Vernacular portrait - Afro child

The photo of my daughter standing beside her baby portrait, wearing her natural Afro, evokes a profound sense of identity and continuity. The juxtaposition of her youthful innocence with her present-day self highlights the journey of self-expression and cultural pride tied to wearing her natural hair. Her Afro not only symbolises a celebration of Black identity but also serves as a reminder of the generational legacy of embracing and reclaiming natural beauty. This image speaks to the importance of representation and self-acceptance, connecting her past and present through the visual narrative of heritage and empowerment.

Amegashie, J. (2020). "The CROWN Act and the Fight Against Hair Discrimination." Journal of Law and Policy, 28(3), 15–30.

Byrd, A., & Tharps, L. (2014). Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America. New York: St. Martin's Griffin.

Johnson, T. R., & Bankhead, T. (2014). "Hair It Is: Examining the Experiences of Black Women with Natural Hair." Open Journal of Social Sciences, 2(1), 86–100.

Rosette, A. S., & Dumas, T. L. (2007). "The Hair Dilemma: Conform to Mainstream Expectations or Emphasize Racial Identity?" Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, 56(5), 239–246.

The Symbolisation of the Afro and Its Relevance to Black Women:

The Afro is more than just a hairstyle; it is a powerful symbol of identity, resistance, and pride for Black women.

Historically associated with the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, the Afro became a visual assertion of Black pride and a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards that have long dominated societal ideals (Byrd & Tharps, 2014).

For Black women, wearing their natural hair, particularly in styles like the Afro, represents an embrace of their heritage and an act of defiance against a history of marginalisation that sought to suppress their cultural identity.

Despite its empowering symbolism, wearing natural hair often remains a challenge for Black women, particularly within predominantly white societies and professional environments.
Research highlights how Black women face discrimination in employment due to natural hairstyles, with perceptions of professionalism frequently tied to straightened hair or styles conforming to Eurocentric norms (Rosette & Dumas, 2007; Johnson & Bankhead, 2014).

These biases underscore the systemic pressures Black women face to conform, often at the expense of their cultural and personal identity.

The importance of natural hair to representation and identity cannot be overstated.
The Afro, with other natural styles, serve as a visible marker of cultural pride and individual authenticity, challenging societal norms that devalue Black aesthetics.

Representation of natural hair in media, politics, and professional spaces is vital in normalising these styles and dismantling stereotypes.

For many Black women, the decision to wear their natural hair is not merely aesthetic but deeply tied to self-expression and the affirmation of their identity in the face of systemic pressures to assimilate.

Efforts to combat hair discrimination, such as the enactment of the CROWN Act in the United States, highlight the importance of advocating for policies that protect Black women’s rights to wear their natural hair without fear of prejudice (Amegashie, 2020).

By embracing natural hairstyles, Black women continue to reclaim their narrative, asserting their right to define beauty and professionalism on their terms.