Locs, Afros and Radical Black Self Acceptance

A snapshot from the popular 1970 Television show Soul Train. This show was on of the first broadcasted of it’s kind, airing African Americans across the nation. Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

Recently a friend of mine mentioned how they saw the way Black people currently wear Locs similar to the way Black people wore Afros in the 70s. That statement truly shook me to my core at it's accuracy.

Locs are everywhere now. From magazines to protests, from classrooms to music videos, from offices to clubs, it is stronger than a popular hairstyle. Locs are the natural hair movement of this lifetime.

I remember growing up and seeing photos of the Black Panthers, all with big Afros, standing with pride and accomplishment. I loved these images because they represented authenticity and protection. Angela Davis is another huge example of Afros and politics, how they intertwined and defined her rebellion through all her accomplishments. Afros, in the political sense, represented freedom, dignity and liberation from the white supremacy upheld in conformity.

Afros displayed artistic authenticity as well. Artists like Nina Simone, Diana Ross, and Gil Scott-Heron wore their natural hair proudly in an Afro style. Their hair beautifully accompanied their music and the messages they were sending through the medium.

Afros and Locs are very similar in this way as well. Modern day musicians like Halle Bailey, The Migos and J. Cole all represent a part of the versatility in the Loc era. Jay-Z is famous for his large wicks.

One unique element that I love about both Afros and Locs are that these two styles are socially androgynous, meaning regardless of gender these styles are proudly worn. In this way, Black people have remained connected to their African ancestral lineage, which involves gender-less hair expression.

People choose to style Locs as more "feminine" or "masculine", but at the root it is seen as a perfect hairstyle for men, women and children.

Just like Afros, Locs are a natural hairstyle that challenges political and social ideations. Locs have been debated and targeted legally. One example of this can be found in the case of Darryl George, a former student with Locs who was suspended from school for his hair being outside of the school's limitations for male students.

As an individual with Locs, I like to believe myself as a part of a movement or era of self acceptance within the black community. In years from now, I think generations of people will reflect on this moment in time, where Black people are celebrating their natural hair in all of its glory.

Oh, and if you are reading this right now thinking to yourself: Should I get Locs?

The answer is yes, yes you should.