Having the privilege to be interviewed for the 57th Anniversary Benefit Gala – Restoration has made me pause and reflect deeply on the significance of showing BAD Hair Uprooted at the Billie Holiday Theatre. This moment, as an activist and photographer, is not only a milestone for me but also a statement on equal hair rights and a tribute to a community that has inspired and uplifted me.
A Cultural Beacon in Brooklyn
When Hollis King, the Creative Director of the Billie Holiday Theatre, said they take art very seriously, he wasn’t exaggerating. Named after the legendary Billie Holiday, this theatre stands as a cultural beacon in Brooklyn, a place that has supported and amplified Black voices for generations. It’s here in Bed-Stuy that I found my inspiration to capture hairstyles and shoot for justice, one headshot at a time.
Shooting for Justice, One Headshot at a Time
Over the past 20 years, my portraits have aimed to shift perceptions of natural hair, laying the groundwork for a movement that insists on the right to wear our God-given tresses freely and unapologetically. This journey has now evolved into a documentary exposing the far-reaching impact of unequal hair rights, an issue deeply rooted in our history and daily lives.
Watch BAD Hair Uprooted, the Untold History of Black Follicles.
A Full-Circle Moment
The opportunity to show at the Billie Holiday Theatre couldn’t have come at a more poignant moment, as I prepare to say farewell to Bed-Stuy, my creative and inspiritional home. This feels like a full-circle moment—from capturing resistance to now sharing a space with the 9-foot-tall bronze statue of Notorious B.I.G., the iconic rapper, Brooklyn native and tourist attraction right here in Bedstuy. Though it feels like destiny, it is not the type that you can plan. The Billie Holiday Theatre doesn’t just celebrate art; it brings it to life with power and purpose.
9-foot-tall bronze statue of Notorious B.I.G
Saying Goodbye with a Legacy of Natural Hair
Through this exhibition, I have the chance to say goodbye with two decades of portraits that laid the digital foundation for today’s natural hair movement. Each image, each style, each loc, twist and coil tells a story far deeper than aesthetics. BAD Hair Uprooted: The Untold History of Black Follicles explores the rich history, culture, and resilience embedded in Black hair. For centuries, Black people have faced the painful reality that simply wearing natural hair could cost them jobs, acceptance, and respect.
Download BAD Hair Uprooted book
Uncovering a Silenced Narrative
This exhibition doesn’t just display images; it uncovers a narrative that has been silenced, reshaped, and misunderstood. Each portrait represents identity, resistance, and pride. Exhibiting at the Billie Holiday Theatre is powerful not only because of the space’s history but also because of the community it serves. This isn’t just any gallery; it’s a space that has witnessed stories of triumph, resistance, and resilience. And, in many ways, BAD Hair Uprooted belongs here, in a place where art meets activism, where beauty is inherently political, and where our community’s truths are told unapologetically.
A Testament to Art’s Power to Heal
It’s an immense privilege to stand on the shoulders of artists who came before me and to contribute my voice to the ongoing dialogue about race, identity, and representation. When visitors walk through this exhibition, I hope they feel the weight of history, the sting of injustice, and the profound beauty and pride that our hair embodies. Showing BAD Hair Uprooted at the Billie Holiday Theatre is more than an honor; it’s a testament to the power of art to confront, to question, and, ultimately, to heal.
Join Me on November 22nd: An Evening of Hair, Health, and Fashion
The journey of BAD Hair Uprooted continues with a special event on November 22nd. I invite you to join me for an exclusive Q&A session, where we’ll delve into the stories, challenges, and triumphs surrounding natural hair and equal hair rights. Following the Q&A, experience a vibrant Hair & Fashion Show featuring stunning styles and designs that celebrate the beauty and versatility of Black hair and fashion.
Mark your calendars and come be a part of this unforgettable evening at the Billie Holiday Theatre. Let’s celebrate the art, the culture, and the community that make our stories powerful. I look forward to seeing you there and sharing this journey together. Click to RSVP.
Visit the BAD Hair Uprooted Exhibition
1368 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, NY