The HairStory Story
In 2021, Maria James-Thiaw saw disturbing statistics like this and knew it was time for another American Griot Project. This time, the oral histories she would collect were those of people with 4C hair - People of African descent. The story she continued to hear was one of microaggressions, discrimination, and sadness. At the same time, there was pride, self-love, culture, and tradition. This was a story that needed ot be told.
So she conducted research and transformed the stories she heard into poems for the stage.
HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown follows the character Aleyah as she is told to cover a topic for the news organization she works for. The topic, "Black Hair," seems frivolous to her at first, until the Ancestors start talking and the stories of folks with African-textured hair begin to come to life.
​
"Will Aleyah let her ancestors guide her out of trauma, & into truth?"
TESTIMONIALS
"This production is a powerful piece of visual and performance art that tells a story that is filled with passion, emotion, and the convergence of past, present, and hope for the future."
Andrea Stephenson, Broadway World
When I saw the show HairStory, Reclaiming our Crown, earlier this year, written by the incredibly talented Maria James-Thiaw, I told the audience about the impact of hair discrimination on my sisters. I’m so proud to support my colleague Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes and Speaker Rep. Joanna McClinton as we vote today in the PA House to Pass the Crown Act."
Justin Flemming, PA House of Representatives
C.R.O.W.N. Act Day, 2024, the cast of HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown, with African dancer Lark Daniel, playwright Maria James-Thiaw, and representatives La'Tasha D. Mayes and Morgan B. Cephus. This event was held in the IMAX theatre of the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and sponsored by The Harrisburg PA Chapter of The Links Incorporated.
_edited.jpg)
_edited_edited.jpg)
