Beads and Blackberry
Educated and Exotic
African American dialect and Articulate
Unusual and Unified
Twenty-three and thoughtful
Y continue? You get the picture!

Jaws drop, eyebrows raise, and heads turn when I enter a room. I’m an original because I disrupt people’s notions of categorical identities (i.e. black, liberal, conservative, afrocentric, preppy, etc.). My (life)style merges seemingly separate worlds in ways that onlookers have yet to fully comprehend. I’d like to thank my bicultural upbringing for that (Black American and West African). Naysayers are quick to point out the so-called inconsistencies in the way I carry myself. “Cornrows and Chanel don’t mix” they say! “Kinks and Khakis? No way!” Never one to allow an opportunity to (re)educate slip away, I politely inform them that nothing about me is in disarray. Instead, I just redefine “afrocentric” or “chic” or “conservative” in ways that are foreign to some. And just for good measure I tell them not to worry. In due time, it’ll make sense.

I’m an original because I’ve come to realize that the best way to truly love yourself is through your own unique expression. Over the years I’ve tapped into expressing myself more by making my own floral hair decorations, my own scarves, concocting different little styles, and recently getting natural bellas on youtube to get creative and truly see the beauty in our hair. I’ve even sold crochet earrings on fotki.com in the past! I started my natural hair channel because I often got asked about my hair while out and about and I felt like others weren’t inspired enough to explore their own natural texture. I’m an orginal because my self expression and self love shine through and others can’t help but pause and notice it. I choose to educate and celebrate at the same time

(O)ften imitated, never duplicated – my beauty is…(R)unning my fingers through my hair, roots to ends, makes me smile…(I) choose to let Mother Nature style my hair…(G)irls like me need hair to balance hips…(I) work wit’ what I got…(N)appily-natural moves me nearer-my-God-to-thee…(A)ll curls are not created equal – super coily is my style…(L)oving my natural locks helped me discover that less is more…an original, that’s me

There’s no arguing that the best way to learn something is to put it into practice. And when it comes to encouraging originality, I lead by example.

Everyday ones individuality is tested. It seems like everyone yearns to be like everyone else! I had hoped it was just because of my age and environment. That as I grow older, I would encounter more people willing to express themselves openly without fearing being judged by others.

Sadly, some people still would rather play it safe, and they in turn give up all opportunities to be innovative and ‘fresh’. However, I do enjoy making sure that my sisters understand that the time we have on this earth is precious. And its better to use that time by standing out and being original, than foolishly following the crowd.

my family:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27195504@N02/2940287064/