On October 10th, 2024, the Billie Holiday Theatre in Brooklyn, NY, transformed into a hub of cultural significance with the opening of the BAD Hair Uprooted exhibition. This wasn’t just another exhibit—it was an immersive celebration of the beauty, history, and resilience of natural hair. Through stunning photography, fashion, and powerful discussions, the event took a bold step forward in the ongoing fight for equal hair rights for Black people.
An Interactive Experience for Visitors
Right from the beginning, we wanted visitors to actively engage with the art. Each person was given a unique assignment: choose their favorite portrait, capture it, and share it on social media by tagging @WhatNaturalsLove and using the hashtags #BadHairUprooted and #WhatNaturalsLove. For many, narrowing it down to just one favorite was a challenge, but this interactive element deepened their connection to the exhibit. It turned the experience into something both personal and unforgettable, allowing each individual to contribute to the larger conversation around natural hair.
A First Look at the Documentary
A major highlight of the exhibition was the premiere of BAD Hair Uprooted, offering visitors a first look into my upcoming documentary. This film dives into candid interviews with non-Black individuals, exploring their thoughts on Black hair and shedding light on the biases and misconceptions that have fueled hair discrimination for generations. The aim is to spark a conversation that’s long overdue. The sneak peek was met with incredible enthusiasm, with many suggesting that expanding these interviews could bring a fresh perspective to the dialogue around Black hair rights.
We’re still gathering all the photos from this extraordinary night, but here’s a glimpse of what unfolded. Stay tuned for more updates!
Click to watch the documentary.
