I am deeply honored to share that I have been awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the City of New York, presented during the Suriname Heritage Day celebration at Bowling Green in Manhattan. While I couldn’t attend the ceremony in person, I received the exciting news via WhatsApp. My absence was for a meaningful reason—I was immersed in work on my upcoming documentary, BAD Hair Uprooted: The Untold History of Black Follicles.
This recognition is a profound acknowledgment of the advocacy and cultural work I’ve dedicated my life to. It validates the mission I’ve pursued for years: empowering others to embrace their natural beauty, challenging harmful stereotypes, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our communities.
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Why This Recognition Matters
Receiving a Certificate of Recognition from the City of New York is no small honor. It holds immense significance for several reasons:
1. Official Validation of Efforts
This certificate is a formal testament to the impact of my work. It’s a reflection of the value that advocacy for natural hair rights and cultural preservation holds—not just for individuals, but for the community as a whole.
2. Recognition in a Diverse, Global City
New York City is a global hub of culture, diversity, and progress. To have my work resonate in this vibrant, multicultural environment is deeply meaningful. It reinforces the idea that every voice, every culture, and every cause matters in shaping the identity of this incredible city.
The exhibition: BAD Hair Uprooted, the Untold History of Black Follicles
3. Amplifying My Platform
This recognition strengthens my platform to continue the work I love—whether through the blog, the store at WhatNaturalsLove.com, or projects like my documentary. It opens doors for greater collaborations, deeper conversations, and broader advocacy for natural hair rights and cultural representation.
4. Celebrating Cultural Contributions
Receiving this award during Suriname Heritage Day makes it even more special. It’s a celebration not just of my work but of the contributions of the entire Surinamese-American community. Together, we are ensuring that our heritage is recognized, preserved, and celebrated in one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
Reflecting on Suriname Heritage Day
The Suriname Heritage Day celebration was a momentous occasion that included the raising of the Surinamese flag—a powerful symbol of unity and cultural pride.
The green stripes of the flag represent Suriname’s lush Amazonian landscape, the white signifies peace and justice, and the red stripes honor the sacrifices made for independence. At the center is the gold star, symbolizing unity and hope—a message that resonates deeply with me as I continue advocating for natural hair rights and cultural equity.
While I missed the chance to be there in person, I am proud to know that this day celebrated not only my work but the collective strength and contributions of our community.
BAD Hair Uprooted: The Untold History of Black Follicles.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
I am incredibly grateful to Mayor Eric Adams, the Suriname Family Day Committee, and everyone involved in this honor. This certificate is not just for me—it’s for all of us who believe in the power of representation and cultural pride.
As I continue to work on BAD Hair Uprooted, this recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of the stories we tell. Through this documentary and other initiatives, I hope to further the conversation around natural hair rights and shed light on the historical and cultural narratives that shape us.
To everyone who has supported me along this journey, thank you. Your encouragement and belief in my work make this recognition even more meaningful.
To learn more about my work and journey, visit WhatNaturalsLove.com or follow me on social media. Together, let’s continue to celebrate the beauty of natural hair and the rich tapestry of cultures that shape our identity.
