# In What Specific Ways Did Textured Hair Communicate Resistance during Oppressive Eras? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-01
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

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![This monochromatic portrait captures a striking woman with intricately sculpted textured hair, celebrating the beauty and artistry of natural hair formations. The elegant style reflects ancestral heritage while embracing contemporary beauty standards, resonating with themes of self-expression and hair wellness](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-a-woman-with-sculpted-textured-hair-style.jpg)

## Roots

For generations, the coils and kinks of [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) have held stories, whispered defiance, and sung of enduring heritage. It is a living chronicle, each strand a testament to resilience, beauty, and profound cultural memory. To ask how textured hair communicated resistance during oppressive eras is to ask how a people, stripped of so much, held onto the very essence of their being. It is to acknowledge the silent, yet powerful, language of hair that spoke volumes when voices were silenced, a language deeply embedded in ancestral wisdom and lived experience. 

![This expressive black and white portrait captures a confident woman addressing a crowd, her voice amplified by the microphone, while radiant skin and textured coils become symbols of resilience and identity. The image suggests a fusion of self-expression and ancestral heritage, amplified through natural hair celebration](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/confident-woman-speaks-at-microphone-textured-coiled-hair-portrait-black-and.jpg)

## Ancestral Meanings and Erasure

In pre-colonial African societies, hair was never merely an adornment; it was a profound symbol. A person’s hairstyle could reveal their age, marital status, social standing, religious beliefs, or even their ethnic group and family lineage. Ornate beaded braids for royalty or specific headdresses for new mothers were not just stylistic choices, they were visual narratives of identity and community. This rich system of communication, deeply intertwined with social rituals and spiritual connection, was a vibrant aspect of daily life.

The Yoruba and Mende peoples, for instance, held proverbs that referred to hair as a “Black crown,” associating it with abundance and divine connection. The most elevated part of the body, hair was seen as a conduit for spiritual interaction with the divine.

The transatlantic slave trade, a cataclysmic rupture, sought to sever these profound connections. One of the first acts of dehumanization inflicted upon enslaved Africans was the forced shaving of their heads. This violent act was a deliberate attempt to erase their cultural identity, to strip them of their heritage, and to sever their ties to ancestral practices and community bonds.

It was a cruel and inhumane practice designed to demoralize and control. Yet, even in this profound act of erasure, the spirit of resistance began to germinate.

> Textured hair, a living archive of heritage, became a silent language of defiance during oppressive eras.

![Elegant in monochrome, the portrait celebrates the beauty and strength embodied within afro textured hair, a coil crown, and classic style. The image is an ode to heritage, resilience, and the power of self-expression through textured hair forms, deeply rooted in Black hair traditions and ancestral pride](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-woman-with-afro-textured-hair-and-classic-dress.jpg)

## Hidden Maps and Sustenance

Despite the brutal efforts to strip enslaved Africans of their heritage, traditional hair practices persisted, often in secret, adapted into new forms of resistance. The very act of styling hair became a covert means of communication and survival. Cornrows, a style with deep African roots, played a significant role in this hidden language.

Enslaved people used intricate braiding patterns to exchange messages and even to map escape routes to freedom. These patterns, woven tightly to the scalp, could represent roads to travel or paths to avoid, guiding those seeking liberation.

Beyond navigation, cornrows also served a practical, life-sustaining purpose. Enslaved Africans would sometimes hide small items within their tightly braided hair ❉ rice, seeds, or even tiny fragments of gold ❉ to sustain them during their perilous journeys to freedom. These hidden provisions were a testament to their ingenuity and determination to survive, a quiet act of self-preservation against unimaginable odds.

The story of Benkos Biohó in Colombia, who escaped slavery and established a Palenque village, highlights how women in his community used cornrows to create maps and communicate meet-up times for an underground resistance network. This demonstrates a powerful historical example of hair as a tool for collective liberation.

The resilience of these ancestral practices in the face of such overwhelming oppression speaks volumes about the enduring spirit of textured hair heritage. It was not merely about aesthetics; it was about survival, community, and the preservation of self. 

