Black Hair Matters

South Africa is a country filled with wonderful diversity, a testimony to our creators genius and creativity. However, sin corrupts and often this diversity gets looked upon with fear, confusion and even disdain. After apartheid we as South Africans have been learning many lessons and many lessons are learnt via the voices of our youth. As a youth pastor I am amazed at how often God uses young people to point out my own blind spots in life.

People in my home city (Pretoria) will be well aware of the issues that have popped up regarding the felt discrimination of some black scholars. A number of scholars have voiced their frustration about school conduct relating to hairstyle and use of vernacular. It has picked up a great amount of momentum and even the MEC for Education in Gauteng traveled to the school to speak with the children.

Of course there are many lessons to learn here, much to ask forgiveness for, much to explain and much to pray for but lets remember Jesus’ words about being peacemakers.

Whenever such a issue comes up social media seems to explode with expressions on how white people hate black people, how this or that school is racist, etc. But remember, every school has a code of conduct, and many codes have been moving forward unchanged since apartheid. Parents, school leadership and department of education should operate on the right platforms in order to correct these codes where they have been continuing in ignorance and error. There should also be regular checks to see that these correct codes of conduct are fairly enforced. I’m not saying that there aren’t people who harbor hatred in their hearts, I’m just saying we are sometimes quick to exaggerate.  What happened at this Pretoria school is a great opportunity to listen to the cry of our youth and to move forward with solutions and peaceful reconciliation.

NB. NEXT…What does God’s Word say about black hair? It is sad when black girls think they need to have straight hair in order to be beautiful. Or when they are shamed because of their naturally “coily” hair. If that is you then listen to these scriptures…

Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Luke 12:7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Does this sound like God the creator randomly threw you together? Don’t worry that your hair does not grow long and straight, it’s still perfect. Wonderfully made and wonderfully numbered by God the most high.

I stand with you; (GIRLS OF THE MOST HIGH) See what I did there 🙂