Who am I and how do I feel about who I am, are essential questions that help define and construct identity. For Black women and girls, identity is inextricably linked to their relationship to and presentation of their hair. Our research presents findings from an Internet based survey conducted with 529 Black women exploring their experiences when wearing their hair in its natural state (not thermally or chemically straightened). These are preliminary findings from the study with reference to the composition of the study participants and how they responded to key questions related to how they perceived when wearing their hair naturally.

way of seeing," British statesman Edmund Burke suggested, "is a way of not seeing." Taking this admonition to heart, we will offer some nontraditional perspectives on organizing with communities of color. On the other hand, doing so means that we will give short shrift to some expected explorations of community practice. Addressed are aspects of the evolution of community practice with diverse populations, current and changing issues in this practice arena, and an emerging model of practice consisting of related cultural competency views and personal qualities needed for successful organizing. Ethno-Racial Context for Organizing in Communities of Color The depth of white fear is underestimated and misunderstood by progressive thinkers and the media.. .. The best that can be hoped for is a multiracial capitalist society without a white majority.