Hair righteousness and education

IN THE Sunday Gleaner of September 2022, under the captioned, ‘Human rights and the MOEY’s dress and grooming policy’, I noted “The Dress and Grooming Policy Guidelines for the Ministry of Education sounds good. It has some of the best and most appropriately sounding words as may be expected from a context blessed with highly educated minds. However, when read through human rights lenses, it is fraught with weaknesses.”

While one appreciates that the majestic beauty of African locks may be intimidating, as it affirms a celebration of confidence and inner strength, we would do well to move beyond the self-contempt that has us holding on to our prejudices. No Jamaican at any level of the education system should be made to feel remorse for clean, tidy, African hairstyles. However, this unnecessary attack on the African hair aesthetic will not last forever. The good news is that hair in Jamaica will be freed this century. People are waking up to realise that education and decorum are not disturbed by African hair.

Another generation of Jamaicans will look back in wonder at those days when it was a crime to go to school while being black and, later still, a crime to go to school with majestic African locks. Sadly, some of this nonsense has its genesis in religious bigotry.

In a post-slavery (post-colonial?) society, supposedly bright folks still repeat the nonsensical mantra, “rules are rules”. Many do not realise that this mantra kept apartheid systems in place for centuries. Rules are rules. This mantra sought to keep black people at the back of the bus and the back of the church and on a different side at the water fountain. “Rules are rules” are tantamount to “make Jamaica great again” like 200 years ago.

May the movers and shakers of Jamaican society, and legislators in particular, remember that the heads of the enslaved were shaved as their cultural identity, roots, and revered aesthetic were condemned to destruction. Rules are rules. May we all remember that the notion of ‘bad hair’ was concretised in slavery. May we all please remember that the 18th century laws required black women in Louisiana to cover their hair! Rules are rules.

Sadly but true, many of our highly educated professionals are not aware of how they, too, have fallen victims to a sick system warped by systemic racism, colourism, and misguided religiousity. Anyway, take note that many of our enslaved youth are seeking every opportunity to escape after graduation. And they will find other countries willing to employ them with their afros, weaves, braids, locks and all.

Oh that we would decolonise church, school, parliament, and the entire Jamaica land and people we love!

BLESSING ISRAEL (SEE GENESIS 12:3)

Once again, we find Christians who mean well without realising that the call to “bless Israel” is not a call to ignore Palestine. There are church groups which focus prayers and intercessions for Israel. It is yet again an exclusive versus inclusive approach.

We must beware of missing the truth that Old Testament stories came out of tribal contexts where tribal thinkers understood God to be biased to their cause. By faith, I may also note that God will bless those who bless any other nation.

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s example is instructive, as it is positive and pastoral. “Lord, we lift before you all those who mourn today. For those held captive, for those without shelter and safety, for those enduring violence, mourning and despair – Lord, have mercy.

We pray for our Jewish neighbours, and our Muslim neighbours, in the Holy Land, in the UK, and around the world. We pray, too, for our Christian sisters and brothers in the Holy Land and Lebanon, asking God to strengthen and protect them. In the shadow of war, Lord, bring your comfort, healing and light to all who dwell in darkness.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

SILENCE OF THE POWERFUL ON THE IMMACULATE STORY

Silence on the Immaculate Conception High School matter has not been immaculate at all. It smacks of protected privilege and systemic classism. Although this model student has a most admirable history for the past six years, her grade four (a recognised pass) in a CAPE subject has rendered her unqualified to advance to upper sixth form. We, the little people, have been speaking out, but the movers and shakers of society, and many holy religious voices, have remained silent. But rules are rules. The law-centred approach wins again. Many in church will, however, continue to do lip service to the grace-centred approach.

While the school’s motto, ‘Ad Astra Per Aspera’, (‘Through Difficulties to the Stars’) was mute in this matter, may we one day allow the celebration of our National Heroes Day to truly come alive in how we empower our children and nation to respect self and identity with all our strengths and weaknesses.

May we also affirm our God-given features, colours, and all that contribute to our yet-to-be-fulfilled National Motto – Out of Many, One People.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human dignity and human rights. Send feedback to seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.