Yes, black women, at one point in American history were forced to cover their hair, subduing their traditional African heritage and their natural hair. It became a sign of shame before it became a norm and later a point of resistance for some.
The Visibility project wrote that:
During the late 18th century, Black and Creole women in Louisiana were forced to wear head wraps, or tignons, because they wore their hair “in such elaborate ways that it attracted the attention of white men.” And when I say ‘forced’ I mean sanctioned, as in the Louisiana government passed laws to effectively regulate Black women’s hair.
Learn about yet another fascinating but disgusting point in American history in the below video and read more on the Visibility Project:
But why bring this up now?? When so many women are going to Asian hair supply places, to get extensions , wigs and hair coloring and straightening, chemicals?? How many recall the Afrocentric Movement, where Black women proudly wore head wraps as a connection to African heritage?? So thats why I say why bring it up now, that the CIA has a new program in the community to try to convince Black women that they have no connection to Africa and African ancestry at all?? You know , as someone who understands psychology, what kind of subconscious , backlash in some minds , against what was known as an African tradition , for 20 thousand years, brings up in the minds of many to say , White folks forced this on us during slavery
“Why bring it up?” That’s a weird question. Seems to me the whole point of UI is to share information. It’s information I didn’t know but you would have the writer keep it to himself because “the CIA has a new program?” How about MORE information from journalist like Forest Parks and less manipulation via censorship? Black women have the right to choose between natural hair, hair weave, wig, bald, wrap, whatever. Black women can determine how we express our connection to Africa through our hair. We don’t need anyone keeping secrets from us so we can look more African in your eyes.
I agree it’s information! I want to know so I can share with the low to moderate income families that I service! These young African American girls in our community don’t know their heritage. We take Saturday’s as a day to remember! Thank you UI this is our curriculum until March!