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Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:22,724 --> 00:00:24,659 [♪♪] 2 00:00:24,726 --> 00:00:27,929 [BIRDS CHIRPING] 3 00:00:27,996 --> 00:00:31,164 [MELONY LAUGHING] 4 00:00:33,501 --> 00:00:36,704 MOTHER: Melony. [MELONY LAUGHING] 5 00:00:36,771 --> 00:00:37,772 MOTHER: Melony! 6 00:00:39,741 --> 00:00:41,375 Melony! 7 00:00:41,441 --> 00:00:43,343 Come on, now. 8 00:00:43,410 --> 00:00:45,914 Melony! 9 00:00:45,980 --> 00:00:48,583 Melony! Come on. 10 00:00:48,650 --> 00:00:51,019 [MELONY LAUGHING] 11 00:00:51,118 --> 00:00:53,287 You hear me calling you. 12 00:00:54,421 --> 00:00:55,924 GREAT-AUNT: Come on. Come on, now. 13 00:00:55,990 --> 00:00:58,058 Let's get it, girl. [GRANDMOTHER CHUCKLES] 14 00:00:58,125 --> 00:01:01,461 Stop fidgeting, Melony. But it hurts. 15 00:01:01,529 --> 00:01:04,197 I know it does, baby, but when your mama's through with you, 16 00:01:04,264 --> 00:01:06,501 you're gonna look like a pretty little angel 17 00:01:06,568 --> 00:01:08,803 and not like some woolly old lion. 18 00:01:08,870 --> 00:01:12,205 Ow! Why? I don't want to be an angel. 19 00:01:12,272 --> 00:01:13,975 I'd rather be a lion. 20 00:01:14,042 --> 00:01:16,443 Why can't I have my hair like this? 21 00:01:16,511 --> 00:01:19,313 [LAUGHS] Look at this. Look at this. 22 00:01:19,379 --> 00:01:22,182 Baby, you can't go nowhere looking like that. 23 00:01:22,249 --> 00:01:24,184 MOTHER: Nowhere. Nowhere. 24 00:01:24,251 --> 00:01:26,654 [ROARING] MOTHER: Melony, sit down. 25 00:01:26,721 --> 00:01:28,656 Look. She's just free, honey. 26 00:01:28,723 --> 00:01:30,758 Look at her. [ROARING] 27 00:01:30,825 --> 00:01:34,194 MOTHER: Melony! Sit down. 28 00:01:34,261 --> 00:01:36,598 GREAT-AUNT: She just free, ain't she? 29 00:01:36,664 --> 00:01:39,634 [♪♪] 30 00:01:44,271 --> 00:01:47,341 MELONY: Ode to my hair. 31 00:01:47,407 --> 00:01:50,277 My hair defies gravity. 32 00:01:50,344 --> 00:01:52,212 She is rebellious 33 00:01:52,279 --> 00:01:55,182 and will never lay down unless she wants to. 34 00:01:56,483 --> 00:02:01,388 She is soft as a sponge and brutal as a Brillo pad. 35 00:02:01,455 --> 00:02:04,257 She can go from lyin' down to Lion King 36 00:02:04,324 --> 00:02:08,096 with just three drops of rain. 37 00:02:08,161 --> 00:02:10,064 My hair-- Stop there, please. 38 00:02:10,130 --> 00:02:11,966 [INDISTINCT WHISPERING, LAUGHTER] 39 00:02:12,033 --> 00:02:14,869 Miss Renshaw, would you tell me 40 00:02:14,936 --> 00:02:17,505 what you thought this assignment was? 41 00:02:17,572 --> 00:02:22,476 Well, you asked us to explore a part of our personal psyche 42 00:02:22,543 --> 00:02:25,178 that we considered to be-- Substantial. 43 00:02:25,245 --> 00:02:27,147 That's right. TEACHER: Identifying. 44 00:02:27,214 --> 00:02:29,316 And you chose your hair. 45 00:02:29,383 --> 00:02:31,218 [STUDENTS MURMURING] 46 00:02:31,284 --> 00:02:32,687 Hair, Miss Renshaw. 47 00:02:32,754 --> 00:02:35,556 Perhaps next to toenails... [LAUGHTER] 48 00:02:35,623 --> 00:02:39,127 ...the most superficial and transient aspect of a person. 49 00:02:39,192 --> 00:02:41,796 When the hippies grew their hair long in the '70s, 50 00:02:41,863 --> 00:02:44,565 they were making a huge social statement. 51 00:02:44,632 --> 00:02:47,001 And what statement are you making? 52 00:02:47,068 --> 00:02:50,270 [INDISTINCT WHISPERING, LAUGHTER] 53 00:02:50,337 --> 00:02:51,806 Do the assignment over. 54 00:02:51,873 --> 00:02:54,909 And this time, dig deeper. 55 00:02:54,976 --> 00:02:56,577 Next. 56 00:02:58,613 --> 00:03:00,247 Hair is a hallmark of beauty. [THUNDER RUMBLING] 57 00:03:00,313 --> 00:03:03,051 Whole societies have put great value on hair, 58 00:03:03,117 --> 00:03:05,252 from ancient Egyptians to feudal Chinese. 59 00:03:05,318 --> 00:03:08,589 And for him to just dismiss me like that-- 60 00:03:08,656 --> 00:03:09,991 Ooh! [GRUNTS] 61 00:03:10,058 --> 00:03:11,458 Oh, God. I'm so sorry. 62 00:03:11,526 --> 00:03:13,326 KEVIN: No harm done. 63 00:03:13,393 --> 00:03:16,030 Whoever you were telling off sure had it coming to him. 64 00:03:16,097 --> 00:03:18,265 Oh, you heard me? Kind of hard not to. 65 00:03:18,331 --> 00:03:20,568 It's just my professor. He-- 66 00:03:20,635 --> 00:03:23,137 Can I ask you something? Okay. 67 00:03:23,203 --> 00:03:24,806 Is hair a thing to you? 68 00:03:24,872 --> 00:03:27,340 Like not your hair specifically. Just hair in general. 69 00:03:27,407 --> 00:03:29,077 Like, does it mean anything to you, or is it 70 00:03:29,143 --> 00:03:32,379 like a superficial thing, like a toenail? 71 00:03:32,446 --> 00:03:36,349 Well, I don't think I'd like to run my fingers 72 00:03:36,416 --> 00:03:38,351 through my lady's toenails. 73 00:03:42,489 --> 00:03:45,292 I've got to-- I've got to go. 74 00:03:45,358 --> 00:03:47,360 [THUNDER RUMBLING] 75 00:03:47,427 --> 00:03:49,296 CASEY: He was cute! 76 00:03:49,362 --> 00:03:51,566 He was just okay. Well, he was into you. 77 00:03:51,632 --> 00:03:53,400 He was talking about running his fingers through your hair. 78 00:03:53,467 --> 00:03:55,870 Just stop trying to hook me up. Whatever. 79 00:03:55,937 --> 00:03:57,105 What do you think? 80 00:03:57,171 --> 00:03:59,640 You going out? No. We're going out. 81 00:03:59,707 --> 00:04:01,843 It's the St. Patty's Day dance. Remember? 82 00:04:01,909 --> 00:04:03,343 Ah. Yeah. 83 00:04:03,410 --> 00:04:06,848 Casey, I've had to make a lot of cultural adjustments 84 00:04:06,914 --> 00:04:08,583 since coming to this campus. 