Revolution

by Mpho Mahlangu | Sep 8, 2026 | Features

When you see me in my hair, it is activism

It is me reconstructing the perception I carried for years

It is a bold declaration that I am who I am 

It is courage, it is healing, a wipe of years’ worth of tears 

When you see me in my hair, it is a therapy session 

Between me and me, and another black girl

That I finally hear you, that your crown is not a thorn 

Your being is not a curse and your natural is not a burden 

When you see me in my hair 

Recognise that art, the rise above criticism 

The triumph of consciousness and the root of excellence 

See it as a celebration for a black girl’s existence, the one who was once exiled out of her power 

It is restoration and revolution, the redemption of self 

A reign of victory 

When you see me in my hair 

Know that I found a way back home 

The mirror doesn’t scare me anymore 

So, see it as a generational breakthrough 

A very difficult battle I won

When you see me in my hair, 

See a story of many black girls who are still fighting for their freedom 

See it as a step closer to healing the wounds of our ancestors 

See it as revolution, a phenomenal concept.

Mpho Mahlangu
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