Often at these events of this type its all "relaxed" hair or "human hair". Apparently what grows naturally out of our heads isn't "human" enough. Sometimes it's no hair at all because that's easier for "professional women" to maintain.
But looking around that room, I felt happy that we have come so far. Yes, there were women with chemically altered hair and that's their right but it's important for those of us who exercise the right to be natural to feel comfortable.
I know there are pockets of opposition in some quarters and some offices who still think straight is best but we have made great strides in accepting ourselves the way we are made. I know each of these women, myself included, have had someone question their choice but they've satisfied the person most important in this case: themselves.
So as weird as it sounds, in a country with an African-descended majority, the ability to wear our hair the way we see fit is a victory. Even if the woman isn't deeply Afro-centric, even if she didn't have a deeply spiritual reason for choosing her hairstyle, the fact that her decision can be accepted by a growing number is a positive sign.
There's still a long way to go of course. And while one may argue "I am not my hair", I think our attitude towards our hair can say a lot.
*I can take this further but i'll wait for a few responses first :)
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