Where are all the Black Locked People at?

Over the years while I have maintained the Locked Hair Blog Exchange, I've often checked out my stat counter map of visitors. For the longest I couldn't understand why the visitors weren't more evenly distributed across the nation. Finally today I figured it all out. The first picture below shows the visitors from America, Europe and Africa.  You can see clearly that the East Coast and Europe are heavy with visitors.

 

When you get a closeup of the US, you'll have a better glimpse of the breakdown.  I kept saying, "Do no people of color have locks in other regions of the US?"  

Then, I googled African American population in the United States and this is what I came up with.



Well, I guess it all makes sense now. I am sure in the states where the population of African Americans is sparse, they may be some locked brothers and sisters, but the East Coast and South/South East Coastal states dominate.  When I visited the DC-Maryland area in 2007 it was a love fest seeing all the locked brothers and sisters.  The more we blog about it, vlog and document it pictorially, the more ubiquitous it will become. 

Oldie but goodie-Help for New Bloggers

One year ago today, I created a post about helping those new to blogging get started. I updated that blog post to help out all those new bloggers who have been inspired to share their journeys on line. Since I usually get 1st dibs at a lot of new bloggers who want to join the LHBE, I often send them to my post on how to get started, the right way, IMO. Many of them say they were inspired to document their journey to be an inspiration like many others who've shared their stories. They also find out quickly that blogging takes work, dedication and commitment. In reflection from some of the things I've seen on line and my own experiences, I think it's a good read for even us "old timers" as well. I had to remind myself of a few things I'd forgotten.

OAN, I lost all my email accounts and have to start over. If you've been trying to email me off line, the old email addresses won't work. I can be reached at maryeepc at gmail dot com. Teaching has consumed a lot of my time and I'll try and post perhaps monthly. Until then, enjoy an old post that should provide a little inspiration for us bloggers.

Turning the Titanic Around- Black Hair Care

Since teaching at a school with such a high concentration of black students, I'll be doing some research over the holidays to find websites and videos to share information about black hair, hair care, natural vs. relaxed, and the industry for my kids, especially the girls to check out.

We have a lot of store front Asian owned hair supply stores in Waco as most small and large cities do as long as there is a decent population of blacks to fork over their hard earned money to. And yes as the videos below display the community in which these stores serve are often poor, depressed and economically disadvantaged.

I know when I was a hair care junkie, whenever I went into, and still if I did today, the beauty supply shops, there was a low interest from the staff in giving me products to help my hair, but instead a high interest in them selling me whatever. I will say that when I lived in Houston, my favorite hair supply store which was in the Hobby area on 8326 Broadway St., was owned by an African gentleman. ANAN Beauty Supply. He was wonderful and extremely helpful and honest about making suggestions for my haircare needs. He had lots of supplies and hair, so I'm thinking he had no problem getting product from the distributors. The videos below are from a few I searched and found this morning on youtube. Thank you Karen Halliburton, for sharing your website as well. Very informative.



And so BOBSA was formed.











The struggle in London as well.



Nappy Roots Documentary




Some of my girls are so "fogged" in their self perception, it's nothing for them to walk up and down the hallways with their hair alllll over their head. They are getting better about not walking around with a comb stuck in their hair. I will tell them in a second that that's "Ghetto". I tell them, "You are a princess" and ask them to kindly remove the comb from their hair. If I can just get them to become "aware" that they can be seen and that they are not isolated. So in one way they are image conscious, and in another way, they aren't.

It's weird because one of the boys was commenting in a very direct manner to one of the girls in class about how her hair was breaking off and that she was becoming bald headed. He told her to "do something" with her hair. The sad part about it was, he was telling the truth. The sadder part about it was, she was trying to do something about it. She is one of mine who has the comb in her hair daily, yet her hair is all over her head. I saw how helpless you looked trying to defend herself, rebutting to him that she was gonna get a perm. My heart sank.

The kids look at my locks and some admire them, but have no clue or idea of how they can get to the place I am in. Jen and I discussed investing in one young lady who's a good braider and getting her trained in SLs and have her help the revolution begin here in Waco. I really believe if they knew what to do, they would do it. I know these girls are tired of damaging their hair at their young tender ages already, but do not know how to get out of this trap. Until then, they will just do what they see in the videos, in the magazines, and among each other, all the while for those who can't take care if it, will continue ruining their hair. My question to the online natural hair community is how do we become an agent for change? Do we just complain about what we see, or do we do something about it?