85 00:04:08,649 --> 00:04:11,986 You know, with all the loud music that I can't dance to 86 00:04:12,053 --> 00:04:14,321 and raisins in the potato salad. 87 00:04:14,387 --> 00:04:16,758 Hey! But St. Patty's Day? 88 00:04:16,824 --> 00:04:20,194 I'm thinking about how much I don't want to spend tonight 89 00:04:20,260 --> 00:04:22,362 saying no to every drunk sophomore 90 00:04:22,429 --> 00:04:25,398 who asks me if I'm Black Irish. 91 00:04:25,465 --> 00:04:29,737 Get dressed. Green for luck. No excuses. 92 00:04:29,804 --> 00:04:33,775 [ROCK MUSIC PLAYING] 93 00:04:33,841 --> 00:04:37,410 ♪ Under the anvil Of the sun... ♪ 94 00:04:37,477 --> 00:04:39,580 So, where's your friend? 95 00:04:39,647 --> 00:04:42,550 ♪ Like a train, I come I come ♪ 96 00:04:42,617 --> 00:04:46,187 ♪ My body to dust ♪ 97 00:04:46,254 --> 00:04:49,757 ♪ Scorched by the might Of the sun ♪ 98 00:04:49,824 --> 00:04:54,494 ♪ Burning light Burning white heat ♪ 99 00:04:54,562 --> 00:04:55,696 Hi. 100 00:04:57,165 --> 00:04:59,634 You...look stunning. 101 00:04:59,700 --> 00:05:02,737 [CHUCKLES] No green for luck? 102 00:05:04,038 --> 00:05:06,641 I couldn't feel any luckier. 103 00:05:06,707 --> 00:05:11,311 ♪ Our love is the flame ♪ 104 00:05:11,378 --> 00:05:17,417 ♪ That keeps on burning ♪ 105 00:05:17,484 --> 00:05:21,222 ♪ I love to feel the rain ♪ 106 00:05:21,289 --> 00:05:24,525 ♪ On my face ♪ 107 00:05:24,592 --> 00:05:28,428 So, how long are you here for? 108 00:05:29,197 --> 00:05:31,566 Just one more week. Oh. 109 00:05:31,632 --> 00:05:34,502 I came for an evangelism conference. 110 00:05:34,569 --> 00:05:37,038 You're an evangelist? [SCOFFS] 111 00:05:37,104 --> 00:05:38,405 No. 112 00:05:38,471 --> 00:05:41,474 I majored in philosophy and religion, though. 113 00:05:41,542 --> 00:05:45,412 So I wanted to see and feel what the evangelists do, 114 00:05:45,478 --> 00:05:46,781 how they move people. 115 00:05:46,848 --> 00:05:49,584 I want to open my own church someday. 116 00:05:49,650 --> 00:05:54,055 In Mississippi, to be closer to my family. 117 00:05:54,121 --> 00:05:55,289 That's cool. 118 00:05:55,355 --> 00:05:58,425 I work construction to pay my bills. 119 00:05:59,492 --> 00:06:00,795 What about you? 120 00:06:02,330 --> 00:06:04,899 Well, I'm-- I'm a psych major. 121 00:06:06,366 --> 00:06:09,737 At least I thought I was. I'm... 122 00:06:09,804 --> 00:06:11,873 I'm not so sure. 123 00:06:11,939 --> 00:06:15,408 I'm starting to think maybe there's something else for me. 124 00:06:17,345 --> 00:06:22,449 "Whatever you can do or dream, you can begin. 125 00:06:22,516 --> 00:06:26,687 Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. 126 00:06:27,755 --> 00:06:29,824 Begin it now." 127 00:06:29,891 --> 00:06:31,491 That's beautiful. 128 00:06:31,559 --> 00:06:33,561 No, that's Goethe. 129 00:06:34,494 --> 00:06:36,797 You're beautiful. 130 00:06:36,864 --> 00:06:39,834 [♪♪] 131 00:06:44,105 --> 00:06:47,608 [CORK POPS, CROWD CHEERING] 132 00:06:50,278 --> 00:06:51,444 [LAUGHS] 133 00:06:52,880 --> 00:06:54,649 KEVIN: Mississippi's a huge move. 134 00:06:54,715 --> 00:06:56,851 I really hope you're ready for it. 135 00:06:56,918 --> 00:07:00,121 MELONY: I have a Mississippi in my mind that's warm 136 00:07:00,187 --> 00:07:03,557 and rich and Black and real. 137 00:07:03,624 --> 00:07:06,794 Maybe it's where I'm supposed to be. 138 00:07:06,861 --> 00:07:10,097 ♪ I don't want to be lonely ♪ 139 00:07:10,164 --> 00:07:15,636 ♪ I put every last penny In the tank of this pickup ♪ 140 00:07:15,703 --> 00:07:19,507 ♪ Feels like I'm finally home free ♪ 141 00:07:19,573 --> 00:07:22,777 ♪ I'm pointing this truck ♪ 142 00:07:22,843 --> 00:07:27,181 ♪ To Mississippi with love ♪ 143 00:07:27,248 --> 00:07:30,618 MELONY: I can't wait to chop it up with your mom and G'Mom. 144 00:07:30,685 --> 00:07:33,187 Ooh. Do they play bid whist? KEVIN: Seriously, Mel. 145 00:07:33,254 --> 00:07:36,090 My mom and G'Mom, they're not warm and fuzzy. 146 00:07:36,157 --> 00:07:38,491 It takes them a while to adjust to outsiders. 147 00:07:38,559 --> 00:07:40,695 MELONY: Well, I'm not an outsider. 148 00:07:40,761 --> 00:07:42,730 I'm your wife. KEVIN: Mm! 149 00:07:42,797 --> 00:07:45,032 MELONY: Oh! [AIR HISSING] 150 00:07:45,099 --> 00:07:47,301 Grab that doughnut out of the trunk for me. 151 00:07:47,368 --> 00:07:48,803 The doughnut is the-- Yeah. 152 00:07:48,869 --> 00:07:50,671 I know what a doughnut is, Kevin. 153 00:07:50,738 --> 00:07:52,773 I'm sorry, city girl. 154 00:07:55,076 --> 00:07:56,243 Oh! Ooh! 155 00:07:56,310 --> 00:07:58,746 No! No, no, no! It's fine. 156 00:07:58,813 --> 00:08:00,548 Oh. Come on. Come on. Kevin! 157 00:08:00,614 --> 00:08:03,050 It's just water. It's just mud. Relax. 158 00:08:03,117 --> 00:08:04,352 Oh, it's just mud? Yeah. 159 00:08:04,418 --> 00:08:05,519 Oh, is that just mud? Aah! 160 00:08:05,586 --> 00:08:08,356 Huh? Is that just mud? [LAUGHING] Stop! 161 00:08:08,422 --> 00:08:09,824 You-- All right. All right! 162 00:08:09,890 --> 00:08:12,026 All right. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. 163 00:08:12,093 --> 00:08:13,861 Oh, my God. Come on. 164 00:08:13,928 --> 00:08:14,929 [LAUGHS] 165 00:08:14,996 --> 00:08:16,430 Come on. Aah! 166 00:08:16,496 --> 00:08:18,299 BETTY: Oh, they're here already! 167 00:08:18,366 --> 00:08:20,534 Dee, I told you to move these toys! 168 00:08:20,601 --> 00:08:24,071 DEE: Don't worry. I'll get 'em. 169 00:08:24,138 --> 00:08:25,272 MELONY: Hi! 170 00:08:25,339 --> 00:08:28,943 Lord, what in the world is this? 171 00:08:29,010 --> 00:08:31,479 Is that tire tracks on her shirt? 