Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair

Boston Weatherford (Bros) pens a lyrical ode dedicated to the CROWN Act movement in this visually stunning celebration of African hair and heritage. The work begins, per back matter, with a reference to Black women holding the titles of five beauty pageants in 2019: “the sun was proudly beaming down/ on Africa’s daughters, all wearing crowns./ Five queens from around the world/ rocking afros and flowing curls.” A page turn later, lines convey the idea that “we don’t need pageants to declare our reigns./ Majesty is woven into our manes,” and rhyming text underscores Black hair as a display of autonomy and strength: “Our hair is frizzy, strong and free,/ with roots as deep as an Ebony tree.// Cornrows forming complex patterns:/ zigzags, curves, or rings like Saturn’s.” With depth and vibrancy, mixed-media collage and acrylic artwork from Holmes (Dream Street) leans into portraiture, highlighting hairstyles and textures that emphasize the beauty and diversity of Black hair and culture. A final spread underscores a theme of connection across time: “A ritual of hand and heart,/ each stunning head a work of art./ Each royal coil coaxed by kin./ Each strand a story without end.” Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. A glossary of highlighted hairstyles concludes. Ages 7–10. (Sept.)