Ms. Miller
Social Studies
8 March 2012
Table of Contents
Abstract page 3
Evolution of Black Hair page 4-7 Slavery page 4-5 Relaxers page 5-6 Civil Rights Era and Black Power Movements page 6 Transitioning and Natural Hair page 6-7 Weaves and Hair Extension Stigma page 7 Modern Times page 7-8
Conclusion page 9
Bibliography page 10-11
Abstract
African-American, or Black, hair is very diverse. It ranges from extremely thin and straight, to extremely thick and curly. Throughout history, it could be seen as a gift and a curse. Hair in previous and modern times is seen as a sign of beauty, but all races are not always treated equally. Problems with identity and the struggle to conform caused many African-Americans to be ashamed of what they were born with. Even today, evidence of the struggles are still present. In the project we hope to learn how the views and opinions have changed throughout history. We would also like to educate others about African-American hair and inform them on the common misconceptions.
Ms. Miller
Social Studies
8 March 2012
The Evolution of African American Hair
African-American
Bibliography: Symbols." Char.Txa.Cornell.edu. Charlotte Jirousek, n d. Web. 29 Feb. 2012. . Powers, Martine. "BLACK HAIR." Yale Daily News. Yale Daily News, 8 Apr. 2011. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. . Breyer, Michelle. "A Look Back at the Black Hair Story." NaturallyCurly. Texture Media Incorporated, 12 Feb. 2009. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. . Taylor, Erica. "Little-Known Black History Fact: Hair Relaxer." Black America Web. BlackAmericaWeb.com Incorporated, 9 Oct. 2009. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. . McClain, Cassia "The Truth About Hair Relaxers." Skinbiology.com. Dr. Loren Pickart, 2011. Web. 4 Mar