172 00:08:31,545 --> 00:08:33,481 Ma Betty, G'Mom! 173 00:08:33,547 --> 00:08:36,751 I've heard so much about you! 174 00:08:36,817 --> 00:08:37,718 Mm. 175 00:08:37,785 --> 00:08:40,187 There's a sink and a towel 176 00:08:40,254 --> 00:08:42,256 just inside to your left. 177 00:08:42,323 --> 00:08:44,291 Come on, sis. I'll show you. 178 00:08:44,358 --> 00:08:46,694 Oh, okay. Behave. 179 00:08:47,995 --> 00:08:50,765 I'm Dee, Kevin's sister. Oh! Oh, there he is! 180 00:08:50,831 --> 00:08:53,801 There's my baby! Still so handsome! 181 00:08:53,868 --> 00:08:56,137 Oh! Oh! 182 00:08:56,203 --> 00:08:57,838 Oh, come here! G'Mom. 183 00:08:57,905 --> 00:09:01,108 Hey. So, you met Melony. 184 00:09:01,175 --> 00:09:03,144 Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. 185 00:09:04,678 --> 00:09:06,547 [BETTY CHUCKLES] 186 00:09:06,614 --> 00:09:08,315 KEVIN: I'm sorry, babe. 187 00:09:09,950 --> 00:09:13,522 I tried to warn you, but my mama and grandmama are not exactly... 188 00:09:13,587 --> 00:09:15,990 That's fine. 189 00:09:16,057 --> 00:09:17,858 I'm fine. 190 00:09:17,925 --> 00:09:20,261 [♪♪] 191 00:09:20,327 --> 00:09:22,730 They don't know me. 192 00:09:22,797 --> 00:09:25,666 I was wrong to expect more. 193 00:09:29,504 --> 00:09:33,140 They just caught me by surprise is all. 194 00:09:35,609 --> 00:09:39,880 But I'm not scared of some little old ladies. 195 00:09:42,917 --> 00:09:47,421 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS, LAUGHTER] 196 00:09:47,488 --> 00:09:49,857 Yeah. Just a little more. 197 00:09:49,924 --> 00:09:51,759 Can I get it for you? I got it, babe. 198 00:09:51,826 --> 00:09:54,128 BETTY: Okay. Here you go. A little bit of ham. 199 00:09:54,195 --> 00:09:55,629 Oh, no, thank you. 200 00:09:57,465 --> 00:09:58,732 You don't like to eat? 201 00:09:58,799 --> 00:10:01,168 I eat mostly vegetables. 202 00:10:02,703 --> 00:10:05,574 [CLEARS THROAT] Okay. 203 00:10:05,639 --> 00:10:07,074 You don't eat pigs. 204 00:10:07,141 --> 00:10:09,710 You just roll around in the mud like one. 205 00:10:09,777 --> 00:10:12,847 KEVIN: G'Mom, can I talk to you in private, please? 206 00:10:18,119 --> 00:10:22,890 [INDISTINCT SHOUTING] [INSECTS CHIRPING] 207 00:10:26,994 --> 00:10:28,262 [SIGHS] 208 00:10:28,329 --> 00:10:30,197 [SHOUTING CONTINUES] 209 00:10:30,264 --> 00:10:31,866 [EXHALES DEEPLY] 210 00:10:33,568 --> 00:10:37,304 I was wondering how long you'd last in there. 211 00:10:37,371 --> 00:10:39,974 Welcome to the family. 212 00:10:40,040 --> 00:10:44,044 I love my mama and my grandmama, but you couldn't pay me 213 00:10:44,111 --> 00:10:46,347 to sit through one of those family dinners again. 214 00:10:46,413 --> 00:10:47,381 Mnh-mnh. 215 00:10:50,519 --> 00:10:53,454 That's why I spend so much time in there. 216 00:10:53,522 --> 00:10:56,257 Is that where you live? 217 00:10:56,323 --> 00:10:57,791 [LAUGHS] 218 00:10:57,858 --> 00:11:01,996 You must think we are country sho' nuff. 219 00:11:02,062 --> 00:11:05,466 No. Baby girl, that is my salon. 220 00:11:05,534 --> 00:11:06,700 Oh. 221 00:11:06,767 --> 00:11:08,936 You want to look inside? 222 00:11:09,003 --> 00:11:11,071 [♪♪] 223 00:11:11,138 --> 00:11:14,875 DEE: Sorry for the mess. [SIGHS] 224 00:11:19,947 --> 00:11:22,850 Do you have customers this late? 225 00:11:22,917 --> 00:11:25,786 Lizzie works downtown till 7. 226 00:11:25,853 --> 00:11:29,591 By the time she's fed her crew and gets the baby to bed, 227 00:11:29,658 --> 00:11:31,258 where else is she gonna go? 228 00:11:31,325 --> 00:11:32,627 Is it just you here? 229 00:11:32,693 --> 00:11:35,296 Mm. Today it was. 230 00:11:35,362 --> 00:11:39,033 My shampoo girl, Aquanetta, is seven months pregnant. 231 00:11:39,099 --> 00:11:42,703 Has to rest her legs every 20 minutes. 232 00:11:43,938 --> 00:11:48,309 I am gonna have to find me somebody else pretty soon. 233 00:11:48,375 --> 00:11:52,246 Hm. Well, I can help. 234 00:11:53,214 --> 00:11:54,315 You? 235 00:11:54,381 --> 00:11:56,283 [CHUCKLES] Yeah. 236 00:11:56,350 --> 00:11:58,219 What you know about hair? 237 00:11:58,285 --> 00:12:03,757 Not an awful lot, but I can help you shampoo. 238 00:12:07,761 --> 00:12:09,296 [♪♪] 239 00:12:09,363 --> 00:12:11,700 KEVIN: I'm sorry again about my ma and G'Mom. 240 00:12:11,765 --> 00:12:15,436 MELONY: Huh. I don't know who got cut worse, me or that ham. 241 00:12:15,503 --> 00:12:18,707 I love Dee, though. She even gave me a job. 242 00:12:18,772 --> 00:12:21,375 KEVIN: Hey, that's great, babe. 243 00:12:21,442 --> 00:12:23,410 [♪♪] 244 00:12:32,219 --> 00:12:34,656 The movers will be here with our stuff tomorrow. 245 00:12:34,723 --> 00:12:37,592 I'll be at the construction site till 6. 246 00:12:37,659 --> 00:12:39,827 Have a good first day with Dee. 247 00:12:39,893 --> 00:12:41,829 I love you. 248 00:13:09,857 --> 00:13:11,258 WOMAN: Homemade peach? 249 00:13:11,325 --> 00:13:13,127 DEE: And some homemade vanilla ice cream. 250 00:13:13,193 --> 00:13:17,532 Girl, I am so glad to see you. 'Netta didn't come in at all. 251 00:13:17,599 --> 00:13:20,502 I need you to use that cream wash on Miss Cynthia there 252 00:13:20,568 --> 00:13:22,704 and the rinse in the blue bottle. 253 00:13:22,771 --> 00:13:25,607 This is my sister-in-law Melony, y'all. 254 00:13:25,674 --> 00:13:27,575 She's gonna take real good care of you. 255 00:13:27,642 --> 00:13:29,109 Hi. 256 00:13:29,176 --> 00:13:32,681 Y'all act like y'all can't speak. 257 00:13:32,747 --> 00:13:34,348 Hey. Hi. 258 00:13:34,415 --> 00:13:36,417 [WOMEN MURMURING] 259 00:13:36,483 --> 00:13:40,555 Miss Cynthia, you've been waiting for 30 minutes. 