I Am Not My Hair

Why is it that this hair -
This bundle of strands that I wear -
Seems to say so much about me?
Why is it that they care -
Yup, those naturalistas over there -
So much about my hair and my history?

"I am not my hair"
Borrowing a line from India.Arie;
"I am not my hair"
It shouldn't say anything about me.

Chemicals and heat, ABUSE and MISTREAT
Have become synonymous;
The thought of convenience, and sleekness
Have become so ominous.
But my hair is still voluminous
And I am still voluptuous.

I'm still a beautiful Black woman
And my hair does not change who I am.
I have not given up my history or my heritage.
Relaxing shouldn't take away my privilege
To be able to say that I am Black and I am Proud.
So I will scream it out loud:
I am not my hair!