Memorial Day Weekend is a long weekend to honor the fallen of the US. On Memorial Day itself, the last Monday in May, POTUS, President Of The United States, traditionally visits a military cemetery to lay a wreath, while in the rest of the country, friends and family gather to simply enjoy each other's company. Besides a lot of sales and BBQs, Brooklyn always hosts the African Dance Festival by BAM, Brooklyn Academy of Music.
African dance groups from all over the world are invited to perform at this festival, which has been organized for over 30 years. Despite the name "Dance Africa", BAM's longest-running program offers much more than just dance. It is one of America's largest festivals that also spectacularly showcases African music and culture. The open-air bazaar, with more than 300 colorful stalls offering mostly original and unique creations, is an experience in itself.
When I stumbled upon this festival by accident for the first time in 2004, I couldn't believe my eyes. Pure Shea Butter in a calabash, colorful garments not available in stores, handmade accessories, beauty products, juices, food, music, and on top of that, there were incredibly beautiful hairstyles walking around!
I was absolutely ecstatic. It struck me that 99% of the women simply had kinky hair. For the first time in my life as an adult woman, I was in an environment where kinky hair was normal. Kinky hair was the norm! For the first time in my life, I saw examples of hairstyles that were not based on another hair type, but genuinely made for kinky hair; for my own natural hair.
For someone who didn't quite know what to do with her own curls yet, this was an overwhelmingly inspiring experience. It was at that moment that I decided to further develop my interest in photography. Since then, I go back every year to look around, try exotic healthy snacks, buy unique jewelry, meet people, and of course, take photos. See this year's slideshow to get an impression. Photos of the hairstyles will follow.