LEADING FEMALE gospel singer Paula Hinds has defended the “natural look” when it comes to black people’s hair.
Hinds, known for her trademark “natural look” hairstyle, was speaking during a Black History Month natural hair contest at Foundation School yesterday. “When I sang at the late Prime Minister’s [David Thompson] funeral, a young lady on Facebook sent me a message and said when she heard it on television, she heard the voice of an angel [but] when she saw me she said, ‘My God, do something with the hair’,” Hinds said.
She said people referred to her hairstyle as wild, rough and raucous, and even told her she could not have friends, because a true friend would not let her leave home with her hairstyle.
She, however, said she was not defined by her hair and dismissed the comments as negative.
“I am a unique individual,” Hinds said.
She told the students they had a choice and could choose to be bitter and angry, wishing they were born of another race, or they could thank God they were part of His world.
“You have to ask yourself: What does being black mean to me? Am I a colour, a human being, am I simply a product of my parents or am I a masterpiece of God? If you are a colour, then you would simply be an object for anyone to use as they see fit. As a human being you will have to take responsibility for yourself . . . . As God’s masterpiece you must say I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Programme coordinator and teacher Annette Maynard-Watson said the 157 students who registered for the five-year-old competition were proud of their natural hair.
