Women of Color Conference is an annual event that provides a platform for Brooklyn College students to discuss social issues as they relate to Black women. Experts are invited to discuss topics such as media representation and self-esteem, with the goal of graduating students to gain a deeper understanding while encouraging positive self-image. This year’s theme is Kinky Hair titled “Weaving Through the Kinks.”
High on the agenda is the film The Going Natural Video Diaries, a documentary that closely follows the afro hair movement.
The organizer is Ghanaian-born Benewaa Bonsu who will graduate next year. She also tells her hair story in the documentary by Drs. Mireille Liong-A-Kong.
Capturing a Growing Movement
Mireille Liong-A-Kong, a computer scientist with a heart for social issues, is no stranger to the Afro Hair World. As a writer, she made a name for herself with Kroeshaar, Wat je Moet Weten en Meer, the very first book about Afro hair and kroeshaar.com, the very first website about hair in the Netherlands.
In America she is known not only as the author of Going Natural, How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair , but also as the founder of America's Next Natural Model , Going-Natural.com and as the owner of the successful Going Natural Hair Products line.
'In a time where almost every device can record videos, we really don't have to wait 10 years to look back on a movement' says Liong. It is an ideal time to follow a Movement closely and she continues.
My goal is to capture the Natural Hair, or Kinky Hair Movement, as it unfolds so we can see what we have in common, what drives us, and what we can learn from the Kinky Hair transformation. What is happening is very special and needs to be captured.
Curly hair connects
We are still the only people on this earth who do not have the fundamental human right to wear our God-given hair naturally. In addition to the hair itself, all hairstyles that are normal for afro hair, from kwi kwie ba (cornrows) to dreadlocks, are stigmatized.
This creates an invisible yet strong bond. No matter where we come from or where we are going, when it comes down to it we understand each other when it comes to kinky hair. We are literally connected by our hair roots, our roots.
It is this special bond that I would like to bring to life in the documentary and of course everyone is welcome, the filmmaker concludes.
The Going Natural Video Diaries
What makes the Going Natural Video Diaries unique is not only the concept but also the people who tell their stories. It is the only documentary that questions politicians with dreadlocks about their hair choices and asks if they are also willing to vote for legislation that accepts afro hairstyles in business.
The Women of Color Conference will be held on December 9 at Brooklyn College. Learn more about the event and the film in the events listings at going-natural.com .
