This blog post started out as mostly for future Racers with tightly coiled coarse hair like mine, but it’s also for me as I look back on the last year. When I started writing this blog post months ago, I imagined just a list of hair products I recommend. Instead, as I started writing, I began reflecting on the fact that my perspective probably isn’t as isolating as I imagined and that my experience as a Black girl on the World Race is more than just about hair.
So, I put out an Instagram story asking for any African American World Race alumni to message me. I also did some research on the World Race site for alumni and future Racers who “look” like me.
Imagine my surprise when I came across some inspiring blog posts I could relate to that I hadn’t seen before:
https://oriolynelubin.theworldrace.org/post/i-am-black-bold-beautiful
https://rashidatodeyemi.theworldrace.org/post/when-you-are-the-only-black-person-part-1
https://rashidatodeyemi.theworldrace.org/post/when-you-are-the-only-black-person-part-2
https://haleylowe.theworldrace.org/post/thoughts-on-being-black
https://haleylowe.theworldrace.org/post/thoughts-on-being-blackpart-2
I’m sure there are more stories like these out there, but like mine, have never been expressed.
It’s hard to express how it feels when you’re in a group and only you get asked if you’re really apart of the group because they are not used to seeing Black Americans in their city.
It’s hard to express how it feels to stand in Africa and think about my ancestors coming to America against their will.
It’s hard to express what’s going on inside my head and heart to people who I love but rightfully wouldn’t understand.
In general, this post is just me putting out some of my unexpressed thoughts and getting excited to go home to New York, which I love for its diversity among many other things.
Now, here’s my list of things I learned caring for my natural ‘fro on the World Race:
1. Whatever is your routine before the Race, you will be able to continue…. unless your routine is to go to a hair salon weekly/biweekly. I stopped that routine months before my Race so I could get into my own routine and figure out what works and doesn’t work for my hair specifically.
2. Depending on your route, you probably won’t be able to find your usual hair products abroad. I recommend buying full sizes of shampoo/conditioner (consider a co-wash), and other products. I bought full sizes right before Launch, and it lasted my first 4 months; 3 months in Southeast Asia, and 1 month in the middle of nowhere Lesotho.
My month 5 was in Swaziland, and there were more hair products for my type of hair in just 1 store, than in any 1 store in my hometown in New York! I gladly stocked up, and I’m basically almost done with them now in Month 11. So, my advice is to look at your route, do your research, and plan accordingly.
3. The main thing I had to get used to on the Race was my Caucasian squad mates being surprised that my hair is that much different than theirs. It took me months to even be comfortable to do my hair when certain squadmates were around.
Shout out to my squad leader, Marissa, who convinced me that I’m actually withholding a part of God’s beautiful kingdom when I choose to withhold certain parts of myself from my community. Thank you Marissa for our long talks on race, ethnicity, and the beauty of diversity in God’s kingdom. Thank you for taking on the feat of braiding my thick hair multiple times and for calling my hair beautiful. You will never know how much healing came from our long talk in Malaysia. I am forever thankful to God that He put us together through the World Race.
4. Be prepared for bucket showers. Training camp is the place to practice washing your hair with a bucket of water. If you can do it there, you’ll be ready for anything! Thankfully, on my Race I only had to take bucket showers for 1 month (in Lesotho).
5. Lastly, be free to be you. Don’t be afraid of questions. Also, don’t be afraid to have frank conversations when you encounter subtle racism among your new community. Most times, people are unaware of how what they are saying or doing is being perceived by others.
If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading! Please leave a comment/question below or you can message me on Instagram (@sharonruns).
In courageous faith and for His glory alone,
Sharon
P.S.
Thank you so much to those of you who donated after reading my last blog post about our plans to bless Venezuelan refugees! I’m so thankful for your love, prayers, and support. God is doing some big things here in Ecuador!
I will definitely write a blog post about our big August 17th event.
