At the invitation of Aline Tacite, the power woman behind Boucles d'Ebene, I left super enthusiastically for Paris, to participate in the 10th anniversary of this trade show based on frizzy hair. It was a great honor to be the only non-French speaker on the program among well-known Caribbean researchers and intellectuals who have been spreading awareness of our Diaspora roots in a positive way for years.
The sparkling cultural centre Centquatre, located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, was the perfect stage for this 10th edition of Boucles d'Ebene. Grown into a Black Trade expo of great importance, there were not only many hair products, but also media, fashion and culinary delights to see. From Mango Chutney and Coconut Ice Cream to black Asian dolls and African-tinted interior accents. Entrepreneurs from Paris, Guadeloupe, Martinique and even our own Doreen Sprengers-Reckerts with Surinamese roots proudly showed their goods to the continuously streaming public.
Literally in between the acts, models with spectacularly beautiful hairstyles walked around, which were also immediately digitally captured by many a smart phone. As if that wasn't enough, there was a stage where almost every hour a spectacular dance performance, a hair or fashion show could be seen. In addition to this stage of the arts that was always busy, there was also a room for presentations. The room where I also got to give my presentation "Bad Hair Uprooted".
Even before I left, Aline had already indicated that there was a lot of interest in my presentation. She called from Paris to say that the number of registrations indicated that the room would be packed. Of course that was nice to hear and she was right.
Waiting audience
At exactly 11 o'clock, when I had to start, there was already an audience waiting. Unfortunately, the program was delayed and I got to speak later than planned, but that was the only downside.
An interpreter had been arranged in advance so that my speech could be translated while I was speaking. However, to ensure that the message would be received properly, I had also had the text and power point slides translated as a precaution.
From the reactions of the audience I could not only conclude that the message had been well received, but also that the presentation had stirred up some things. That is of course what you hope for and fortunately the discussion got going well. Questions were asked, comments were made and soon it was time for the last question.
For me the first time on such an international stage was an inspiring experience. Despite the fact that I do not speak French the energy was very good and I have received a lot of wonderful inspiration through observation and interaction.
The next Boucles d'Ebene will be in 2017. I don't know if I'll be there again, but I'll start saving and planning because the event is definitely worth it.
Among those present were also those with Surinamese roots: Tirza Baank, Marylin Grando and Tirza's cousin
I didn't have many books with me, but thanks in part to this wonderful customer from London, what I had brought with me was sold out.
Doreen Sprengers-Reckerts also present with Bebe Rose. Look out for her on Kwaku, not only with her signature shirts but also with such beautiful headscarves.
My special thanks to Idi Lemmers, who made the recordings. Almost never seen because he is more behind the camera, but the man behind very large and well-known productions such as recently Suriname, 5 years later.
Unfortunately, the team behind Miss Black Hair Netherlands had already left and were therefore unable to attend my presentation, but it was certainly nice to meet them in person.
The digital photo book can now be ordered online.
Photos with the delegation from Paris – Click for Hairstyles from Paris