From the artist: Black hair is tradition and innovation; delicate and resilient; political and personal. Every person with afro-textured hair goes on a journey of frustration, exploration, and finally admiration. I spent a long time resenting my hair and how much space it took up. In attempts to not draw attention to myself, I worked hard to quiet it, tame it, restrain it. I finally am learning to enjoy the exploration process and even celebrate my hair. I continue to be inspired by bold and unapologetic Black hair. I challenge myself and others to remember that Black hair is rich and complex; it is both tradition and innovation; both delicate and resilient, both political and personal.

Beselot Birhanu is a second-year medical student from the Bronx, New York. Outside of medicine, she is passionate about music, travel, and photography.