By Don Valentine
Ever since our forced diaspora in 1619, we have been subjected to discrimination based on both hairstyles and hair texture. The National Institute of Health found, “Slaves were forced to shave their heads not only for issues related to lice contracted from the cramped, filthy, and inhumane quarters of the slave ships but also to strip them from any cultural identity or tribal heritage associated with hairstyles.” Racial bias still exists as a result of our hair styles like dreadlocks, twists, and braids. People have lost jobs, been denied housing and endured police harassment to name a few of the prejudicial incidents.
In 1768 Spain implemented the ‘Tignon laws” in its Louisiana colonies. These were the most obtrusive hair laws in American history. Its primary mandate was to distinguish the racial caste system. The New-York Historical Society noted, “The Spanish government wanted to more clearly define the place of the free Black community of Louisiana to prevent people of color from becoming too powerful. One major concern was that free Black women were too beautiful, and too many White men were attracted to them.” A tignon is a type of head covering. A large piece of material tied or wrapped around the head to form a kind of turban and covers your hair.
Our Nubian queens turned the tignon ostracism into a fashion statement. Essence Magazine wrote, “…the tignons became a major fashion statement and they adorned their wraps in spite of the laws meant to strip their creativity and culture.” Women creatively used ribbons, brooches, beads intertwined with exotic luxurious fabrics. They created an elegant statement of protest to the “Tignon laws.” That rebellious act turned into a lasting beauty trend. The fashionistas at Essence commented, “The effects of the “Tignon laws” are still seen today, as it is still commonplace for Black women to wear elaborate headwraps and headdresses.”
The historical lesson for the world is do not irritate Black women, because it could backfire on you.