International Black Hairitage Launches Inaugural Month (IBHM) of Global Events to Celebrate the Legacy of Black Hair and the Natural Lifestyle

Activities from around the world will be streamed live for online viewing via the hub at www.internationalblackhairitagemonth.com. The objectives of this global movement include using the tools of the cyber-generation to connect the world through the cultural language of Black hair, celebrating the natural, holistic lifestyle and increasing economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and job creation through organizing on a global basis.

Los Angeles based filmmaker Regina Kimbell said the idea for IBHM stemmed from conversations she had with audiences that viewed her award-winning documentary My Nappy Roots: A Journey Through Black Hair-itage (2007). An important distinction according to Kimbell is that, “Unlike a lot of the hair events around right now, International Black Hairitage Month is not just about Black hair in its various forms; it’s a celebration of the natural, holistic lifestyle.” IBHM provides a valuable, global forum for dialogue and the exploration of various things that affect the choices that people of African descent make about their hair across the Diaspora.

The U.S. Census Bureau recently noted the jump in barbershops and hair salons in an otherwise glum report about mom-and-pop businesses. The data revealed that the number of hairdressers, barbers and the shops they work in grew by about 8 percent from 2008 to 2009, one of the few industries to register growth in today’s tough economic climate. The growth of interest in “natural hair” is also a promising entrepreneurial opportunity for Blacks to once again have ownership in the Ethnic Hair Care market. The internet is creating organic opportunities for natural hair discussion groups worldwide. And both men and women are leaving their corporate jobs and creating home-based businesses to service the natural hair marketplace.

News of IBHM is already spreading globally and host event cities include: Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Almere, Amsterdam, Geneva, Hamburg, Lisbon, (UK cities) Leeds, London, Brighton, Manchester and Paris. Organizers in these markets are sharing their hair experiences, creating workshops, supporting other women as they transition “the big chop”, discussing natural options at live and recorded events for IBH, also participating in online discussions via blogs and social media, and engaging in sometimes contentious and controversial topics like “Why do so many Black women wear hair weaves?” IBHM shows that when it comes to hair, people of African descent are as sassy, adventurous, and innovative as ever.  

International Black Hairitage is more than a month long celebration. Additional activities are being planned throughout the year from the grassroots to the global level to allow for continued discussion and engagement. Individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, organizations, and media entities are encouraged to visit the official website at www.internationalblackhairitagemonth.com where they can learn how to join the new Movement. There site visitors can access a worldwide business directory, learn the “10 Things They Can Do to Support IBHM”, see photos from previous events, participate in the live stream, and gain additional information about the global event partners.

International Black Hairitage Month (IBHM) is a positive experience that will leave people of Black heritage throughout the Diaspora even more proud of their culture and those of other cultures more enlightened about Black hair and the natural lifestyle.  It shows the global community that there is much more to Black hair than simply -- hair. In actuality it is a common cultural language, a political point of engagement, and increasingly a powerful economic movement.

*Source: Mintel 2007

Notes to Editors:
To arrange interviews, obtain media credentials, or contact event organizers or partners:

For all US Media inquiries contact Norm Bond at NORMBOND & Associates.
e: norm@normbond.com  (215) 796-0206 

For all UK Media enquiries contact Denise Brooks at Onecircle Communications.
e: denise@onecirclecomms.comm    m: 07985 213636

IBHM website:
www.internationalblackhairitagemonth.com

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International Black Hairitage Month (IBHM) EVENTS PARTIAL LIST (contact us for updates and full list)
(Sponsored by Tangle Teezer www.tangleteezer.com)

Sat 8 Oct, 12-6pm, Cape Bar, London
Naturally Fabulous event, the second natural hair meet-up for The Natural Lounge. 
Organised by natural hair blogger Angel Smith www.thenaturallounge.com

http://naturallyfab.eventbrite.com/

Tues 11 Oct, 7.30pm, Seven Arts Centre, Leeds
Film screening of My Nappy Roots.  DJ Fluid founder of Leeds Black Film club will be showing MNR at the Seven Arts Centre, Harrogate Road, Leeds, 7:30 followed by Q&A.
Contact: DJ Fluid  m: 07939 011546  e: fluidirie@hotmail.com

Tues 11 Oct, 5-8PM , TIDE TV, Hamburg, Germany
“Do You”   FINKENAU 35
Filming for TV show celebrating International Black Hairitage Month.
Contact & Host; Love Newkirk  m: 494066996121  e: lovenewkirk@gmx.net

Sun 16 Oct, 1-5pm, Nicky Oliver Salon, Manchester
MNR Film Screening at award winning Nicky Oliver Salon based in the bohemian Northern Quarter. The screening will be followed by Q&A with Regina Kimbell and Nicky Oliver. There will be a hair and make-up demo plus entertainment. Organised by Karen Gabay  e: troubadourfoundation@gmail.com and
Denise Brooks.

http://blackhairitagemanchester.eventbrite.com

Friday Oct 21, 7-10.30pm, Sallis Benny Theatre, Brighton
Legacy Film Festival – Film screening of My Nappy Roots followed by Q&A with Regina Kimbell
and a one-off performance by spoken word artists from the Positive Hair Day.
For tickets visit:  www.legacyfilmfestival.org.uk

Saturday Oct 22, 12-5pm Cottons Rhum, Shack Restaurant, London
Respect the Fro - Film Screening of My Nappy Roots followed by paneled discussion with
Regina Kimbell, Natasha Dennis – Trichologist, Pelumi Rae – founder of Care for your Hair, United Kinkdom Blogger, Crystal Afro
Tickets available from Michelle 07533 966335 and online at: http://conta.cc/pjIAqQ

Sun 30 Oct, 2.30-7.45pm, Tricycle Theatre, London

Series of short-films on black hair and identity followed by paneled discussion with Margot Rodway-Brown  -owner of Adornment365 Natural hair salon, Regina Kimbell filmmaker, UK celebrity and comedian, Angie Le Mar, Event includes a Natural Hair workshops and hair & make-up stalls.
The event is sponsored & brought to the theatre by – International Black Hairitage and Images of Black Women: www.imagesofblackwomen.com  plus MEE and The Village Production Int’l: www.meevillage.com
Organised by Paulette Harris-German and Sylviane Rano co-founder of Images of Black Women film festival.  Contact: Sylviane e: images.blackwomen@btinternet.com

REGINA KIMBELL (Producer/Director/Cinematographer)
Regina is a visionary independent filmmaker. Her extensive production experience was developed through her creativity and interest in producing quality, high-impact programs that uplift, inform, excite and motivate audiences to take action. Email: reginakimbell@aol.com

AWARD WINNING FILM - My Nappy ROOTS – 2007, Best Documentary and Audience Choice Award, Pan African Film Festival, Los Angeles, Audience Award at the African American Women in Cinema Film; Best Documentary at the Hollywood Black Film Festival and San Francisco Black Film Festival; and was selected the Best of Best in the Pan African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO),

IBHM website:
www.internationalblackhairitagemonth.com

For all US Media inquiries contact Norm Bond at NORMBOND & Associates.
e: norm@normbond.com  M: (215) 796-0206 

For all UK Media enquiries contact Denise Brooks at Onecircle Communications.
e: denise@onecirclecomms.com  M: 07985 213636