![This dramatic monochromatic portrait celebrates the striking beauty of an intentional bald style and distinct hair design. The image highlights empowerment, challenging traditional beauty standards and underscoring the impact of textured artistry and individuality in expressing personal identity and cultural narrative](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-a-bald-woman-featuring-a-striking-hair-design.jpg)

![This elegant study in monochrome celebrates the inherent beauty of textured hair in full afro form, framed by a minimal aesthetic and conveying the power of cultural identity. Radiant complexion enhances heritage, highlighting beauty standards, and affirming self-expression in the wearer](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-profile-of-woman-with-afro-hairstyle-textured-hair-elegance.jpg)

## Ritual

Stepping into the realm of ritual, we observe how textured hair, once a canvas for ancestral stories, transformed into a potent instrument of overt and subtle defiance. The journey from the foundational roots of hair to its active role in shaping identity during oppressive times is a compelling one, reflecting the evolution of human spirit under duress. This exploration acknowledges the deep, shared experiences that shaped hair practices, where every comb stroke and every braid carried the weight of history and the hope for a different future. 

![The basket weaver](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elderly-woman-weaving-basket-with-coiled-hair-crowned-by-wrapped-headcloth.jpg)

## Tignon Laws and Reclaiming Identity

In the late 18th century, a particularly striking example of legislative oppression targeting Black women’s hair emerged in Louisiana. The Tignon Laws, passed in 1786 by Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miró, mandated that Black women, even those who were free, cover their hair in public with a tignon ❉ a scarf or headwrap. This law was a direct response to the rising status and visible beauty of free Black women, whose elaborate hairstyles challenged the existing social order and attracted attention that threatened the white elite. The intention was clear: to signify their supposed subservient status and control their public presentation. 

Yet, in a powerful act of defiance, [Black women](/area/black-women/) transformed this tool of oppression into a symbol of pride and beauty. They did not abandon their traditions; instead, they adorned their tignons with vibrant colors, rich fabrics, and intricate patterns, drawing directly from their African heritage. What was meant to be a mark of subjugation became a statement of self-possession, a visual assertion of their inherent worth and cultural legacy. This adaptation of the tignon, turning a symbol of forced conformity into one of glamorous rebellion, stands as a profound testament to their creative spirit and enduring will. 

![Monochrome evokes ancestral tones, the intricate fruit patterns serving as a metaphor for textured hair, weaving a narrative of heritage, holistic wellness, ancestral beauty, and self-care traditions that embrace the beauty of distinctive formations within a family or community.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/textured-fruit-with-intricate-surface-pattern-symbolic-of-diverse-hair-forms.jpg)

## The Rise of the Afro

The mid-20th century witnessed a resurgence of hair as a powerful symbol of resistance, deeply intertwined with the Civil Rights and [Black Power](/area/black-power/) movements. As African Americans grew increasingly frustrated with systemic racism and the futility of attempting to assimilate, a shift occurred. The natural afro became a central symbol of this agitation, a deliberate rejection of [Eurocentric beauty standards](/area/eurocentric-beauty-standards/) that had long devalued Black features. 

The afro was not simply a style; it was a political statement, a declaration of “Black is Beautiful”. Figures like Angela Davis, with her iconic afro, embodied this spirit, making their [natural hair](/area/natural-hair/) a public assertion of [Black identity](/area/black-identity/) and a challenge to inequality. This voluminous, natural style represented a conscious turning away from chemical straightening, which had been a means of conforming to white aesthetic ideals.

It was a reclamation of roots, a celebration of inherent beauty, and a powerful act of self-love and solidarity within the Black community. The afro became a rallying point, transforming personal appearance into a collective statement against oppression.

> The intentional cultivation of textured hair styles became a potent form of political communication.
The embrace of the afro signaled a profound psychological and cultural shift. It was a visible manifestation of rejecting imposed inferiority and asserting a sovereign Black identity. This period solidified the understanding that for Black people, hair was, and remains, deeply political. 

![This striking Fulani braiding artistry embodies ancestral pride, showcasing the integration of silver adornments as symbols of identity, reflecting a commitment to holistic hair care while highlighting sebaceous balance care as integral to the health and expression of textured coils.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fulani-braiding-artistry-silver-adornments-youthful-gaze-black-and-white.jpg)

![This striking portrait captures the essence of natural beauty, celebrating the strength and resilience embodied in tightly coiled afro hair. The image evokes a sense of empowerment and pride, connecting textured hair to ancestral heritage and a modern expression of self-acceptance, styled with minimalist modern afro aesthetic](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-black-woman-with-tapered-afro-showcasing-natural-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

## Relay

How does the persistent scrutiny of textured hair, even today, illuminate the enduring legacy of oppressive eras, and what profound insights can we gain from this ongoing dialogue between heritage and societal perception? This inquiry leads us into a deeper understanding of how the very biology of textured hair became entangled with systems of power, and how the resistance born from those entanglements continues to shape our present and future. It invites a reflective gaze upon the intricate interplay of cultural memory, scientific understanding, and the unwavering spirit of those who wore their heritage with pride. 

