Black History Month, Part 2: Crown and Glory

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - From weaves, to perms, to natural -- hair is an important part of black culture.

"I think it's because it's our glory. It's our glory and we like to look good as a people and it starts from the top. So normally from the top of our head to the bottom of our feet we pull things together," commented Deborah Wilburn of Onyx Styling & Braiding Salon.

"A lot of our hair can be from kinky all the way to straight. We have a wide variety of different hair textures. And you know that all depends on our DNA," she added.

At the center of it all are the black beauty salon and barber shop, "A & A" in Lafayette.

"We have good debates on different things and everybody got a voice, so let us know what you got to say," says barber Michael Johnson.

"Historically, it's a place where guys can go get any type of information that you want, from finding a job to housing to churches to who not to talk to or who to talk to. It's basically like a hub of information," commented Johnson.

John Davis and Michael Johnson shape up, edge up, and trim up their clients who often come for more than just a great look.

The black barbershop is even becoming more diverse in clientele.

"I got scissors and water...I got scissors and water! I cut Caucasian hair, I cut straight hair, I cut Mexican hair, I cut any hair you bring in here," commented barber John Davis.

Down the road at Onyx you'll find more than blow dryers and a new 'do.

"We are a family so when people come here, they feel that, they see it. they see the love that's between us and they can just let their hair down and just be themselves and just be free," says stylist Felecia Livingston.   

Customer Jacqueline Ward says, "When I come to Onyx, this is my family and I just feel so much better coming here."   

Whether it's the beauty salon or the Barber shop, you soon realize for African Americans it's more than hair.

"We can change our hair up just like we change our clothes. Today we may wear an outfit  and want dark black hair and next week we may wear another outfit and want a little blonde style to go with our outfit. We can do it," said Wilburn.