Within a cultural context, we are taught that good hair means curly, wave, and soft while ‘bad hair’ means the opposite and one is not pretty enough. As a result of this, a lot of people reject or find it extremely difficult to embrace their natural roots based on what society deems ‘good hair’. Embracing our natural roots is something that a lot of people struggle with especially growing up in a changing system that dictates appearance, for example, our hair should be well groomed. But what exactly is well groomed and why is it that an afro, locs, or braids are not acceptable in most workplaces?

Author and Dub Poet, Joel Jawara Ellis and Educational Consultant, Life Coach and Author, Dr. Noel Gordon shares their perspective on embracing our natural roots on Sunrise. Watch the full discussion here: