Last Wednesday it was time. Two weeks before I had been called by “Here and Now” with the question if I wanted to be in their program. Interested by BAD Hair Uprooted, the 10th anniversary and book of the same name, the producer asked questions about my motivation, projects and products. It was a pleasant preliminary conversation that had made me enthusiastic for recordings with the host Sandra Bookman.
I was already impressed by Sandra Bookman. She has been in journalism for years and was even a news anchor for ABC on the weekend. Not a small lady who would interview me.
The WABC studios are literally in the center of Manhattan. Where CNN's headquarter is and basically all the major TV news channels. From Brooklyn it's about 40 to 45 minutes by train. I had to be in the studio at 1:30.
When I got there, they almost knew my name. I was clearly expected. When I said my name, I was quickly taken to the green room where three other gentlemen were sitting, also waiting for interviews. One was a doctor, a urologist, who would specifically talk about prostate cancer, a form that occurs more often in black men.
The other two were entrepreneurs who started a non-profit, suitsyou.org, to give away suits to men who want to apply for jobs but may not have the right clothes. I was clearly in good company.
Both gentlemen from suits.org proudly told us that their women were natural and that they preferred that. We chatted for a while before it was their turn for their interview. Only in the Green Room did I sign the release form, a form that gives permission to broadcast the recordings with you in the picture.
Before it was my turn I was able to enjoy a delicious fruit salad that was served there. Delicious strawberries, pineapple, grapes and much more, but I remembered these because they were very tasty. After some more spring water I was completely ready for the conversation.
The Green Room
The intern who came to get me then was also a natural and started asking me all sorts of questions about her hair. Her fellow intern had braided and they both really fired questions at me. How can I make my hair grow the fastest? Are braids damaging to the hair? Not so different from the questions asked here on kroeshaar.com. That was wonderful. I was completely in my element.
Then it was time for the real interview with Sandra Bookman, the host of Here and Now. She sat stately in her chair waiting for me but stood up and extended her hand to introduce herself. People asked me if I was nervous. Not at all, I was more eager and enthusiastic to meet a woman in person who I had seen reporting on TV news so many times. Of course I couldn’t wait to have the conversation and answer the questions.
Since I have been working with curly hair for more than 10 years, I know roughly what kind of questions to expect. I have been asked a lot of questions before and it only makes me more enthusiastic. It was a very pleasant conversation. However, I will have to wait and see how it all comes across. I am curious about that. Every now and then I can stammer and not get my words out, even though I know exactly what I want to say. Hopefully that will not be the case this time. The broadcast will be on Sunday at 12 o'clock. I hope you will watch along and let me know what you think. You can watch the broadcast after Sunday here: http://7online.com/hereandnow/
My hairdo is done by Adenike. Products used: Scalp conditioning Spray.