American Models in Maroon Clothing
as a symbol of international solidarity
American Models in Maroon Clothing
as a symbol of international solidarity
Le Mois de l'Afrique (MDA) has invited Mireille Liong-A-Kong, founder of kroeshaar.com to give a presentation and workshops as part of Guadeloupe's Black History Month events. In its nine years of existence, MDA has become one of the island's biggest tourist attractions with cultural and intellectual activities throughout the month of February.
The invitation shows that the history of black people is not limited by country's borders. "In this case, we are literally connected through our roots," says Liong-A-Kong, honored by the invitation. "Black women all over the world struggle with the same issues that have their roots in the stigmatization of afro hair since Africans were brought to the West."
Liong's goal is to change this negative stereotype by promoting the beauty of natural frizzy hair. Just like her book ' Natuurlijk Kroes ', the English version ' Going Natural; How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair ', has been doing well on the American market for years. Going-natural.com, the supporting website, has grown into a leading social network with over 25,000 members and kroeshaar.com is growing fast with 7,000 local users.
The models of Going-Natural.com who are currently competing for the title of America's Next Natural Model 2012, are tasked with bringing international solidarity to life. In order to win the grand prize of $1,000, the contestants are tasked with doing a photo shoot in Maroon clothing from Suriname. The handmade traditional pangis that have reached America's soil thanks to Janine Parisius of Symbius Consult, were designed by Johanna Huur who has had a studio in Paramaribo for years.
The photos of the American models in Maroon clothing will not only be judged by the thousands of members of going-natural.com and kroeshaar.com, but also by the public from Guadeloupe and special jury member, Fidelia Grand-Galon. She is ambassador of the Republic of Suriname in Trinidad and Tobago and the first Maroon to ever hold this position.
“In addition to symbolizing our international roots, I would like to give the Maroon women in Suriname the honor they deserve with this last assignment of America's Next Natural Model,” says Liong. “These women receive too little credit for the contribution they have made to our rich history,” continues the Social Entrepreneur, who is originally from Suriname.
“Maroon women were instrumental in leaving the plantations and building communities deep in the interior, far from the slave drivers.
However, I first read about the heroine Ma Pansa in 'Tenderheaded', an American book with curly hair stories. Ma Pansa turned out to be a Surinamese Maroon woman who hid rice seeds in her hair so that her people would have something to eat wherever they would end up. Although I am not a Maroon myself, I was incredibly proud when I read that. Now I can't think of a better example to symbolize the fundamental connection of our history.
To vote and learn more, visit going-natural.com .