Are You New To The Natural Hair Blogging Community?

I was asked off-line how to "join-in" on the fun from a person who's new to the online blogging community. Less than two years ago, there were only a few folks actively blogging about their natural hair. Now the online blogging community is growing by the day. Do a Sisterlocks Blog Search and see what I mean. Here's my own personal tips for those beginning the blogging journey. Others may have a different opinion:

Invitation? There's no real "invitation" to join in on the online blog community of natural/locked women/men. The Locked Hair Blog Exchange is by invitation if you'd like your locked hair blog in the Exchange, but for all other groups, you sign up and you're in. A lot of Sisterlocked women began their online connection from what I gather, from three main places: The Yahoo Group Lockitup, on Fotki, and the other largest community of natural hair/locked women, Nappturality. The relationships form as you post your questions and give feedback on other's journeys or your own. If you haven't joined these groups, do so ASAP and begin making comments. Spend time reading the archives, for they will provide a lot of answers to questions you have.

Making your blog a place folks want to visit. The online locked hair community wants to see pictures, pictures, pictures. And believe it or not, getting a good look at your hair is more important than seeing your face. Take good shots in good lighting so your hair can be seen. If it's not a good picture, don't waste your time uploading it.

"We be" an educated group of folk. Most of the bloggers are educated and don't enjoy visiting blogs where there's a lot of slang, typos and just plain bad grammar going on. We all have "slang" moments, but when the blog shows no form of intelligence, it may hamper visitors who will return. Although I will say there's a small niche of folk who dig that stuff. Ask yourself, if you'd enjoy reading your posts and looking at your own pictures a week, month, or year from now. That will help you in determining if posting the content or pictures is worth it. I have quite a few "drafted" posts that I didn't want to delete, but didn't feel needed to be public on my blog for whatever reason.

Keeping it current, will keep them coming. Or maybe not. Keeping your blog fairly current helps. When you are new out, don't expect because you keep your blog current that folks should be visiting it or commenting on what you have to say. You may not have readers yet, but don't stop blogging. However, when a blog isn't updated regularly it's a natural progression to stop visiting it. Trust me, I have a few dormant blogs that need major updating, so I know! I don't even visit my own old stale blogs! Ha! But seriously, try and update regularly. So as to not overwhelm you, regularly doesn't mean once a day. Once a week is just fine, and if time is an issue, once a month. Just try and keep it current.

You've found some blogs you like. What do you do next? Comment, Comment, Comment! Don't ask for comments back, but simply comment on what you like and what you're curious about. That's how the ball gets rolling. It lets one know you've been by to check out their blog/album and liked what you saw. Anyone who's interested in you and your journey will naturally visit your blog/album and comment back. Don't be offended if no one comments or if you comment on someone's blog/fotki and he or she don't return the favor. We never know why folks do or don't do the things they do and there's no use in being over sensitive about it or quivering over it. Try not to take offense or over analyze the situation. Just keep visiting blogs you like and comment on what interests you.

To link or not to link? That is the question. Don't worry about asking to "link" someone else's blog to yours. It's a courtesy to ask, but not really necessary. Most bloggers are honored you've linked to their blogs and that keeps them motivated to blog more often. Don't be offended if you link to someone's blog but they don't link yours back. You linked to theirs because you chose to. Give them that same courtesy to make their own decision to link you and if they don't link you, don't trip. Some folks may be too lazy (like me), too busy(like me) or simply choose not to for their own reasons (like Jen-she told me to add that :-)). Some may not want tons of links on their blogs. Some may not know how to link. Some don't want the pressure or bother. Don't lose sleep over it.

Why link? Linking other's blog to yours helps in search engines as well as gives one a quick reference to their blogs of choice. Blog rolling is helpful also because you can put all your favorite blogs in your blogline and update your settings to show only updated posts in the blogs. That's nice and cuts down on wasted time revisiting someone else's blog only to find out they haven't updated it. Bummer. Us avid bloggers/blog readers can be so demanding. :-)

Everything is "self-selecting" and hopefully not guilt filled when it comes to sharing in the online blog community. Folks will comment if they want to and if they choose not to, that's their prerogative. Some online relationships come fast, and others it takes a while. In some cases, no relationship will come no matter how much you want it, and that's ok, too. It's like seeing that person you'd wish would just acknowledge your presence, and ask you to join in their circle, but they never even notice you. It's like that some times. Nothing to lose sleep over. It's called "Life".

