Name: Ahmad Mickens
Location: Connecticut by way of New Jersey
Occupation: Business Owner/ Philanthropist
Why do you choose to wear your hair the way you do?
I choose to wear my hair naturally, because it allows me the freedom from the pressure of spending countless hours in the barbershop. I don’t feel a need to have to look a certain way.
What does your hair mean to you?
Although my hair does compliment my personality and my style, It also represents a deeper connection to myself and my culture. It represents how comfortable I am in my skin. My hair is also my time line. Every inch has a story to tell and when I’m finally ready to let go of a part of my past, I clip it off.
Would you ever shave your hair or perm it for a gig? Please elaborate. I probably would cut my hair off one day, because I realize that the same freedom it represents can turn right around and hold you hostage. For an example: not wanting to cut it, because of how long it’s grown or because you have become identified by your hair. I would never cut my hair for anyone or to perm it.
How important is a woman’s hair to you?
A woman’s hair is important to me, because it can tell you a lot about her. It can tell you if she is confident, insecure, self absorbed, stylish, no style etc…
Are you single, married or dating? If you’re dating or married, how does she wear her hair? Natural, permed or weave and do you like it? If you are not dating, what type of hair should your ideal future woman have and how should she wear her hair? I am Married and my wife wears her hair naturally (Dreads) and I do like it (I’m partial to natural hear).
Have you ever been stereotyped?
I have been stereotyped before. I work in Stamford and Greenwich CT and I am pro African American and at first glance I may seem unapproachable, but once they get to know me I take the opportunity to educate them that just because, I’m pro African American doesn’t mean I hate other races.
Is black Hair still an issue?
It’s obvious that black hair is an issue. You can see that from the Chris Rock film “Good Hair”. I believe that our people and our women in particular have endured a lot surrounding their self image and what’s considered beautiful and what’s not in this country. The fact that there are know women of color with natural hair portrayed positively or in a beautiful way on television and other forms of media adds to that problem.
Are there things that you as a man would like to see changed when it comes to natural hairstyles and society?
I would love to see more web-sites and other form of media speak about the issues surrounding natural black hair. I would also like to see more of our beautiful black people with natural hair in motion pictures, network TV and major advertisements.
Ahmad Mickens
Master Trainer & Boxing Coach
“Join The Movement”
www.revolutionfitness.org
1(203)550-2797
Hair by Tar Baby Hair Design
1 347.475.7589(Mobile)
Web page: www.revolutionfitness.org
Photos by Going-Natural
