Black Hair in a White World
A critical and nuanced look at societal perceptions of Black hair, past and present
Black Hair in a White World is an in-depth study of the cultural history, perceptions, and increasing acceptance of Black hair in the broader American society. The essays in this anthology discuss representations and responses to Black hair, including analysis of research findings about marketing messages and depictions of Black hair in popular culture, discussions of workplace discrimination, and stories about the origins of the natural hair movement and how many Black people have learned to embrace and celebrate their natural hair.
Beginning with a close analysis of historical and contemporary books, media, and ads, Black Hair in a White World illustrates both positive and negative responses to Black hair. In the second section, Ellington features contributions from diverse scholars and activists who argue that natural Black hair has often explicitly been--and still is--criticized by non-Blacks and Blacks who believe that the natural texture of Black hair is a problem that must be solved and believe that natural Black hair is unacceptable, unprofessional, and unattractive. Authors of the volume's final essays conclude by pushing against this narrative and describing the emergence of the natural hair movement, which has pushed for increased mainstream acceptance of Black hair.
Black Hair in a White World is a groundbreaking, serious examination of perceptions of Black hair and makes an important contribution to ongoing discussions about gender, sociology, and self-expression.
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Tameka N. Ellington is a fashion scholar, educator, and expert on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She has published several academic journal articles and two books, and she is the cocurator of the internationally acclaimed, award-winning exhibition TEXTURES: the history and art of Black hair.
"The essays of Black Hair in a White World consider radical self-acceptance in the form of natural Black hair. Through the history of Black hair in America, this collection addresses critical race theory, Black feminism, racial profiling, and media studies to embolden a world wherein Blackness is seen as beautiful and is appreciated. .... Noting that Black-owned companies and hairstyles need support to thrive, the book issues a call for action alongside its investigations." --Foreword Reviews
"Tameka Ellington's Black Hair in a White World is a welcome addition to the canon of Black hair scholarship. Offering an accessible combination of academic research and pop culture analysis, the book provides a rigorous, yet loving examination of Black hair in multiple dimensions. From beauty culture to children's media, the essays in this collection paint a dynamic picture of a complicated topic, while challenging popular stereotypes and myths. Black Hair in a White World belongs on university bookshelves and the coffee tables of the culturally curious." --Lori L. Tharps, coauthor of Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America
"One cannot claim to know Black women without knowing Black hair. Its history, the divisions it has created within Black communities, and how it is viewed and (un)welcomed in white spaces. Grounded in scientific research, Black Hair in a White World is an excellent tool for those who teach or conduct research on Black women." --Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD, author of Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear
"A collection of essays so naturally woven together, making for a raw and stunningly honest deep dive, untangling the history that is our Black hair culture. Black Hair in a White World is a call to action for society to reject white standards of beauty for all and accept Black people as they embrace their crowns in all its natural glory." --Sia Nyorkor, Emmy- and award-winning news anchor & reporter, WOIO-TV, CBS Cleveland, Ohio
"Black Hair in a White World is an enlightening, extensive collection of Black female scholars that share their historical accounts, healing stories, insights, and research on the institutional hierarchy of 'texturism' in this country and around the world. Dr. Ellington has provided our community with a historical platform and the eternal standards for the Black community to continue to embrace and truly rejoice in the experience of their textured hair journey." --Diane C. Bailey, beauty entrepreneur, advocate, author, global ambassador, and master stylist