The Whole World Can See You. Remember that your blog can be viewed by the entire world so use discretion in what you say and share. Especially personal info, job related stuff, and anything else that can be used against you in a court of law! If you want to be semi-anonymous, use an online name. Some folks only show pictures of their hair, and block their faces out, which is just fine. Employers/Job Recruiters can google you so make sure you are aware of what you say. Unfortunately there are some real mean folks out there and blogging is a very open and vulnerable venue in which a lot of "you" is shared with the masses. Just be aware and careful.

Watch out for Crazies, including yourself. Unfortunately there will be some bloggers new to the scene who visit other's blogs just to start confusion. I've seen it before and thankfully have experienced it rarely in my blogs. They probably didn't read this blog post or researched on line about how to conduct yourself as a blogger who has blog nettiquite. If you stumble upon a blog that you don't like, do yourself a favor and #1 DO NOT comment on what you don't like, and #2 NEVER visit that blog again. For the most part, the bloggers won't know how you feel, and it's best to just keep it to yourself. Don't go visiting someone's blog to "check" them. Leave them alone. There have been some ugly "cyber cat fights" on line and it's just a shame and a hot mess. If you are a rabble rouser in public, then I'm sure you're gonna start mess on line. Some folks just like drama and have no problem seeking on line. Go back and look at your blog, and if it has more of a negative, complaining, antagonistic spirit about it, you must know that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth (blog) speaks". So watch out for Crazies, including yourself.

Maryee's last piece of advice. If you really want to document your journey on line for others to see, do it! If it's with conditions that you must have "relationships"/Comments to keep you motivated in doing it, then you must check your motives. If you want comments, simply invite those who visit your blog to do so...no pressure. One of the craziest things I've done is visit someone's blog and actually comment in my head but find I'm too tired/lazy to sign on to comment. I'm super busy and zip in and zip out without commenting sometimes. I then re-visit their blogs later and could have "sworn" I commented, but I didn't cause I did it in my head and not in their blog. That always weirds me out!

Why blog? Blog because it's therapeutic for you and you want to chart your growth in all areas of your life. Blog because you are a budding writer and want to hone your craft. Blog because you are tapping into your creative juices and getting real good at technology along the way. Blog because you really want to chart your hair journey. Blog because you want to meet some "like-minded" people on line world wide and need the support and inspiration. Blog to make new friends. Blog to let friends and family see your hair growth and pictures. What ever the case, blog because you want to have fun! But remember, blogging takes work and a bit of commitment. The nicest blogs didn't get that way overnight. Those bloggers "added" a new room to their house, called a "blog". And they've been working on it to make it just right to suit their tastes and all who visit their humble abode. Oh yeah, there's also a Myspace community of Sisterlockers and on FaceBook. Let the revolution begin!!!!!!! Happy Blogging!!!

For more tips on blogging for beginners, check out this link.

ValandNadine- Natural Hair Comic Strip

When you check out the blog, you'll understand why I'm sharing.
Check out ValandNadine.

TWA transition-Can you hold out?

Posted in lockitup:


I am trying to be patient, but I hate the way this TWA looks and I have begun to feel so incredibly self-conscious. I know this may all sound silly and to some of you rather trivial, but it is a big deal to me and I could really use some inspiration.

M.

M,

I remember when I was going through my transition, I kept patting my
twa down, kind of compacting it because I was not going to cut it
any more. It was indeed a weird feeling but I was not turning
back. Like someone else said, wearing braids temporarily will help
manager the transition.

Here's some suggested links for you to check out. Hang in there
lady!!!

http://www.treasuredlocks.com/natural-hair-transition.html
Motown Girl's Transitioning Tips
http://www.napturalglory.com/thejourney4.html


Maryee
Sisterlocked 20 months
Have you visited Maryee's Place lately?
http://www.maryee.com

Email message to those invited to join the LHBE

Since I've had email problems and lost my "intro" email to those joining the exchange, I decided to post it in my blog. I also think it's good to have it here for those who wonder how I run the exchange and what the members are aware of when joining. Like a homework assignment, due tomorrow, some don't read this and then there's when trouble and drama begin. Did I mention that I don't get paid to maintain and moderate the exchange?

