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Ever thought of hair as a work of art?
No?
Prepare to have your mind changed.
Meet Benny Harlem, an LA-based singer, songwriter and model, and his 6-year-old daughter Jaxyn.
In an interview with Paper, Harlem spoke about the need to provide a strong role model to his daughter.
I teach my daughter to walk in her natural elegance and I make it a point to show her that she’s protected daily.Benny Harlem, Paper
Harlem also spoke about Black masculinity and the empowerment that comes with embracing one’s natural self.
I see black men doing a lot with their hair and it’s incredible, whether it’s the braids or the Kendrick Lamar situation. I don’t think the movement of men growing their hair is as big as it can be, but I’m hoping more men will find pride in growing their hair out and wearing it as a crown of glory. You look in the mirror and you see your crown. For me, I look in the mirror every single morning, especially when my hair is up in the crown box type of style. It reminds me to stand firm in who I am and go out there. So I wear it proudly.Benny Harlem, Paper
Incidentally, Harlem is also the name of a predominantly Black suburb in New York, home to some of the greatest Black writers, poets, singers and artists in recent history.
When prodded about the secret to their lustrous manes, Harlem is disarmingly frank, claiming that it’s nothing fancier than a homemade shampoo with ingredients like coconuts and berries.
*goes off to hoard all neighbourhood coconuts*
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)