260 00:13:40,622 --> 00:13:43,190 Go on over there. Mm-hmm. Okay. 261 00:13:43,257 --> 00:13:46,594 [♪♪] 262 00:13:46,661 --> 00:13:48,429 Whew! Um... 263 00:13:48,495 --> 00:13:49,997 Oh! 264 00:13:50,064 --> 00:13:52,734 Well, I like it hot. 265 00:13:52,801 --> 00:13:54,401 Okay. But not too hot. 266 00:13:54,468 --> 00:13:56,805 Like warm but not too cool. 267 00:13:56,870 --> 00:13:58,439 Right. You follow? 268 00:13:58,506 --> 00:13:59,774 Yes, ma'am. 269 00:13:59,840 --> 00:14:01,008 You got good hands? 270 00:14:01,075 --> 00:14:04,445 Um, I'm not-- I'm not too sure. 271 00:14:04,512 --> 00:14:07,081 [WOMEN MURMURING] 272 00:14:07,147 --> 00:14:08,783 Can I-- Can I get your... 273 00:14:08,849 --> 00:14:11,720 No. Mnh-mnh. I keep this with me. 274 00:14:11,786 --> 00:14:14,221 Sure. I'm just gonna... 275 00:14:14,288 --> 00:14:15,155 [COUGHS] 276 00:14:15,222 --> 00:14:16,658 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 277 00:14:16,725 --> 00:14:19,159 MELONY: Is that o-- Is that okay? 278 00:14:19,226 --> 00:14:21,362 Mm-hmm. 279 00:14:22,296 --> 00:14:24,131 Oof. 280 00:14:24,198 --> 00:14:26,166 Oh. [CHUCKLES SOFTLY] 281 00:14:26,233 --> 00:14:29,002 Mmm! MELONY: I'm just gonna... 282 00:14:30,304 --> 00:14:32,607 Oh, yes! 283 00:14:32,674 --> 00:14:34,676 Oh, that's good! That's good. 284 00:14:34,743 --> 00:14:35,976 Ooh, yeah! 285 00:14:36,043 --> 00:14:38,345 That's good. Right there. Right there. 286 00:14:38,412 --> 00:14:40,080 Ooh-hoo-hoo! 287 00:14:40,147 --> 00:14:42,049 MELONY: And you're done, Miss Cynthia. 288 00:14:42,116 --> 00:14:43,718 Oh. What? Yeah. 289 00:14:43,785 --> 00:14:45,352 I'm done? Ooh, Lord. 290 00:14:45,419 --> 00:14:46,954 So I'm just gonna lift you up now. 291 00:14:47,020 --> 00:14:48,757 Ooh. Just-- You good? 292 00:14:48,823 --> 00:14:50,023 Wow. 293 00:14:50,090 --> 00:14:52,794 Girl, I think I'm gonna need a cigarette. 294 00:14:52,861 --> 00:14:55,362 [LAUGHTER] 295 00:14:55,429 --> 00:14:58,999 Ooh! You know, you got the hands of life! 296 00:14:59,066 --> 00:15:01,636 Whew! Mm. I'm more than all right. 297 00:15:01,703 --> 00:15:05,707 Uh, so, uh, who's next? 298 00:15:05,774 --> 00:15:08,308 [INDISTINCT SHOUTING] 299 00:15:08,375 --> 00:15:09,977 [BOTH LAUGHING] 300 00:15:10,043 --> 00:15:13,681 I really like working in your shop, Dee. 301 00:15:13,748 --> 00:15:16,551 It's like this feeling comes over me... 302 00:15:16,618 --> 00:15:17,819 [♪♪] 303 00:15:17,886 --> 00:15:21,856 ...and my hands just know what to do and... 304 00:15:21,922 --> 00:15:23,658 Mm. ...how to move. 305 00:15:23,725 --> 00:15:24,759 Yeah. 306 00:15:24,826 --> 00:15:27,428 When I was touching their hair... 307 00:15:27,494 --> 00:15:31,198 ...it felt like-- like I was healing them somehow. 308 00:15:31,265 --> 00:15:34,736 Like I could feel all of their tension and worries 309 00:15:34,803 --> 00:15:37,137 just slide away. 310 00:15:37,204 --> 00:15:39,339 And we really need the money. 311 00:15:39,406 --> 00:15:41,375 Look, I know it's just hair, but-- 312 00:15:41,442 --> 00:15:43,977 There is no such thing as just hair 313 00:15:44,044 --> 00:15:45,647 where Black ladies are concerned. 314 00:15:45,713 --> 00:15:48,382 Hm. We are all about the hair-- 315 00:15:48,449 --> 00:15:51,351 What we do to it, what it does to us. 316 00:15:51,418 --> 00:15:53,721 Wherever two or more are gathered... 317 00:15:53,788 --> 00:15:56,190 we're talking about hair! We are talking about hair! 318 00:15:56,256 --> 00:16:00,160 That's right! [LAUGHS] 319 00:16:00,227 --> 00:16:02,296 Maybe it shouldn't be that way. 320 00:16:03,631 --> 00:16:06,333 Well, the way I see it... 321 00:16:06,400 --> 00:16:09,804 the first thing people notice about us is that we're Black. 322 00:16:09,871 --> 00:16:11,038 Mm-hmm. 323 00:16:11,104 --> 00:16:13,474 The next thing is how we wear our hair. 324 00:16:13,541 --> 00:16:15,375 Then they judge us on that, right? 325 00:16:15,442 --> 00:16:16,644 Mm. Like... 326 00:16:16,711 --> 00:16:20,447 as if our hairstyle is gonna tell them who we really are. 327 00:16:20,515 --> 00:16:23,050 Why you think so many Black women wear wigs? 328 00:16:23,116 --> 00:16:26,855 Hmm? Trying to fool 'em off, honey. 329 00:16:26,921 --> 00:16:28,656 I never thought of it like that. 330 00:16:28,723 --> 00:16:32,092 DEE: Ma Betty and G'Mom? MELONY: Oh, those are wigs? 331 00:16:32,159 --> 00:16:34,194 DEE: They trying to fool you off too, honey. 332 00:16:34,261 --> 00:16:36,129 MELONY: They trying. And failing. 333 00:16:36,196 --> 00:16:39,333 [BOTH LAUGH] BETTY: She's so disrespectful! 334 00:16:39,399 --> 00:16:41,268 I don't know what Kevin sees in her. 335 00:16:41,335 --> 00:16:44,873 Mm. She tried to cook dinner 336 00:16:44,939 --> 00:16:47,341 and tried to make some chicken. 337 00:16:47,407 --> 00:16:50,512 When I look at the chicken, ain't no skin on it! 338 00:16:50,578 --> 00:16:51,646 She broiled it! 339 00:16:51,713 --> 00:16:53,213 Well, what-- what... Wait. 340 00:16:53,280 --> 00:16:54,616 Where was the skin? 341 00:16:54,682 --> 00:16:56,416 She threw it out! She what?! 342 00:16:56,483 --> 00:16:59,888 Oh! Well, that's the best part. 343 00:16:59,954 --> 00:17:01,488 She's wasteful. Mm. 344 00:17:01,556 --> 00:17:03,858 [♪♪] 345 00:17:03,925 --> 00:17:05,359 Oh. Look there. 346 00:17:05,425 --> 00:17:07,996 G'MOM: Is that Miss Cynthia? [BETTY LAUGHS] 347 00:17:08,061 --> 00:17:10,197 Hey-- Hey there, Miss Cynthia! 348 00:17:10,264 --> 00:17:12,165 Good afternoon, ladies. 349 00:17:12,232 --> 00:17:13,935 I can't stop and talk, you know. 350 00:17:14,002 --> 00:17:16,169 I got to go get a place in line. 351 00:17:16,236 --> 00:17:18,038 In line? At Dee Dee's? 352 00:17:18,105 --> 00:17:22,042 Oh, yeah! Everybody is fired up about that Melony. 