Greetings______________,

You are receiving this email because an invitation to join the Locked Hair Blog Exchange was sent to you via blogger.com. Please make sure you have read over the guidelines carefully and fully understand how the Exchange works. If you do not agree with the guidelines, then please do not accept the invitation. If you agree with the guidelines, then please accept the invitation and make your debut post to the exchange. Please add only one or two small pictures and keep the debut post "timeless", by not making it "time sensitive". So, instead of saying, "I've been locked 2 weeks," Say, "My lock anniversary is 2-2-08." Reason being, is this will be your only post, as the LHBE is not an "interactive" blog where members make multiple posts. It's simply a place bloggers can find out about other locked hair bloggers and then visit their individual blogs/photo albums.

****If you have not gotten locked yet and are blogging now, my suggestion would be to accept the invitation and then make your debut post after you get locked and have some pictures to share.***

Since I'm in my 1st year of teaching, and I blog myself, allowing free reign for members to post whenever in the exchange would put added stress and pressure on me to monitor what's being said. I choose not that route. I believe what's made it so successful is that it's clean, orderly and easy to access and use. So I hope you understand. As a suggestion, make your debut post upbeat, informative, with a good clear picture of you locks and a sweet invitation to visit your blog.

A few things to remember:

• When you make your debut post, add your blog link, share a quick blurb about your journey and add a clear well lit picture showcasing your hair. I'll help you clean up anything that looks a bit off as I'm the only one who has access to edit your post. Taking a look at how most everyone posts their blurbs is a good place for ideas.
• Add your blog handle, lock anniversary, type of locks you have, and state in the "labels" section. Don't add "newbie" as a label or make reference to being a "newbie" in your post, for before you know it, you won't be a "newbie" anymore.
• If you choose to update your blog post, do it in the original post, and do not create a new post. Simply go into the dashboard, find your post under "edit posts" and make any changes of text/pictures there. If you need help, just ask. I draft and delete multiple posts.
  
• Try and keep your personal blog current. I will not micro-manage your blog, but just make sure you blog at least once a month because being a part of the exchange is giving you exposure and other bloggers will look forward to reading your updates. The blog readers/lurkers get a bit testy when new folks join the exchange and post a couple of times and then drop off the blog community scene. It's a bit irritating to me as well, since I take time to bring folks in who then find out all too quickly that blogging takes a bit of time and commitment and then flake out on me and the blogging community. If you have no discipline to blog, please do not accept the invitation. Trust me, it takes a bit of work.
  
• Make sure you read my blog post on being new to the blogging community. It will answer a lot of questions and reduce blog anxiety, as well as offer encouragement. It was created with new bloggers in mind, straight from my heart. Old heads benefit from it as well, including myself.
  
• If you accidentally post in the exchange, rather than in your personal blog, I will draft your post and send you an email so you can move it to your blog and delete it from the Exchange's draft section. For some reason, it happens all the time. Shortly, thereafter, I'll delete that drafted post in the Exchange.
• Be conscience of the fact that your blog will be highly visible. Use discretion when blogging about other bloggers and especially about your experiences with your consultant. Remember, it's very easy to google yourself, and I bet consultants will want to know what's being said about them in the on-line community. Drafting posts that shouldn't be shared with the entire world is a GREAT option sometimes. That way, you can still document your journey, but not cause confusion on line. Hope this makes sense.
• Lastly, please add, in case you haven't already, the LHBE to the links section of your blog. That's your way of saying "thank you" to me for starting the Exchange as well as giving your blog exposure on google searches. Just go into dashboard, layout, add page element, links to add the html.

Well, that's all I can think of for now. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few other things, but since my email account was canceled in January, I don't have my original email for new members. With that being said, when I find a copy or remember a few other tidbits, I'll send you another email. For now, I wish you the best in your journey and and welcome you to the Locked Hair Blog Exchange!!! Keep it natural, locked up and blogging about it!

Blessings,

Maryee