![The portrait encapsulates minimalist beauty with its platinum buzz cut style, celebrating unconventional and authentic representation within hairstyling ❉ emphasizing how simple, short cuts can communicate volumes about heritage, expression, and identity while presenting versatile options for textured hair.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-model-with-platinum-buzz-cut-hairstyle.jpg)

## The Weight of Eurocentric Standards

The devaluation and denigration of [Black hair](/area/black-hair/) are direct consequences of centuries of socialization that positioned Eurocentric aesthetics as the universal standard of beauty. This harmful ideology, deeply rooted in the era of slavery, labeled textured hair as “nappy,” “woolly,” or “matted,” equating Black hair ❉ and by extension, Black people ❉ to animals, thereby justifying their dehumanization. This damaging mentality of “good hair” versus “bad hair” has been passed down through generations, still influencing perceptions of natural Black hair today. The term “good hair” itself, originating during slavery, indicated how slave owners might treat individuals based on their hair’s perceived proximity to European features. 

The pressure to conform to these standards often led to the use of harsh chemical relaxers and intensive heat styling, practices that could cause physical damage to the hair and scalp, such as traction alopecia. This was not merely a cosmetic choice; it was often a means to navigate a society that penalized natural Black hair in professional settings, educational institutions, and even social interactions. The freedom to wear one’s natural hair, therefore, became an intellectual issue, a matter of personal aesthetic choice intertwined with political implications. 

> The enduring politics of textured hair underscore a continuous battle for authenticity and self-definition.

![The stark monochrome deepens the timeless feel as a child with intricately braided cornrows engages in creative expression, etching transient art into the beach’s canvas, reflecting ancestral links and a connection to elemental beauty and holistic experience.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/child-drawing-symbols-in-sand-with-braided-cornrows-hairstyle-black-and-white.jpg)

## Modern Expressions of Hair Activism

Today, the politics of Black hair continues to manifest in various forms, from legal battles to cultural movements. The “natural hair movement” of recent decades, distinct from earlier movements, emphasizes a “politics of authenticity” and self-love. It represents a critique of exclusionary economic arrangements and an exploitative beauty industry, serving as an act of anti-racist political resistance. This movement has seen a surge in visibility through social media, where Black women share hair care tips and redefine beauty standards, although challenges like colorism persist within the community. 

The legal landscape is also shifting, albeit slowly. The **CROWN Act** (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), first enacted in California in 2019 and now adopted by many states, prohibits discrimination based on hairstyle and texture, specifically addressing styles like braids, locs, and twists. This legislation directly challenges the institutional biases that have historically deemed natural Black hair unprofessional.

Such acts are crucial in combating the pervasive issue of hair discrimination, which can lead to job loss and social stigma, impacting mental and physical well-being. The very existence of such laws highlights the ongoing need for systemic change to truly normalize Black hair across all industries.

The ongoing struggle for the acceptance and celebration of textured hair reveals a continuous thread of resistance, a relay race of heritage passed down through generations. It speaks to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of a community that has consistently used its hair not only as a personal statement but as a collective act of defiance against oppression. 

- **Cornrows** ❉ Historically, these intricate braids were used as covert maps for escape routes during slavery and to hide seeds for survival.

- **Afro** ❉ A powerful symbol of Black Power and self-love in the 1960s and 70s, challenging Eurocentric beauty standards.

- **Locs** ❉ Representing spiritual connection and a rejection of societal norms, locs have become a symbol of identity and resistance.

![The monochrome portrait celebrates the beauty of braided textured hair, echoing ancestral strength and cultural expression. The meticulous braiding technique highlights the diverse styling possibilities within Black hair traditions, while the subject](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochromatic-portrait-of-a-woman-with-braided-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

![The introspective gaze and intricately patterned coils of highlighted textured hair communicate a powerful story of cultural heritage. The detailed portrait captures the essence of identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/contemplative-portrait-of-man-with-patterned-textured-hair-and-intense-gaze.jpg)

## Reflection

The journey of textured hair through eras of oppression is a profound testament to the enduring human spirit. Each coil, each strand, each carefully crafted style carries the echoes of ancestral resilience, a living narrative of defiance and self-affirmation. It is a constant reminder that heritage is not merely a relic of the past, but a vibrant, animating force in the present, shaping identity and informing the path forward. Roothea’s ‘Soul of a Strand’ ethos finds its deepest resonance in this historical dance, where the elemental biology of hair met the immense pressures of dehumanization, only to emerge as a powerful, unbroken helix of cultural memory.

