Forum to discuss 'nappy-headed hair'

By Robert "Rob" Redding Jr.

Publisher

April 17, 2007, 8:30 a.m. - A New Jersey professor today said he plans to tour colleges and communities to highlight the discomfort some blacks have with their "nappy-headed hair".

William Paterson University Professor Kamau Kenyatta said talk-show host Don Imus’ statement reveals a hidden truth in the black community, which he believes "sees nappy-headed hair as disgusting and repulsive.”

“The reaction of black people to radio personality Don Imus’s statement about nappy hair illustrates the deeply imbedded hatred that black people have about their hair,” Kenyatta said. 

Kenyatta, the co-author of the book, The Truth About Black hairstyles: The Whole Story Revealed, along with students at the university, has scheduled a "Hair Forum" to deal directly with the subject of nappy hair and the black community. He said the free forum will be held on the campus of William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey on April 25 at 7 p.m., in the university's Atrium Auditorium.

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Imus was fired last week after being taken to task for making what many characterize as vile, vicious and racist remarks about the Rutgers University women’s basketball team. The irreverent talks-show host called them “some nappy-headed hos” during an April 4 broadcast. 

Kenyatta, and others like him, argue that similar statements can be heard and seen daily in black music and black movies. 

“Imus’ statements only reveal a hidden and ugly side of black life that many do not want to openly talk about," he said. "This forum will shed light on this secretive issue, and what comes out of it will leave many in shock.”  

The forum is scheduled to tour college campuses and community organizations across the nation over the next few months.

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