Our History

Whether you curl it or straighten it, dye it or braid it, hair is a very personal and important part of our identity.  For some, it is their crowning glory and others, a constant battle.  But for many Black Canadians, hair carries a very strong connection to their culture and history, and tells an important story all on its own.

Simone came up with the idea of Parting The Roots after experiencing many negatives responses to her hair. She was motivated to final kick start this organization after one specific experience that left her feeling like there was a real gap in understanding. She realized that non-Black people didn’t understand the evolution of Black hair through history, and how various historical events and periods have shaped Black culture today.

“I was in a training session where the facilitator was talking about ‘covering’ and the things that people do to hide who they really are, and she used the example of a Black woman straightening her hair to hid her appearance” said Simone. “That really stuck with me because there is so much more to that story, about why Black women started straightening their hair in the first place and the significance of Black hair in history.”

From that experience Parting The Roots started with a daily post of Black hair history moments in February, 2017 and grew into an art exhibit that included panel discussions and interviews within the media. We’ve now expanded into offering speaking and consulting services and recently launched a monthly book club that focuses on Black Canadian stories and Black Canadian authors.

“What I hope to achieve with ‘Parting The Roots’ is tolerance and an understanding of our story,” says Simone. “What I want from individuals, both Black and non-Black, is for them to gain an understanding of the journey that our ancestors have gone through. I want this to be an opportunity to continue the conversation about Black hair and to understand the importance and significance behind it.”