Aaliyah Haughton, Brandy Norwood, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Monica Denise Brown, Mya Harrison, Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston

Say It With My Hair

(Bold. Rebellious. Free.)

They tried to shrink me,

tame me,

flatten me out—

but my hair?

My hair doesn’t bow.

It coils like a revolution,

stretches wide like wings,

takes up space

on purpose.

This crown is my protest,

my mood, my message.

My hair speaks louder than words.

It shouts joy in an afro,

growls power in locs,

braids resistance into my scalp.

I don’t wear styles—

I wear history.

I wear truth.

Give me big, poofy, sun-blocking afros—

the kind that stop traffic.

The kind that say:

I won’t shrink.

I won’t press myself flat for comfort.

I won’t twist myself into your idea

of what Black hair “should be.”

When I walk out, crown blazing,

it’s not just style.

It’s a signal.

To every Black girl watching:

You are fierce. You are worthy. You are free.