Cancelled! Our Crown ~ Black Hair IS Black History

Our Crown takes audiences on a journey of discovery through the history of natural hair as worn by descendants of African people throughout the diaspora. Activities include a photo gallery, live performance & reenactments, historic artifacts and a moderated panel discussion. The panel conversation focuses on the long-standing, primarily negative perceptions of natural hair and its impact on the social, cultural and even the financial status of ethnicities whose hair doesn’t fit the euro-centric standard of beauty and professionalism. Dr. Wanda LaStrapes, a faculty administrator for the University of Florida, with her expertise in developing culturally diverse educators who understand the complex needs of students of color is spearheading the panel, developing the questions and moderating the discussion. She is joined by retired educator Dr. Bobbie Smith-Powell, licensed clinical social worker and therapist Evelyn DeJesus and other panel participants including licensed hair stylists who specialize in natural hair. Griot, Aduibaje of Ghana and Thobos Lubamba of Tam Tam Congo will provide authenticity as they discuss and demonstrate head coverings such as the gele, Ankara, crowns, kufi, Hausa, Fulani styles etc. and the importance of cultural traditions in head dress and the significance of certain hair styles. EnZ Entertainment will provide the background demonstration as “moko jumbie” or stilt dancers who served as healers and in spiritual rituals, primarily in Central Africa. Our Crown will bring African culture to life with the goal of educating the audience and improving understanding among different ethnicities.

The program is funded by a Florida Humanities Community Project Grant, with additional support from Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and the Highway Park Neighborhood Council.