hair! My family tells me that people are gonna call me crazy and all the babies will cry when they see me. However, none of that has happened. I've actually had people coming up to me commenting that they like it, both men and women. Some of them actually use the word "beautiful" to describe it and wondering if it's weave or chemicalised. I've also had those come up and tell me to cut it. I admit, a little trim is needed, but I'm so happy to know that some people do view black hair as beautiful.

I've seen wayyyyy too many broken, receeding hair-lines due to using straightening chemicals. Recently, my host sister had to cut all of her hair off because it was all dry and brittle. But even after she had to cut it, she still rubs perm in her hair! After seeing what she had to do because of this, I decided enough was enough. These women have been telling me EVERYDAY to do what they do to their hair, and look at the result! DEAD HAIR.

While Jasmine was here, we discussed this issue with hair and we realized that it was African Americans who discovered how to "tame" the roots of black hair. An AA women invented the pressing comb and other products for women to straighten their hair. Then, an AA man invented "perm" to straighten black hair chemically. It was AA who brought this stuff to the world, but now AA women are starting to stop using these tools and learning how to coiffure their natural roots. Wearing one's hair natural is a revolution in America, but straightening one's hair and other junk is just getting started in Africa.

Where is the love for being black in Africa?