I am not my Black-ass edges, or whatever India Arie said
Did y’all know about this version?
We missed you and we promise to be more consistent - we’ve just been traveling and working, y’all! But we are staying put for a lil bit and getting back to click clacking for this newsletter! This week, as we tootsie roll closer to summertime, we want to talk about the obsession with edges.
l. The Conversation
Only Black people would think to make the tiniest wispy strands at the edge of their hairline into an art form.
We can trace slicking down and styling baby hairs to the 1920s with the icons Josephine Baker and Baby Esther (also known as the Black Betty Boop). Laying down edges became an art form again in the 80s and 90s with swoops, swirls, and artful strokes.
“The will to adorn is the second most notable characteristic in Negro expression. Perhaps his idea of ornament does not attempt to meet conventional standards, but it satisfies the soul of its creator.” — Zora Neal Hurston
Given the one million and one tutorials, Black people continue to decorate their edges with gel, holding spray, pomade, edge control, a toothbrush or comb, a steady hand, and even extensions.
Decorative edges have become such a staple of Blackness that, as with all things started by Black people, others have taken note. We now have Korean or KPop Baby Hair perms or cuts, and white women who are laying bangs like edges.
At some point though, we moved from art to an obligatory grooming practice, with Black women often made to feel as though they and their hair are not put together unless their edges are laid. It doesn’t matter if your hair is loc’d, in braids, a lace front, in a ponytail, or in a quick weave; your edges must be straight (figuratively and literally).
Because of this societal pressure, some otherwise naturalistas have turned to perming just their edges to get that slick-ety sleek look, and others have even turned to Botox to ensure they don’t sweat out their hairline. I (Jumoke) have been known to not take off my scarf until the Uber parks me right in front of the function to make sure my edges are as laid as they possibly could be. 😩
And let’s not even talk about the seasonal calculations the 4C girlies have to make in regards to keeping their edges laid. A middle part slick down in August?! In the District of Columbia? Couldn’t be me (Jumoke).
What can my Black ass do?
We know, it’s hair. It’s just hair. And because it is on your head, you can do whatever you want to it or not.
Annnnndddd, like a Jackson Five nostril, or the scent of cocoa butter, the curls on the edge of your hairline are a telltale sign of African ancestry.
Which brings to question the excessive devotion to straightening the natural curls out of our hairline. What does it say about the state of our affinity for our Blackness when some are literally putting botulism on their edges to tame their curls?
And no, we are not saying that people who slick down their edges hate their Blackness. But in a world where we describe Black hair, specifically 4C hair, as unruly and tough, it’s worth examining our absolute dedication to never leaving the house without ensuring we straighten the curl around our hairline.
Finally, this all speaks to the ways in which society, and Black women themselves, are body and beauty policing each other. We talk disparagingly about Simone Biles’ kitchen, take action when ads have the audacity to give Black women a messy updo, write Reddit threads about a Love is Blind contestant’s lashes, and on and on and on.
We’re holding ourselves and each other to impossibly rigid standards of beauty and grooming.
What can my Black ass do?
In this trifling, fascist America where people are openly and happily performing Nazi salutes, the least we can do is chill on the arbitrary grooming/beauty standards.
If you don’t have it in you for a perfect swoop, let your curls be.
If you have a decorative moment in your spirit, get your Sheryl Swoopes on.
What we are trying to say is that if you see us in these humid streets with fuzzy edges, let us be!
II. Other Things
Black-ass happenings.
A fascinating story on the Cubs of the Black Panther movement, how they feel about current political context, and the influence of the movement in their lives today.
Garcelle Beauvais leaving the RHOBH set reminded us of our call to re-segregate the housewives (which still stands!)
Did y’all know Eddie Murphy has only auditioned one (1) time?
Kaavia allowed her mother to join her in an adorable interview for People.
Meg Thee Stallion is for the girls! Ciara, Queen Latifah, and Victoria Monét joined her on stage. A man was weird about it, but Meg handled that like a pro.
The Michelles William finally met!
A beautiful public service lesson on how to cornrow.
We dare you not to sob at Jordan Chiles’ reaction to her perfect routine and stuck landing.
Our Black-Ass song(s) of the week (Jumoke):
Things we look forward to / Things we recommend:
I (Jumoke) look forward to Ms. Mother Nature trying not to kill me with these allergies. It’s very rude. Be gone, pollen!
I (Mitu) look forward to more consistently warm weather. I’d really love to put my jackets away, Ms. Mother Nature!
lll. Reminder from A Black-Ass WINNER
Congratulations to a winner because it DO take Nurve!
Stay Black, have a snack, and take a nap today.