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Glory: Magical
Visions of Black Beauty
by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt
c.2020, St. Martin's Press
$30.00 / $39.99 Canada
243 pages
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
The Truth Contributor
To relax, or not to relax?
Why not? Whatever. Your
hair has gone through several stages of change: you've
braided, straightened, curled, permed, and loc'd, put it
beneath a turban, a durag, scarves, wigs, and kangols. It's
been shaved, picked, plucked, pulled back, and done up.
There were times when you fought your own hair, and
you don't want your children to go through that. So look for
Glory by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, and call
the kids. |
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As photographers, Kahran
and Regis Bethencourts say that they consider themselves
"cultural storytellers" who believe that Black culture has
been "under-celebrated." For far too long, for instance,
Black children were led to believe that their hair and skin
was "not long enough, not straight enough... too dark or too
light." As the Bethencourts noticed the somberness in their
portraits of children, they recalled personal memories of
childhood hair issues and decided that "acceptable black
beauty was not our natural beauty..."
They vowed to change the
perception.
The children in these
pages "are a recognition and celebration of the beauty and
versatility of black beauty and its innate glory," they
said. The kids were chosen because they were change-makers,
because they've stood up to adversity, racism, bullying,
illness, poverty, loss or other hardships. Some wear the
costumes of Kings and Queens here, while some reflect the
dress of their cultures.
Among others, there's Nia
from England, who overcame a skin condition that left her
scarred. There's Kaylee, a singer from Chicago. Nariah from
Maryland is a definite foodie. There's Mbali from South
Africa, whose modeling career helped her to overcome
shyness. Darryl from Kenya, who wears his dreadlocks with
pride, even though they're frowned upon in his culture.
Havana from Germany hopes to be an astronaut someday. Kheris
from California founded a clothing company. Bryson in
Arkansas is "a kid advocate" for HBCUs. And there's Ava, a
fair-skinned, blonde and blind African American
eleven-year-old who learned to "appreciate the way God
created me."
Pick up Glory and
flip to any random page. You'll immediately see that the
title is apt.
Indeed, much is glorified
inside this book, including the no-nonsense strength and
do-what-needs-doing attitude of the generation coming up.
These kids are pretty incredible, as evidenced by the brief
biographies that accompany every portrait. Some will bring
you tears, while others are downright empowering.
Speaking of empowering,
inspirational quotes are scattered throughout so look for
them – that is, if you can take your eyes off the exquisite
portraiture from photographers Kahran and Regis Bethencourt.
The lighting in each is perfect. The costumes that the
children wear are gorgeous. The kids come from everywhere
and both boys and girls are elegantly represented in
portraits that are nothing but respectful of their essences.
This is the kind of book
that anyone of any age can enjoy. Yes, there's a
three-year-old here, so show your toddler. There are
youngsters, tweens, teens, and an entire school
mentioned, so give this book to your kids. Or just grab
Glory yourself, and relax.
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