Overview

Two world wars, the Civil Rights movement, and a Jheri curl later, the issues surrounding Black hair in America continue to linger as we enter the twenty-first century. Tying the personal to the political and the popular, Hair Story takes a chronological look at the culture behind the ever-changing state of Black hair - from fifteenth-century Africa to the present-day United States. Hair Story is the book that Black Americans can use as a benchmark for tracing a unique aspect of their history. It is celebrated as a reference guide for understanding Black hair.

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9781250046574

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Reviews

[An] entertaining and concise survey . . . A book that successfully balances popular appeal with historical accuracy. -- Publishers Weekly Taps into the art and history of how Black hair is perceived in America in a way that will no doubt be relevant for generations to come. -- The Source Hair Story presents an absorbing rendition of American history told through Black hair. In prose that is both humorous and haunting, the authors manage to bring vividly to life a subject most would consider inconsequential. After reading this comprehensive tale, people will walk away with a whole new appreciation for Black hair and all of its wonder and power. --Lloyd Boston, author of Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals From antiquity to the present day, Black hair has been both ornamentation and a medium of artistic expression. At the same time, its changing political and cultural values have often mirrored the current social climate. Hair Story , in documenting our natural hair's beauty and capacity for communication, brings to life and infuses with historical relevance this unique slice of Americana. --Harriette Cole, author of Jumping the Broom and How to Be [This book combines] keen historical insight with pop-cultural anecdotes. -- Entertainment Weekly A comprehensive and colorful look at a very touchy subject. -- Essence

[An] entertaining and concise survey . . . A book that successfully balances popular appeal with historical accuracy. <i>Publishers Weekly</i></p> Taps into the art and history of how Black hair is perceived in America in a way that will no doubt be relevant for generations to come. <i>The Source</i></p> <i>Hair Story</i> presents an absorbing rendition of American history told through Black hair. In prose that is both humorous and haunting, the authors manage to bring vividly to life a subject most would consider inconsequential. After reading this comprehensive tale, people will walk away with a whole new appreciation for Black hair and all of its wonder and power. <i>Lloyd Boston, author of Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals</i></p> From antiquity to the present day, Black hair has been both ornamentation and a medium of artistic expression. At the same time, its changing political and cultural values have often mirrored the current social climate. <i>Hair Story</i>, in documenting our natural hair's beauty and capacity for communication, brings to life and infuses with historical relevance this unique slice of Americana. <i>Harriette Cole, author of Jumping the Broom and How to Be</i></p> [This book combines] keen historical insight with pop-cultural anecdotes. <i>Entertainment Weekly</i></p> A comprehensive and colorful look at a very touchy subject. <i>Essence</i></p>

Author Information

Ayana D. Byrd graduated from Barnard College and is the co-editor of Naked: Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips and Other Parts. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, as well as magazines including Glamour, Essence and Rolling Stone. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Lori L. Tharps is an assistant professor of journalism at Temple University. A graduate of Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, she is also the author of the memoir Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and three children.

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