Crowning glory: The Northwest's African women reclaiming the narrative around Black hair

Their ‘crowning glories’ were straightened and ‘Westernised’ by colonisers, but a new exhibition, Crowned, is giving full flow to the voices of immigrant and ethnic women, says Geraldine Walsh

Ayandolapo Ayannike Abiolu

Hair is a powerful symbol of individuality, linked deeply to identity. It communicates stories, meanings, and memories. Black hair is beautiful. It’s resilient and an expression of individuality, community, and expression.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the ongoing project and exhibition, Crowned, is coming to The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon on Wednesday, March 8, at 7pm. Crowned is an ongoing project in Ballyhaunis Direct Provision Centre and The Connaught Inn Direct Provision Centre, Castlebar, Co Mayo. It explores the importance and empowerment of hair and identity through story, conversation and artwork from African women living in the northwest of Ireland.