353 00:17:22,109 --> 00:17:24,311 You know, she got good hands. Mm. 354 00:17:24,378 --> 00:17:27,715 I just might have to buy myself a place in line. 355 00:17:27,782 --> 00:17:30,350 I got to go! Bye! 356 00:17:31,953 --> 00:17:34,121 She's selling seats? 357 00:17:38,526 --> 00:17:40,260 KEVIN: A hundred and twelve dollars? 358 00:17:40,327 --> 00:17:42,496 Mm-hmm. Doing what, now? 359 00:17:42,564 --> 00:17:46,133 Hair. Shampooing hair. 360 00:17:46,199 --> 00:17:50,470 I did sixteen heads today at seven bucks a head. 361 00:17:50,538 --> 00:17:52,974 Dee makes a killing in that shop. 362 00:17:53,041 --> 00:17:55,309 Working there has been a godsend. 363 00:17:59,681 --> 00:18:01,783 [BIRDS CHIRPING] 364 00:18:01,849 --> 00:18:03,585 Hey. 365 00:18:03,651 --> 00:18:05,954 Where is everyone? 366 00:18:06,020 --> 00:18:07,822 Light day today? 367 00:18:09,657 --> 00:18:10,625 No day. 368 00:18:12,292 --> 00:18:14,294 Ain't got no water. 369 00:18:14,361 --> 00:18:16,631 Is it the bill? No. 370 00:18:16,698 --> 00:18:18,533 It's G'Mom. 371 00:18:19,667 --> 00:18:21,769 The shack technically sits on her land, 372 00:18:21,836 --> 00:18:24,304 and she owns the water rights. 373 00:18:25,540 --> 00:18:28,676 This morning, she had the county cut me off. 374 00:18:29,911 --> 00:18:31,144 Why would she do that? 375 00:18:31,211 --> 00:18:33,548 She doesn't want you working here, Melony. 376 00:18:35,482 --> 00:18:38,720 Says I got no water until you're gone. 377 00:18:38,786 --> 00:18:40,454 Oh. 378 00:18:44,792 --> 00:18:46,326 Okay. 379 00:18:46,393 --> 00:18:48,830 It's okay. It's not okay. 380 00:18:48,896 --> 00:18:52,132 G'Mom always pulls stunts like this, just because she does-- 381 00:18:52,199 --> 00:18:53,433 Look, Dee. 382 00:18:53,500 --> 00:18:55,903 [♪♪] 383 00:18:55,970 --> 00:18:57,739 Don't let her hurt your business. 384 00:19:01,241 --> 00:19:03,410 Just tell her I'll leave. 385 00:19:11,251 --> 00:19:13,253 I'm just gonna miss you. 386 00:19:14,421 --> 00:19:17,759 Every head in this place is gonna miss you. 387 00:19:24,297 --> 00:19:26,634 You're my family, Dee. 388 00:19:26,701 --> 00:19:29,369 And my friend. 389 00:19:33,407 --> 00:19:36,778 Don't let these healing hands go to waste. 390 00:19:38,946 --> 00:19:40,414 I won't. 391 00:19:42,050 --> 00:19:43,518 I promise. 392 00:19:47,622 --> 00:19:49,423 WOMAN: We're really excited 393 00:19:49,489 --> 00:19:51,726 to have you starting with us, Mrs. Armstrong. 394 00:19:51,793 --> 00:19:54,562 Psychology major, huh? MELONY: Yeah. 395 00:19:54,629 --> 00:19:57,965 But I see you didn't finish college. 396 00:19:58,032 --> 00:19:59,867 Dropped out in your senior year? 397 00:19:59,934 --> 00:20:02,704 Yeah. I just felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. 398 00:20:02,770 --> 00:20:06,507 I really want to make a difference in this world. 399 00:20:06,574 --> 00:20:10,444 Well, the world starts coming in here at 5 p.m. 400 00:20:10,511 --> 00:20:12,580 You'll be working the night shift. 401 00:20:12,647 --> 00:20:15,550 Check the ladies in. Get them settled. 402 00:20:15,616 --> 00:20:16,951 Okay. 403 00:20:17,018 --> 00:20:22,156 Make sure everybody gets one food box and one cot set. 404 00:20:22,222 --> 00:20:24,992 It's your desk. Okay. 405 00:20:25,059 --> 00:20:28,328 Oh. A word of advice. 406 00:20:28,395 --> 00:20:30,230 All of these women have stories, 407 00:20:30,297 --> 00:20:33,467 and you do not have time to hear them. 408 00:20:33,534 --> 00:20:37,038 Nobody comes here happy, Armstrong. 409 00:20:37,105 --> 00:20:40,541 And their misery will drown you. 410 00:20:43,511 --> 00:20:46,514 That's your coffee. For you only. 411 00:20:46,581 --> 00:20:49,316 Can't afford to feed the masses. 412 00:20:49,382 --> 00:20:51,953 Let's get your paperwork done. 413 00:20:52,019 --> 00:20:53,286 Sure. 414 00:20:56,758 --> 00:21:01,129 Yeah. It's the graveyard shift-- 8 to 6. 415 00:21:01,195 --> 00:21:03,865 Pay's not great, but we need the money. 416 00:21:03,931 --> 00:21:05,265 And when will I see you? 417 00:21:05,332 --> 00:21:08,136 I guess we'll have to get creative. 418 00:21:08,202 --> 00:21:10,104 I'm feeling creative right now. 419 00:21:10,171 --> 00:21:12,140 Oh, yeah? [CHUCKLES] 420 00:21:12,206 --> 00:21:13,775 [♪♪] 421 00:21:13,841 --> 00:21:15,375 Wait. Right now? 422 00:21:15,442 --> 00:21:20,014 [LAUGHING] Oh, my gosh! You're gonna mess up my hair! 423 00:21:20,081 --> 00:21:22,850 [♪♪] 424 00:21:22,917 --> 00:21:25,887 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 425 00:21:32,126 --> 00:21:34,294 That bad? 426 00:21:35,428 --> 00:21:36,396 It's terrible. 427 00:21:36,463 --> 00:21:38,900 [LAUGHS] But it's hot. 428 00:21:38,966 --> 00:21:40,668 Yeah. 429 00:21:40,735 --> 00:21:42,670 That's what I said about my husband. 430 00:21:42,737 --> 00:21:45,405 [BOTH LAUGH] 431 00:21:47,108 --> 00:21:49,844 If you're not gonna drink it, I will. 432 00:21:51,712 --> 00:21:53,313 Uh... 433 00:21:53,380 --> 00:21:56,449 Yeah. Sure. Take it all. 434 00:21:57,952 --> 00:21:59,887 I miss coffee. 435 00:21:59,954 --> 00:22:03,891 I miss a lot of things, but I really miss good coffee. 436 00:22:03,958 --> 00:22:07,327 Which this ain't, but it's like you said. 437 00:22:07,394 --> 00:22:10,397 It's hot. Ah. [CHUCKLES] 438 00:22:10,463 --> 00:22:11,999 I'm Melony. 439 00:22:12,066 --> 00:22:13,568 Leona. 