LaToya Harris is a natural hair blogger and journalist from NJ, but she currently lives in MS. She is also the creator of 1BlessedNatural Mag, a blog magazine that recognizes natural hair and empowers Black women. Ms. Harris has been natural for 6 years.
Latest posts by LaToya Harris (see all)
- Black Women’s Reactions to 90’s Hair Products Echoes That of Many Naturals - April 19, 2018
- Zendaya Lets Us Know the Difference BetweenWeaves, Wigs, and Extensions - April 14, 2018
- Woman Shaves Head Bald After Weave Damaged Her Scalp - April 5, 2018
Vanessa VanDyke and her mother, Sabrina Kent, at The Real. Image from TheReal: youtube.com/TheRealDaytime
Back in 2013, 12-year-old Vanessa VanDyke was threatened by her school to be suspended for wearing her natural hair. Even though the Florida student and her mother, Sabrina Kent received support from people around the world, Vanessa’s self-esteem began to decline. In addition to her school’s threats, the young girl was being bullied by her peers about her natural hair. Today, Vanessa VanDyke and her mom are singing a whole new tune!
Imagine if you were Vanessa’s mom. How would you respond? What what you do? You would probably be angry and upset, and you would probably try and get to the bottom of things. Well, Kent (who is also natural) was inspired to start her own natural hair care line called Vanessa’ s Essence Natural Hair Care. “I made this company for her and her benefit and also for the benefit of all the girls in the world with natural hair, “Sabrina told the hosts of “The Real“. Ms. Vandyke’s iconic picture of her with a yellow flower in her hair was the inspiration for the Vanessa’s Essence logo.
In addition to natural hair care, Vanessa and her mother use their hair care website to speak out against bullying. The Vanessa’s Essence website says, “The effects that bullying can have on someone’s self-esteem and their confidence is incredible, and we want to help others know that people are listening.” On the same page, the website lists the names and ages of children who lost their lives as a result of bullying.
Vanessa Vandyke is now 15 years old and still rocking her natural hair! She is a model, violinist, artist, and entrepreneur. Her Instagram account also says that she is an actress. Kudos to her and her mother, Sabrina! Together, they’ve helped to inspire girls and women around the world to keep rocking their natural hair, and that is awesome!
 “Changing attitudes about natural hair” is what we do at Natural Haircare News. Through informative articles, podcasts and videos, we go beyond just sharing the latest advice and tips on kinky, curly, wavy haircare – We shake things up and focus on the realities of wearing our hair natural. |
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Is Natural Hair Still a Pejorative?
Eight Year Old Girl Suffers Severe Scalp Damage From Bullies For Weaving Her Natural Hair- VIDEO
Female TV News Anchors Forced to Wear Wigs to Cover their Natural Hair
A Toronto District School Board Principal Suspends Student for Wearing Curls
Natural Hair and Bullying- What’s the Connection?
Girl Forced to Dye Her Natural Hair
My Reaction to the POPSUGAR “Natural Hair” Article
Why It’s Wrong to Call Your Hair Nappy
How to Care for an African American Child’s Natural Hair
Mother Teaches Her Daughter To Be Wary of “Artificial” Beauty -Video
3 Responses to Update on Vanessa VanDyke: Student Who was Threatened with Suspension from School for Natural Hair
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Vanessa, you are a beautiful representation of us natural women..I admire your mother for allowing you to .31st your natural beauty flourish and not allowing anyone to push you into u healthy options.