The Maroon Challenge
Instead of looking for a sponsor for this challenge, I decided to sponsor this one in honor of the Maroon women from Suriname. While growing up, I often had my hair braided by Maroon women. Never did I realize how much they contributed to the history of the country I grew up in.
They were instrumental in leaving the plantations and building communities far from the cruel slave masters and deep in the rural areas.
Yet, I learned about Ma Pansa from “Tenderheaded” an American Hair book by Juliette Harris and Ntozake Shange: a Suriname Maroon who hid seeds in her hair so that her people would have food no matter where they would land. I can’t think of a better example to celebrate the global connection of Black History at its roots.
The garments are handmade by Johanna Huur who works from her studio in Suriname. Phone: +597 8899128. More about this challenge: Click here
Chassity Maroon Woman Salute
I Am Woman! African American History Month coupled with this challenge provides us with the privilege of paying homage to some of our ancestors. The Maroon people are a triumphant and powerful people that have persevered, and still they rejoice and celebrate life. I can relate to their verve and appreciation of the gift of […]
Strong & Proud: The Maroon Women of Suriname
When approaching this challenge I really thought about what it would be like to live in Suriname as a Maroon woman. To be completely honest I hadn’t previously been aware of Suriname and needed to do some research to learn about the Maroons there. After my research I was so moved by their struggle and […]
ReShonda – The Maroon Women of Suriname
One thing I have enjoyed the most about being a finalist in “The Next Natural Model” is being able to experience different things. This challenge was very interesting because I had the opportunity to learn about a community of people that were brave and courageous and reminded me of our American Harriet Tubman. The Maroons […]