by
Lisa Jean Francois
Raise your right hand if you can recall your childhood days of sitting between your Nana’s, Mommy’s, or Auntie’s legs while she greased your scalp, braided your hair, and laid your edges down good and proper. Okay, put that hand down.
Now raise your left hand if this picture of Mama O doing just that gives you all the life you will ever need. Ever. Yes, indeed, Oprah, or as I like to call her, “The Queen Mother” sat down on the porch and let some cherished soul take a hold of her glorious natural mane, and pull it into a simple french braid that has many a black girl reminiscing the days of yore. We’re here for it and you should be, too.
It may have been a painful experience as a kid, but as adults I’m sure we can all appreciate the love that went into making sure our locks were properly maintained.
Share your childhood hair braiding memories in the comments below!
8 Responses
I’m fairly sure this is just a picture Oprah posted on her instagram. The only details available are from what Oprah provided.
I agree. Plus there’s scant detail to read about too. Missed opportunity?
I echo that Oprah isn’t natural. Her hairstylist confirmed in a statement that she is lightly texturised. She has great hair so I don’t say that to attack her in anyway. However, it doesn’t take a lot to check your facts before publishing an article. Sloppy journalism…
Raising right hand now left. I often drive by this building near me where a lot of youth hang out and I sometimes see the females with the young males sat on the steps doing their hair. Love that image it makes me gush.
Oprah isn’t a natural… ?
Still nice hair though! ?
I choke back tears of gratitude at memories of my now deceased great- grandmother braiding my hair. I am especially awed by the fact that she performed this beautiful ritual while laboring against the pain and stiffness of arthritis in her hands. I love you Mama!
Where’s the story?? Any details of the situation behind the pic’s? Who’s that doing her hair, what was the occasion/where/ …. anything?? Please give us more than speculation. Thanks!
I agree kalexa, a story without details, is it really a story! My story, my great grandma took care of us while mom and dad worked, when it was hair day for my sisters and I it was get your hair washed then here she comes with the warm olive oil. She swore by this olive oil and it did keep our hair soft, moist and shinny until the next hair day. Miss her and the days I spent with my sisters!