Journey | How I Became a Loc Ambassador
by Gail Mitchell
Locs.
Some people love them.
Some people don’t.
Some are on the fence.
Whatever category you fall into, people will have their opinions no matter what you do. As a loc wearer of more than 3 years, I decided to become a loc ambassador.
As an ambassador, I am prepared for my many “U.N.” meetings with the rest of the world. I deceided to be an example of what “good” locs should be: beautiful and an expression of myself. I am a firm believer of the words of Marcus Garvey: “Take the kinks out of your mind instead of your hair.”
First, I take good care of my locs. I shampoo with the most lavish of shampoos I can afford. I condition with the most exotic of hot oil treatments. I moisturize and twist with the shiniest of gels so that my locs always look good. I nurture them from within by taking care of myself. With these, I stand up straight and tall upon entering a room and know that I’ve put my best face forward.
Second, I prepare myself for the myriad of misconceptions of loc’dom and embrace the challenge of changing them. Being peceived as being too laid back to be taken seriously. Being seen as a rebel. Perhaps being seen (even for a moment) as someone not as worthy as one with straight hair. Being perceived with all these misconceptions is challenging, but I force myself to be more outgoing, more proactive and more assertive of the image I project. It’s my belief that all misconceptions change once they see what’s on the inside.
Third, I support others who wear locs whenever I see them. For those that are starting out on their loc journeys, I commend them and compliment them. (We all had some bad hair days in the beginning!) For those with mature locs, I ask about their loc stories: why and how they got started and how long it’s been. I ask about their products. I ask for advice. We are a unique brother- and sisterhood: we know that deep down inside, this is who we are.
Wearing locs is sometimes not easy. We’ve seen actresses wear wigs (S. Epatha Merkerson of Law & Order). We’ve seen some of us looked over for jobs. We’ve felt the stares of some who for all you do won’t ever understand your locs. Yet we still rise.
I’m glad to be a loc ambassador. Everyday the world is my forum, and I’m a diplomat. The loctician’s chair is our counselate. Let’s reach out to one another. Together, we can push for more images of us in our media. It’s already begun: A quiet revolution. Marcus Garvey would be proud.