Dallas journalist happy to be nappy

03.28.05

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By Linda McKnight
Diversity Institute Fellow

Black women who wear their hair in natural locks as opposed to chemically straightening it are simply celebrating their culture and freeing their spirit, a veteran journalist said Thursday night.

Through interactive dialogue that included reading, singing and storytelling, Linda Jones, founder of Dallas-based A Nappy Hair Affair, inspired a crowd of about 25 to understand the meaning of the word "nappy" as it applies to coarse black hair.

She also wanted audience members to evaluate their own attitudes about their hair in general.

"If you wear your hair permed for reasons that cause you to think a natural style is inferior, you need to re-think that," said Jones.

Using her eyes, hands and body to gesture, Jones, 51, author of Nappyisms, read passages from the book that encouraged affirming black hair's innate texture and form.

"The book is a companion for those of us tired of people giving us a hard time about our choice to go natural," said Jones.

Quick to point out that she wasn't getting on a soap box, she explained many of the terms found in the book's dictionary, appropriately re-named "naptionary."

"I took some words, changed the meaning of some and made up some, but all in the name of hoping we could change the mindset," she said.

Laughter followed her next question about wearing natural hair.

"Do people question you about your hair?" asked Jones. "Often they ask, 'Do you wash it?'" she added. "Yes, people will think there is something wrong with your hygiene if you wear your hair natural," she continued.

Jones challenged women who are more concerned about outer appearances than inner well-being to understand the bottom line.

"I am beautiful because I am beautiful," said Jones.

Suzan Matias-Ballentine, 52, owner of Suzan's Hair Body and Spirit Salon in Nashville, Tenn., agrees with Jones.

She said she met Jones four years ago. Feeling physically unhealthy, Matias-Ballentine said she came to the conclusion that "my hair is in my way."

"People are beginning to accept that it's not a statement, but a lifestyle," she said.

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