Hello 👋,
Why do we associate long, grown out "bushy" hair or dreadlocks with irresponsibility, drug use and everything negative there is?
Is the perception justified, or is it a sign of self-sabotage and self hate brought about by colonialism?
The History of African Hair
Before the colonization of Africa, hair was used as a form of communication, and each community had their distinct hairstyles. Hairstyle alone could indicate social hierarchy, fertility, age, life stage, marital status, ethnic identity, religion, and so much more.
For example, among Rwandese men, the Amasunzu hairstyle was used by men and unmarried women to indicate to potential admirers that they were single and of marriageable age.
The history of hairstyles and hair wraps are intertwined and were considered symbols of status, marriage and family lineage.
Do hairstyles still have meaning in your community? Let me know by replying to this email.
Sudan Airways: Flying for 70 plus years
Sudan Airways is one of the oldest carriers in Africa. It was established in February of 1946 and began scheduled operations in July the following year with a fleet of 4 planes of the make De Haviland.
At one point in the 1950s, the airline was a darling for travellers. There was a lot of demand for flying that the carrier opted to remove the toilets to make room for more seats. They would even carry passengers in the cockpit.
However, since the 1990s, Sudan Airways has been riddled with a list of unending problems particularly, sanctions, travel bans, financial troubles and mismanagement.
King Jaja of Opobo, from a slave to a king
King Jaja was able to turn a life of hardship into a life of prosperity and abundance despite being sold into slavery at the tender age of 12. At his peak, the King of Opobo dominated the lucrative palm oil trade in the region and, at the same time, blocked the access of British merchants to the interior, giving him an effective monopoly. Be the first to read this captivating story.
Special Mentions
📌 Documentation of narratives on African history with a specific focus on women. - Women Museum Zambia
📌 A positive perspective of the history of the African diaspora, which challenges the negative rhetoric that is commonly told of non-white persons throughout the world. - On the Shoulders of Giants.
📌 Aims to inspire a global revolution in the minds of Africans through life-long learning.- Ronu Spirit
Do you have a story you would want to share? Submit a story for us to share in the future newsletter. It will also be featured on our platform that has more than 1000 daily users.
Fun Fact 🚀
Nigeria has the highest number of twin births in the world. Numbers show that twin birth rates in West Africa are four times higher than anywhere else in the world, with most of it happening in a small town in Nigeria, Igbo-Ora, where the last recorded figures revealed an average of 50 sets of twins in every 1,000 births.
PROVERB OF THE WEEK
Mapatien tisian tany. (Tugen)
Translation: A cow does not lack a spot.
Meaning: This proverb brings out the reality of human nature that no individual is perfect. We should, therefore, not be quick to judge others without consideration.
WORD OF THE WEEK
Kodi (Dholuo)
Meaning: With you
Example: Ruoth obed kodi.
Translation: May the King(God) be with you.
Special thanks to Stephanie for editing this issue.
Today, I'll leave you with a mix of songs that don't expire. The slow and soft instrumental in taarab music is very therapeutic.
Ruoth obed kodi! - Mike
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