The tender thread of care, passed down through generations, became a ritual of resistance, nurturing not just hair, but the very soul. And in its unbound form, textured hair continues to relay a message of freedom, beauty, and unwavering pride, a luminous archive for all to witness.

![This monochrome image captures the beauty of black hair traditions embodied in protective styling. The contrast of light and shadow accentuates the texture of her locs, reflecting both strength and vulnerability](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-black-woman-protective-hairstyle-locs-textured-hair-beauty.jpg)

![This monochrome portrait highlights the beauty of textured hair, its helical formation rendered in striking detail. The woman](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-elaborate-textured-afro-hairstyle-and-shawl.jpg)

## References

- Byrd, A. & Tharps, L. (2014). <i>Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St. Martin’s Griffin.

- Cobb, J. N. (2023). _New Growth: The Art and Texture of Black Hair_. Duke University Press.

- Dabiri, E. (2020). _Don’t Touch My Hair_. Harper Perennial.

- Johnson, C. M. E. (2024). _Natural: Black Beauty and the Politics of Hair_. New York University Press.

- Johnson, E. (2022). _Resistance and Empowerment in Black Women’s Hair Styling_. Routledge.

- Patton, T. O. (2006). _Our Hair, Our Heritage: African American Women and Their Hair_. Hampton Press.

- Sieber, R. & Herreman, F. (2000). _Hair in African Art and Culture_. Museum for African Art.

## Glossary

### [Hair and Liberation](https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-liberation/)

Meaning ❉ Hair and Liberation signals a gentle yet deliberate realignment with textured hair, particularly for individuals of Black and mixed heritage.

### [Black Women](https://roothea.co/area/black-women/)

Meaning ❉ Black women, as central figures in textured hair understanding, gently guide the comprehension of coily and kinky strands.

### [Hair Mapping](https://roothea.co/area/hair-mapping/)

Meaning ❉ "Hair Mapping" is the discerning practice of identifying and understanding the distinct characteristics of textured hair across different areas of one's scalp.

### [Beauty Standards](https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/)

Meaning ❉ Beauty Standards often describe societal ideals dictating what is considered appealing, particularly concerning appearance.

### [Black Power Movement](https://roothea.co/area/black-power-movement/)

Meaning ❉ The Black Power Movement represents a transformative period, gently guiding Black and mixed-race individuals toward a thorough re-evaluation of their hair heritage.

### [Hair and Social Status](https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/)

Meaning ❉ Hair and Social Status addresses the historical and current relationship between hair presentation ❉ particularly for textured hair ❉ and societal assessments of standing or acceptance.

### [Resistance during Slavery](https://roothea.co/area/resistance-during-slavery/)

Meaning ❉ Resistance During Slavery refers to the varied acts of defiance, both overt and subtle, undertaken by enslaved individuals to assert their humanity and agency against dehumanizing systems.

### [Natural Hair](https://roothea.co/area/natural-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Natural Hair describes hair that maintains its original structural configuration, untouched by chemical processes like relaxers, texturizers, or permanent color that alter its natural coil, curl, or wave definition.

### [Black Women's Hair](https://roothea.co/area/black-womens-hair/)

Meaning ❉ Black Women's Hair signifies a diverse spectrum of hair textures, deeply connected to heritage and individual identity.

### [Hair Politics](https://roothea.co/area/hair-politics/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Politics denotes the nuanced interplay of societal expectations, cultural identity, and historical perspectives influencing the presentation and care of hair, especially for Black and mixed-race individuals.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [In What Ways Did Textured Hair Styling Serve as a Symbol of Resistance across Historical Eras?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-textured-hair-styling-serve-as-a-symbol-of-resistance-across-historical-eras/)
![The black and white tone adds a timeless quality to this scene of cultural exchange, inviting contemplation on the ancestral heritage embodied in textured hair, its ongoing evolution within modern beauty standards, and the commitment to its care and creative expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-textured-hair-stylist-creating-protective-hairstyles.jpg)

### [In What Ways Did Textured Hair Serve as a Symbol of Resistance during Slavery?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-did-textured-hair-serve-as-a-symbol-of-resistance-during-slavery/)
![Hands intertwined, an elder passes ancestral skills weaving intricate patterns, textured with the rich history of indigenous knowledge. A potent image reflecting dedication to cultural continuity, holistic care, and the preservation of ancestral practices including natural hair maintenance techniques.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-weaving-an-elders-hands-instructing-younger-hands-on-indigenous.jpg)

