Woman of Vision

Dr. Nelson, Thank you for taking the time to speak with Naptural Roots today. We were very excited to hear about your Africana Education Program at Eastern Washington University and are eager to share your story with our readers.

What prompted you to go natural and stay natural?

As a child and youth my mother did not allow me to straighten my hair. I was envious of my older sisters who spent Sunday evenings pulling the sizzling hot comb through each others’ hair. My hair stayed in a ponytail until I graduated from high school and was allowed to wear and Afro. (My father disliked Afros.)Later I made my first trip to a beauty parlor for a relaxer. For the first time my father complimented my hair. The touch-up was left on to long leaving me with oozing sores on my head. My hair was cut for the first time. Partying on dance floors during the disco era began 10 years of short hair as my the smoke and sweat needed to be washed out of my hair each night. I would periodically grow it out but always ended up cutting it again. I love short hair on women of African Descent. A colleague shaves her head and I think she looks so regal.

How was this decision received by family, peers, others?

My mother has never even trimmed her hair and always wears it natural. She taught us pride in our hair. I have five sisters and several nieces with all different hair textures; some straighten theirs and some don’t. My mother would probably prefer I wear mine longer, however my natural hair has always been accepted. We are allowed our personal choice.

What/who was your support system, during your transition? now?

My friends and co-workers complement me on my hair saying they prefer it short and natural. I was surprised that men like my hair short and encourage me to keep it so. One day I wore a wig to work and was told to “get that thing off your head.” I also had to put it away because they didn’t want to see it on my desk!

Did you find natural hair care products readily available, if not what did you do?

I have moved a lot around the country. In places with African American populations finding products was been easy. At Eastern Washington University our program puts together a resource book every year so students know where to buy products. I also spoke to the Cheney Kiwanis expressing the lack of hair products in Cheney. A drugstore owner said to give him a list and he would keep them in stock. I just use a comb and oil so it’s not difficult for me now.

Did the decision to go natural impact other aspects of your life? How?

Since I was raised to “leave my hair alone” there really hasn’t been much impact except learning to accept my hair myself. My life is much easier since I no longer need two hours to wash, straighten, and curl my hair, or a half hour in the mornings to style it. (It was in a ponytail most of the time.) I also no longer have to worry about being caught in the rain!

Tell us about the program: inception? history? successes?

The Africana Education Program began in 1971 as the Black Education Program by students members of the Black Student Union. The students felt their needs were not being met on the predominately white campus. This was also during the time such programs and centers were being developed on many campuses that opened their doors to African American students.

The primary mission of the Africana Education Program is to develop and teach classes in Africana Studies, administer recruiting, support and retention services, conduct research into the African/American experience and maintain relationships within a multitude of communities throughout the inland northwest. All courses, services and events provided by the program are open to all students at EWU.

Africana Studies courses are designed to provide understanding and appreciation of the universal African/American experience both as it has unfolded over time and as it is currently manifested. The Program uses the Afrocentric world view as the philosophical basis for the presentation of its courses. Africana Education Program cross-lists with some courses offered through other EWU colleges.

Support Services for Africana Education Program: The Africana Education Program provides academic and non-academic support services for students. These include academic advising, peer mentoring, and assistance with locating tutoring services, scholarships and scholarship information. The Africana Education Program assists students, faculty and staff in understanding African/American culture and issues. The Program sponsors speakers and events and recognizes national African American holidays. It also serves as a link with the Spokane/Cheney African/American community.

How many students have gone through the program so far?

The program is not set up for students to register to participate. Many students from several ethnic backgrounds use our facilities and take courses. Our courses have very high enrollments.

What are your professional goals for the program?

My goal for the program is to become a department with a major in Africana Studies. I also want to increase the enrollment of students of African descent at the University, increase support services, and develop an alumni association.

How has the program been received by students? colleagues?

The program has established itself as a viable part of the University. There have been many steps, challenges, and successes along the way. The program is here to stay, hopefully as a department.

What do you want students to walk away with after going through this program?

Students find a home-away-from-home to support them through their time at the University. We continue to provide support as they transition into jobs and/or graduate school. My favorite is when they return to show us their babies which shows we are indeed thought of as family.

What impact do you think this program has on men & women of color?

I have watched students excel in their studies and grow into remarkable men and women. Many have gone on the graduate school and still others earned their Ph.D. One student called our office the Mother Land. I think that says it all.

What impact has it had on the community at large?

We are very active in the community. The clubs and organizations led by students of color provide a great deal of volunteer service. We provide resources and connections for the community and participate in community events. Each spring our students put on the Keeping the Dream Block Party in Cheney which includes free food, entertainment, and games for all ages. The students raise the funds and do all the work so I just sit back and enjoy myself.

Any last words?

I have the best job in the world.