440 00:22:13,634 --> 00:22:15,136 Have you been here long? 441 00:22:15,203 --> 00:22:16,838 Not here. Unh-unh. 442 00:22:16,904 --> 00:22:20,407 I was at, uh, Langforth, and then Wesley before that. 443 00:22:20,473 --> 00:22:22,310 Lots of us, we sort of run the circuit 444 00:22:22,375 --> 00:22:25,079 until Social finds us a place to land. 445 00:22:25,146 --> 00:22:28,516 Some of the girls, they go back to wherever they left. 446 00:22:28,583 --> 00:22:31,953 But most of us, we can't do that. 447 00:22:36,190 --> 00:22:37,525 You have any lotion? 448 00:22:37,592 --> 00:22:40,228 They never have any lotion in this place. 449 00:22:40,294 --> 00:22:42,630 It's like they never heard of ashy before. 450 00:22:42,697 --> 00:22:45,066 Don't they got lotion in the showers? 451 00:22:47,335 --> 00:22:48,870 Ladies! 452 00:22:48,936 --> 00:22:51,272 Is there any lotion in the showers? 453 00:22:51,339 --> 00:22:52,472 [LAUGHTER] 454 00:22:52,540 --> 00:22:55,176 You know ain't no lotion in them showers. 455 00:22:55,243 --> 00:22:57,712 [LAUGHS] No. 456 00:22:57,778 --> 00:23:02,183 What they do have, though, is some cheap-ass soap 457 00:23:02,250 --> 00:23:03,818 and some paper towels. 458 00:23:03,885 --> 00:23:04,986 Paper towels. 459 00:23:05,052 --> 00:23:08,222 How you supposed to dry your hair on paper towels? 460 00:23:08,289 --> 00:23:09,624 Your hair? 461 00:23:09,690 --> 00:23:11,359 Ain't no real shampoo in this joint anyway. 462 00:23:11,424 --> 00:23:12,727 RUDY: I know that's right. 463 00:23:12,793 --> 00:23:15,529 I tried putting that green stuff in my hair. 464 00:23:15,596 --> 00:23:18,099 Made it all stick together. Clumped up like dreadlocks. 465 00:23:18,165 --> 00:23:19,367 LYDIA: Nappy hair. 466 00:23:19,432 --> 00:23:21,569 When I pass my reflection in a store window, 467 00:23:21,636 --> 00:23:23,371 I say, "Ooh!" Ooh! 468 00:23:23,436 --> 00:23:27,742 "Who is that scary, messy woman? That's not--" 469 00:23:27,808 --> 00:23:30,278 "It can't be me!" "It can't be me!" 470 00:23:30,344 --> 00:23:32,046 Ooh! Girls! 471 00:23:32,113 --> 00:23:33,314 Unh. 472 00:23:33,381 --> 00:23:37,184 Um, can I get a freshen-up on the coffee? 473 00:23:37,251 --> 00:23:38,686 LYDIA: Me-- Me too? 474 00:23:38,753 --> 00:23:41,656 I feel like if you're doing them, you might as well do me. 475 00:23:41,722 --> 00:23:43,257 LEONA: Ple-e-e-ase? 476 00:23:43,324 --> 00:23:44,692 LYDIA: Ple-e-e-ase? 477 00:23:44,759 --> 00:23:49,630 When I left my house, I was running for my life. 478 00:23:49,697 --> 00:23:52,767 I didn't pack nothing. 479 00:23:52,833 --> 00:23:55,803 My hair ain't seen a brush for two months. 480 00:23:55,870 --> 00:23:56,938 Wow. 481 00:23:57,004 --> 00:23:59,340 Those little brushes they give you? Heh. 482 00:23:59,407 --> 00:24:01,275 They must be for Barbie doll heads. 483 00:24:01,342 --> 00:24:03,678 RUDY: I just want some grease. 484 00:24:03,744 --> 00:24:06,814 Any kind of grease. My hair is so thirsty. 485 00:24:06,881 --> 00:24:08,015 Girl, pshh. 486 00:24:08,082 --> 00:24:10,418 I'm about to sell mine as Brillo pads, okay? 487 00:24:10,483 --> 00:24:12,386 [LAUGHTER] 488 00:24:12,452 --> 00:24:16,657 When my hair doesn't feel like my hair, 489 00:24:16,724 --> 00:24:18,659 I just don't feel like myself. 490 00:24:18,726 --> 00:24:20,460 [WOMEN MURMURING] LEONA: You know? 491 00:24:20,528 --> 00:24:22,830 That's why I keep my hat on. 492 00:24:22,897 --> 00:24:26,033 But we can still see your kitchen back there. 493 00:24:26,100 --> 00:24:27,467 Aah! 494 00:24:27,535 --> 00:24:29,770 [LAUGHTER] 495 00:24:29,837 --> 00:24:32,273 LEONA: You're supposed to be my friend! 496 00:24:32,340 --> 00:24:35,176 [LAUGHTER, INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 497 00:24:36,410 --> 00:24:38,312 MELONY: Are you sure this is okay? 498 00:24:38,379 --> 00:24:39,714 Oh, it's fine. 499 00:24:39,780 --> 00:24:42,650 They left for a two-day revival meeting last night. 500 00:24:42,717 --> 00:24:45,586 I'm meeting them at the hotel in Jackson. 501 00:24:45,653 --> 00:24:49,489 You've got all day and all night. 502 00:24:49,557 --> 00:24:51,826 Thank you. Try not to burn it down. 503 00:24:51,892 --> 00:24:54,562 [♪♪] 504 00:24:54,628 --> 00:24:56,197 Have fun. Thank you, Dee. 505 00:24:56,263 --> 00:24:58,132 All right. Take care. Bye. 506 00:25:03,804 --> 00:25:06,273 LEONA: Hey! MELONY: Hey! 507 00:25:06,340 --> 00:25:08,943 Thank you! Hey, how are you doing? 508 00:25:09,010 --> 00:25:10,244 What is this? 509 00:25:10,311 --> 00:25:12,646 Well, you're gonna find out. 510 00:25:12,713 --> 00:25:15,116 Okay. Follow me. 511 00:25:15,182 --> 00:25:16,817 [♪♪] 512 00:25:16,884 --> 00:25:19,453 Come on, come on, come on! 513 00:25:19,520 --> 00:25:21,155 Okay. 514 00:25:21,222 --> 00:25:22,256 [GASPS] 515 00:25:22,323 --> 00:25:23,524 MELONY: Right this way, ladies. 516 00:25:23,591 --> 00:25:25,593 Oh, my goodness. Y'all. 517 00:25:25,659 --> 00:25:28,662 Ooh! I smell real coffee. 518 00:25:28,729 --> 00:25:30,031 Yes. 519 00:25:30,097 --> 00:25:31,799 A real brush! Wow. 520 00:25:31,866 --> 00:25:35,703 It's my sister-in-law's, but today it's ours. 521 00:25:35,770 --> 00:25:37,471 LEONA [GASPS]: Oh, my... 522 00:25:37,538 --> 00:25:39,640 I can do shampoo, press and curl, 523 00:25:39,707 --> 00:25:41,409 but nothing too fancy, okay? 524 00:25:41,475 --> 00:25:45,613 Oh, girl, I know my way around a hot comb and curlers, okay? 525 00:25:45,679 --> 00:25:47,281 You got grease! 526 00:25:47,348 --> 00:25:48,449 LYDIA: Yes! 527 00:25:48,517 --> 00:25:49,850 This coffee. Oh! 528 00:25:49,917 --> 00:25:52,186 Enjoy, ladies. [GASPS] Ooh! 529 00:25:52,253 --> 00:25:54,422 Yes. Thank you! 530 00:25:54,488 --> 00:25:55,756 [CHUCKLES] 531 00:25:55,823 --> 00:25:59,693 And, Miss Leona, you're first up at the sink. 532 00:25:59,760 --> 00:26:01,562 Oh! [LAUGHS] Right over there. 