affirmation and education. An important focus of ANHA is supporting the choice to wear African-inspired hairstyles,
embracing our culture and setting our own standards of beauty. Read more about ANHA’s origins here.
Linda Jones is a journalist who has written extensively about the sensitive and provocative issue of hair in the African American community. In her writing she has used the topic to raise awareness about cultural diversity and to promote self-appreciation.
In response to concerns expressed by friends who wore natural and African-inspired hairstyles and struggled with challenges of acceptance and finding stylists knowledgeable about natural hair, Linda organized grass-roots hair grooming sessions that became known as Hair Days. One of the Hair Day regulars dubbed her “Mosetta” as in female Moses for fostering a feeling of ‘freedom’ from hair bondage and negative self-perceptions.
A former staff writer for the Dallas Morning News, Linda broke the story about master braider Isis Brantley’s battle with the Texas State Cosmetology Commission over licensing issues. The matter drew national attention and sparked passionate debate over whether the African art form of hair braiding should be regulated by the state. The controversy and coverage resulted in the commission’s drastic reduction of state licensing requirements for braiders. Texas now has among the lowest licensing requirements for those who want to earn a living by caring for natural hair.
Linda is author of “Nappyisms: Affirmations for Nappy-Headed People and Wannabes!” An essay from her book is featured in Chicken Soup for the African American Woman's Soul and in “Tenderheaded: A Comb Bending Collection of Hair Stories." Although she makes her living as a word stylist, Linda also grooms locs and holds a hair braiding license from the State of Texas.
Linda also runs ManeLock Communications, which provides writing and editing services and promotes literacy through coaching and writing workshops.