### [How Do Braided Patterns Communicate Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-braided-patterns-communicate-heritage/)
![The braided hairstyle, a celebration of textured hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-woman-portrait-artistic-braided-hairstyle-textured-hair-expressions.jpg)

### [How Did Ancient African Hairstyles Communicate Social Status and Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancient-african-hairstyles-communicate-social-status-and-heritage/)
![The introspective gaze and intricately patterned coils of highlighted textured hair communicate a powerful story of cultural heritage. The detailed portrait captures the essence of identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/contemplative-portrait-of-man-with-patterned-textured-hair-and-intense-gaze.jpg)

### [How Did Hair Communicate Identity in Ancient Africa?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-hair-communicate-identity-in-ancient-africa/)
![Intricate cornrows converge, unveiling the geometric precision of heritage hairstyles and the artistry of Black hair traditions. Each braided row symbolizes protective styling, while the interplay of light emphasizes the smooth scalp and ancestral connection, reflecting a holistic approach to hair care.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/detailed-black-and-white-cornrow-hairstyles-intricate-braided-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Did Ancient Hair Practices Communicate Identity and Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancient-hair-practices-communicate-identity-and-heritage/)
![This compelling portrait presents a fusion of modern style and heritage, highlighting the beauty of textured hair in a strong visual narrative of identity, enhanced by precise composition and deliberate monochrome tones for a timeless impact on self expression.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-woman-with-braided-hair-and-shaved-sides-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [How Did Headwraps Become Symbols of Resistance during Slavery?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-headwraps-become-symbols-of-resistance-during-slavery/)
![Resilient hands, embodying ancestral heritage, pass down the art of fiber work, reflecting shared wisdom through textured hair kinship. The monochrome palette accentuates depth, emphasizing holistic connection and the transference of cultural identity woven into each fiber, highlighting timeless Black hair traditions.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intergenerational-kinship-weaving-wisdom-textured-hair-legacy-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [In What Specific Ways Did Hair Styling Reflect Heritage and Societal Position across African Cultures?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-specific-ways-did-hair-styling-reflect-heritage-and-societal-position-across-african-cultures/)
![The botanical abstract offers a visual poem celebrating ancestral connections, hair texture, and the rich heritage woven into the care of textured hair. These floral structures mirror the strength and beauty inherent in wellness and traditions, expressing both history and resilience.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-floral-forms-a-study-in-light-texture-and-ancestral-heritage.jpg)

### [In What Ways Do Head Coverings Prevent Damage to Textured Hair during Sleep?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-do-head-coverings-prevent-damage-to-textured-hair-during-sleep/)
![This portrait highlights the enduring cultural heritage embedded in Black hair traditions. Skilled hands braid the young girl](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-receiving-intricate-braids-rooted-in-heritage-and-holistic-care.jpg)

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            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "name": "Beauty Standards",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/beauty-standards/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Beauty Standards often describe societal ideals dictating what is considered appealing, particularly concerning appearance."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-power-movement/",
            "name": "Black Power Movement",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-power-movement/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ The Black Power Movement represents a transformative period, gently guiding Black and mixed-race individuals toward a thorough re-evaluation of their hair heritage."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/",
            "name": "Hair and Social Status",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-and-social-status/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair and Social Status addresses the historical and current relationship between hair presentation ❉ particularly for textured hair ❉ and societal assessments of standing or acceptance."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/resistance-during-slavery/",
            "name": "Resistance During Slavery",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/resistance-during-slavery/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Resistance During Slavery refers to the varied acts of defiance, both overt and subtle, undertaken by enslaved individuals to assert their humanity and agency against dehumanizing systems."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/black-womens-hair/",
            "name": "Black Women's Hair",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/black-womens-hair/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Black Women's Hair signifies a diverse spectrum of hair textures, deeply connected to heritage and individual identity."
        },
        {
            "@type": "DefinedTerm",
            "@id": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-politics/",
            "name": "Hair Politics",
            "url": "https://roothea.co/area/hair-politics/",
            "description": "Meaning ❉ Hair Politics denotes the nuanced interplay of societal expectations, cultural identity, and historical perspectives influencing the presentation and care of hair, especially for Black and mixed-race individuals."
        }
    ]
}
```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/in-what-specific-ways-did-textured-hair-communicate-resistance-during-oppressive-eras/