533 00:26:01,629 --> 00:26:03,631 No. Somebody else can go first. 534 00:26:03,697 --> 00:26:04,932 Unh-unh. No, girl. 535 00:26:04,999 --> 00:26:07,334 Age before beauty. Go ahead. 536 00:26:07,401 --> 00:26:08,803 Stop. Screw you, chicky. 537 00:26:08,869 --> 00:26:10,237 I'm just saying. You... 538 00:26:10,304 --> 00:26:12,807 Just gonna put this over you. 539 00:26:14,008 --> 00:26:15,042 Okay? 540 00:26:15,109 --> 00:26:16,844 [♪♪] 541 00:26:16,911 --> 00:26:18,379 There. 542 00:26:18,446 --> 00:26:20,114 All right. 543 00:26:20,181 --> 00:26:21,582 LEONA: Hm. 544 00:26:24,519 --> 00:26:25,886 Hey. 545 00:26:25,953 --> 00:26:30,057 I'm gonna have to take your hat off now, okay? 546 00:26:30,124 --> 00:26:31,926 Yeah? Mm. 547 00:26:31,992 --> 00:26:33,194 All right. 548 00:26:33,260 --> 00:26:35,463 [WHIMPERS] Just gonna... 549 00:26:35,530 --> 00:26:37,932 Just gonna take it off. 550 00:26:37,998 --> 00:26:40,167 There we go. 551 00:26:40,234 --> 00:26:44,438 Oh. I'm sorry. I hope it doesn't smell bad. 552 00:26:44,506 --> 00:26:47,374 No. Of course not! You're fine. 553 00:26:47,441 --> 00:26:49,243 It's fine. [WHIMPERS] 554 00:26:49,310 --> 00:26:50,579 Come on. 555 00:26:50,644 --> 00:26:53,013 Come on. I got you. 556 00:26:55,282 --> 00:26:58,953 Okay. There we go. 557 00:26:59,019 --> 00:27:00,454 [WATER RUNNING] 558 00:27:00,522 --> 00:27:03,224 [♪♪] 559 00:27:03,290 --> 00:27:05,259 [SOBBING] 560 00:27:05,326 --> 00:27:07,094 [WATER STOPS] 561 00:27:07,161 --> 00:27:09,096 Miss Leona? 562 00:27:09,163 --> 00:27:10,565 Are you okay? 563 00:27:10,631 --> 00:27:11,765 Did I hurt you? 564 00:27:11,832 --> 00:27:13,934 No. It's-- It's just... [SNIFFS] 565 00:27:14,001 --> 00:27:18,507 I just haven't been touched in so...long. 566 00:27:18,573 --> 00:27:19,974 RUDY: Go ahead, Miss Melony. 567 00:27:20,040 --> 00:27:22,511 She'll be fine. [LEONA WHIMPERS] 568 00:27:22,577 --> 00:27:24,011 You got this, girl. 569 00:27:24,078 --> 00:27:26,914 This is a healing, Miss Lee Lee. 570 00:27:26,981 --> 00:27:29,216 We're all gonna get a healing. 571 00:27:29,283 --> 00:27:31,452 [EXHALES SHAKILY, SNIFFS] 572 00:27:31,520 --> 00:27:33,420 Okay. 573 00:27:33,487 --> 00:27:35,289 All right. 574 00:27:36,724 --> 00:27:37,791 [WATER RUNNING] 575 00:27:37,858 --> 00:27:40,294 All right. Here we go. 576 00:27:41,262 --> 00:27:42,229 Is that okay? 577 00:27:42,296 --> 00:27:46,033 [♪♪] 578 00:27:46,100 --> 00:27:48,869 Wow. Just... 579 00:27:48,936 --> 00:27:50,171 Wow! 580 00:27:51,640 --> 00:27:53,508 Look at you! 581 00:27:53,575 --> 00:27:55,376 Look at you! 582 00:27:55,442 --> 00:27:59,213 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 583 00:27:59,280 --> 00:28:02,383 I'mma get this throne. 584 00:28:02,449 --> 00:28:03,618 [MUSIC CONTINUES] 585 00:28:03,684 --> 00:28:06,120 Girl, you look good! Thank you! 586 00:28:06,187 --> 00:28:10,691 [GASPS] God bless you, Miss Mel. 587 00:28:10,758 --> 00:28:13,260 You have a gift. Truly. 588 00:28:13,327 --> 00:28:15,362 You look so beautiful. 589 00:28:15,429 --> 00:28:17,932 Thank you. All of you. 590 00:28:19,433 --> 00:28:22,403 [THUNDER RUMBLING] 591 00:28:25,640 --> 00:28:27,007 Kevin. 592 00:28:28,309 --> 00:28:30,077 Hey. Mm. 593 00:28:32,479 --> 00:28:34,516 [GROANS] 594 00:28:34,583 --> 00:28:35,684 Kevin. Mm. 595 00:28:35,749 --> 00:28:37,952 What's wrong? What's wrong? Wake up. 596 00:28:38,018 --> 00:28:39,688 You know how you said 597 00:28:39,753 --> 00:28:42,356 you want to start your own ministry one day, 598 00:28:42,423 --> 00:28:45,759 when the time is right and you hear God call you? 599 00:28:45,826 --> 00:28:48,362 [EXHALES DEEPLY] Yeah. 600 00:28:48,429 --> 00:28:49,698 That's right. 601 00:28:49,763 --> 00:28:51,031 Well... 602 00:28:52,266 --> 00:28:57,338 ...I think... I think I hear God calling me. 603 00:28:57,404 --> 00:29:00,274 I think I know my purpose. 604 00:29:00,341 --> 00:29:02,042 It's something about hair. 605 00:29:02,109 --> 00:29:05,179 God wants you to be a hairdresser? 606 00:29:05,246 --> 00:29:07,448 I don't know. Maybe. 607 00:29:07,515 --> 00:29:13,220 I can't help feeling like I should...do something. 608 00:29:15,356 --> 00:29:17,258 I get that. You do? 609 00:29:17,324 --> 00:29:20,961 Yeah. Maybe you could start a hair church. 610 00:29:21,028 --> 00:29:23,864 Folks could tithe their combs and brushes. 611 00:29:23,931 --> 00:29:25,966 You could have a special roped-off area 612 00:29:26,033 --> 00:29:27,234 for folks with Jheri curls 613 00:29:27,301 --> 00:29:29,103 so they don't drip juice on everybody. 614 00:29:29,169 --> 00:29:31,038 I'm being serious. [LAUGHING] Okay! Okay. 615 00:29:31,105 --> 00:29:32,406 Okay. 616 00:29:32,473 --> 00:29:33,742 [CHUCKLES] 617 00:29:33,807 --> 00:29:36,443 Whatever you're being called to do, babe, 618 00:29:36,511 --> 00:29:38,045 I support it. 619 00:29:38,112 --> 00:29:39,813 Thank you. 620 00:29:39,880 --> 00:29:43,117 Just as long as you scratch my head 621 00:29:43,183 --> 00:29:45,786 and keep me far away from the weave choir, okay? 622 00:29:45,853 --> 00:29:47,689 All right. Yeah. Yeah. Scratch your head? 623 00:29:47,756 --> 00:29:49,223 Mm-hmm. What, like this? 624 00:29:49,290 --> 00:29:50,324 Huh? Stop. Stop. 625 00:29:50,391 --> 00:29:51,726 [LAUGHS] Give me a kiss. 626 00:29:51,792 --> 00:29:52,960 Give me a kiss. No. 627 00:29:53,027 --> 00:29:54,763 Give me a kiss. You don't deserve it! 628 00:29:54,828 --> 00:29:57,264 [TELEPHONE RINGING] 629 00:29:57,331 --> 00:29:59,867 Who's calling this late? 630 00:30:00,769 --> 00:30:02,836 Hello? [THUNDER RUMBLING] 631 00:30:02,903 --> 00:30:04,805 [♪♪] 632 00:30:04,872 --> 00:30:07,241 Oh, my God. 633 00:30:07,308 --> 00:30:09,711 Oh, that's terrible. 