It is safe to say that the 2016 BET Awards was one of the best in years! Black America watched proudly as Blackish stars Tracee Ellis-Ross and Anthony Anderson hosted hilariously and showed off their awesome stage chemistry. Beyonce’ and Kendrick Lamar opened the show with a powerful rendition of hit song, Freedom, giving us the live performance we’ve been waiting for since Superbowl 50 and the 2016 Grammy Awards. One of the greatest moments of the show was the celebration of pop legend, Prince. It was highly anticipated and especially well-done! I would also be remiss if I did not mention the poetic speech given by Jesse Williams as he accepted the Humanitarian Award. Yes, this was a great year to watch the BET Awards! While each of these moments gave us a great sense of pride in our people, there was one trend that stood out to me the most; the natural hair movement was in full effect! Celebs boldly rocked their natural styles all over the red carpet and absolutely killed it! Braids, twists, cornrows, fros, locs, and updos graced the red carpet and the stage and we natural girls couldn’t be more proud!
To see Gabrielle Union rock her Senegalese twists was so unexpected and fresh.
Meagan Good slayed with faux locs that she swung to the side.
Nandi Mngoma absolutely served with her close cut (and a stunning gown).
Even Alicia Keys gave us “au naturel” with no make-up and her hair wrapped!
Host Tracee Ellis-Ross never disappoints with her gorgeous fro and even the Queen B “Beyonslayed” on stage with long cornrows. These beautiful ladies set the tone and confirmed that natural hair is fierce, fabulous, and here to stay!
As a culture, we have really come a long way. Before our eyes, we are witnessing the embrace and creativity of black women everywhere, gracefully showing off their curls. The idea that natural hair is not elegant and inappropriate on the red carpet is dead. In fact, it can be argued that natural hair is the most appropriate way to fabulously step out and represent no matter where you go!
Cultural appropriation is at an all-time high, especially in the hair world. Every day I see another celebrity, outside of the African-American race, wearing our cultural styles and the media labeling it “a new trend” or “edgy”. Now, more than ever, we must show our love for OUR culture by being bold and courageous as we curl, loc, twist, and braid our hair.
Seeing natural hair so strongly represented before the world by countless celebrities should give any sister doubting her ability to freely wear her curls all the confidence she needs! If they can, you can too!
What about you? How do you rock your natural hair?
Written by Kayla Morrrison
Kayla is creator of MomentsNMelanin.com
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