I’m a high school student trying to write an essay/article about the history of African hairstyles (locs, braids, cornrows, etc). I want to include a section about the history and significance of these hairstyles, and then transition into explaining how slavery, Jim Crow, and other eras in western society and internalized racism have influenced the stigma around embracing one’s heritage by wearing such styles. Does anyone know some sources I can use for research for both sides of this topic?
P.S. I heard a story about why locs are called dreadlocks: Europeans were at war with Kenyan soldiers, and associated their hair with dread because of the battles. Does anyone know how true this is?
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