Black History Month: Hair and Heritage

Hair is an integral part of my identity and culture. Growing up, I wore my hair in an afro, but attending private schools with strict uniform policies meant I had to fight for the right to express myself authentically. Dreadlocks became a powerful statement of freedom and resistance against the beauty norms set by society. Wearing dreads signifies a refusal of conformity and a celebration of identity. They allow us to express our authenticity and stand out from the crowd, a symbol of commitment to spirituality and nature.

 

I am a third-culture kid, born in Ethiopia and raised in the United States and Australia. At three months old, my sister Kalu and I were adopted: my father is from Sydney and my mother from Washington, DC. We moved to Phoenix, Arizona, for seven years, later relocating to Canberra, a diplomatic city with people from around the world. Despite this, I found myself surrounded by a predominantly white population. The transition was hard. Moving from the mixed landscape of America to Australia, I felt out of place. I was nervous during my first days at primary school in Australia. Although I made friends quickly, I longed for the familiarity of my old community, where I was surrounded by people who looked like me.

 

Over the years, I have forged friendships with people from various backgrounds, from Serbia to Copenhagen to Cambodia. These relationships are valuable to me. As a Black teen in a sea of different cultures, I have learned the importance of welcoming diversity and supporting inclusion. 

 

I’ve come to understand that dreadlocks carry deep social and political significance. They challenge Eurocentric standards and celebrate the richness of Black culture. The history of dreadlocks is rooted in culture, spirituality, and self-expression, transcending years and barriers to become a symbol of resistance, freedom, and a celebration of diversity. In a predominantly white school and country, I felt isolated, lacking role models who looked like me. 

 

In Grade 10, I petitioned the Head of School at Canberra Grammar School, advocating for the right to wear dreadlocks. The uniform policy dictated that hair must be "neat," with an unclear interpretation of "high standards of grooming." Dreadlocks did not align with this definition, and it annoyed me. I campaigned, believing that schools should embrace diversity and allow all students to express their genuine selves. My fight for my hair was not just about looks; it was about visibility and recognition of my identity.

 

This past October, I cut my hair to raise money for cancer research. My dorm’s goal was to raise $5,000 for Cops for Cancer. I told my friends that if we reached that goal, I would cut my dreads. To my surprise, with both elation and dismay, we reached that goal, and the day came when I had to cut my hair. I did that in front of the entire school, and my friend Gabriel did the honours. I felt nervous and excited for a new chapter in my hair journey. I plan to grow out my hair and go through the long practice of taking care of my hair. 

 

In the 1960s, the natural hair movement began as a response among Black people to combat negative perceptions of being Black. Those who wore afros were making political statements, transforming their hairstyles into symbols of pride and heritage. Afros "signify historic richness, endurance," and the stories of fighting against oppression, celebrating the beauty and resilience of Black culture. 

 

My hair, my journey as a third-culture kid, and my commitment to fostering inclusive relationships are big elements of who I am. I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that university has to offer, and I am excited to start my journey in the fall in a new place and share my own rich history and identity with everyone that I meet.