634 00:30:09,778 --> 00:30:12,880 I'll be right there. What is it? 635 00:30:12,946 --> 00:30:15,015 The pipes burst at the shelter. 636 00:30:15,082 --> 00:30:18,085 The whole place is flooded. They're moving the women out. 637 00:30:18,152 --> 00:30:20,555 So, what are you gonna do? Where are you going? 638 00:30:20,622 --> 00:30:22,691 Those are my ladies, Kev. 639 00:30:22,757 --> 00:30:25,326 I got to be there for them. 640 00:30:25,392 --> 00:30:27,828 [♪♪] 641 00:30:27,895 --> 00:30:29,764 [RAIN FALLING] [LOCK RATTLING] 642 00:30:29,830 --> 00:30:31,031 [SIGHS] 643 00:30:31,098 --> 00:30:34,636 I'll notify you when we can reopen. 644 00:30:34,703 --> 00:30:36,738 You should go dry off. 645 00:30:36,805 --> 00:30:38,439 Yeah. 646 00:30:38,506 --> 00:30:39,741 Yeah. Good night. 647 00:30:39,808 --> 00:30:41,375 Good night. 648 00:30:45,747 --> 00:30:47,247 Where's Lydia and Rudy? 649 00:30:47,314 --> 00:30:49,751 Both of them shipped to other shelters. 650 00:30:49,818 --> 00:30:52,052 Just waiting on my play brother Garvin. 651 00:30:52,119 --> 00:30:54,488 I'll stay with him a while. 652 00:30:54,556 --> 00:30:56,323 We're all split up now. 653 00:30:58,125 --> 00:31:00,829 I know. It sucks, right? 654 00:31:00,894 --> 00:31:02,697 You see Lydia, though? 655 00:31:02,764 --> 00:31:05,265 She gave 'em hell for making her stand out here in the rain 656 00:31:05,332 --> 00:31:08,302 with her hair freshly did. [LAUGHS] 657 00:31:08,369 --> 00:31:11,539 She was madder about that than having to move again. 658 00:31:11,606 --> 00:31:13,742 I told her, "Calm down. 659 00:31:13,808 --> 00:31:16,176 All our hair got wrecked." 660 00:31:21,915 --> 00:31:24,118 I'm sorry. 661 00:31:24,184 --> 00:31:25,787 Hey. 662 00:31:25,854 --> 00:31:27,388 It's not your fault. 663 00:31:27,454 --> 00:31:31,024 Hell, we all got to be princesses for a whole night. 664 00:31:31,091 --> 00:31:32,993 Yeah. All four of us. 665 00:31:33,060 --> 00:31:35,896 Couldn't nobody tell us nothing. 666 00:31:35,963 --> 00:31:39,466 It's just, you know, water and nature 667 00:31:39,534 --> 00:31:42,269 got the last word, as always. 668 00:31:44,905 --> 00:31:48,008 I think that's him. That's him? 669 00:31:48,075 --> 00:31:51,178 Take care of yourself. You too. 670 00:31:56,584 --> 00:31:58,553 [ENGINE IDLING] 671 00:32:00,822 --> 00:32:03,090 I'll see you again. 672 00:32:04,224 --> 00:32:06,026 [CAR DOOR CLOSES] MELONY: I just wish 673 00:32:06,093 --> 00:32:08,328 there was something more I could do for them. 674 00:32:08,395 --> 00:32:11,331 KEVIN: You were there, baby. That's enough. 675 00:32:11,398 --> 00:32:14,368 [THUNDER RUMBLING] 676 00:32:19,607 --> 00:32:20,941 Freedom hair. 677 00:32:21,008 --> 00:32:22,877 What's that? 678 00:32:22,943 --> 00:32:25,379 It's what I used to call this, 679 00:32:25,446 --> 00:32:30,618 when my hair was just itself and wild and free. 680 00:32:33,588 --> 00:32:37,958 My grandmother, she let me wear it out like this one weekend 681 00:32:38,025 --> 00:32:39,727 when my mom was away. 682 00:32:41,830 --> 00:32:46,099 One weekend of freedom in 25 years. 683 00:32:52,540 --> 00:32:55,777 Split ends, breakage, 684 00:32:55,844 --> 00:32:59,213 pain, relaxer burns, and... 685 00:32:59,279 --> 00:33:01,315 who knows what other kind of damage 686 00:33:01,381 --> 00:33:04,251 from more home perms than I can count. 687 00:33:05,587 --> 00:33:07,454 And for what, Kevin? 688 00:33:07,522 --> 00:33:09,089 Straightness? 689 00:33:10,558 --> 00:33:12,292 Why? You're shaking. 690 00:33:12,359 --> 00:33:15,195 Here's some soup. Your favorite. 691 00:33:19,667 --> 00:33:21,435 I think I'm gonna be sick! 692 00:33:21,503 --> 00:33:23,838 [COUGHS, VOMITS] 693 00:33:23,905 --> 00:33:25,907 All right. All right. I got you. 694 00:33:25,974 --> 00:33:29,142 All right. I'm here. [GAGS, VOMITS] 695 00:33:29,209 --> 00:33:32,212 Well, folks, it is not the flu. 696 00:33:32,279 --> 00:33:35,783 And, Mrs. Armstrong, you're gonna have a baby. 697 00:33:36,885 --> 00:33:38,887 Uh, I'm... 698 00:33:38,953 --> 00:33:40,722 DOCTOR: You're pregnant. 699 00:33:40,788 --> 00:33:42,422 W-- I'm pregnant? 700 00:33:43,791 --> 00:33:45,560 Baby, we're pregnant! Oh, my-- 701 00:33:45,627 --> 00:33:48,228 DOCTOR: Congratulations. [LAUGHING] Oh, my God! 702 00:33:48,295 --> 00:33:51,231 We're pregnant! Oh, my God! 703 00:33:51,298 --> 00:33:54,334 MELONY: So I've got to learn to breathe? 704 00:33:54,401 --> 00:33:58,006 Also here's a sample of the vitamins you'll need. 705 00:33:58,071 --> 00:34:00,107 Vitamins? Sweetheart! 706 00:34:00,173 --> 00:34:03,243 Pregnancy takes all of the strength 707 00:34:03,310 --> 00:34:04,812 and vitamins out of you. 708 00:34:04,879 --> 00:34:06,146 Okay. But-- 709 00:34:06,213 --> 00:34:10,952 Excuse me, but your hair is magnificent. 710 00:34:11,019 --> 00:34:12,119 Oh, my goodness. 711 00:34:12,185 --> 00:34:13,420 I've never seen anything like it. 712 00:34:13,487 --> 00:34:17,090 How did you... Where did you... 713 00:34:17,157 --> 00:34:19,928 It's a little shop called Bernetta's. 714 00:34:19,994 --> 00:34:23,598 I found it passing by in Memphis. 715 00:34:23,665 --> 00:34:26,133 She's pretty pricy. Heh. 716 00:34:26,199 --> 00:34:29,303 But, girl, she can change your life. 717 00:34:29,369 --> 00:34:33,073 There's nothing stronger than the braid. 718 00:34:33,140 --> 00:34:34,809 [♪♪] 719 00:34:34,876 --> 00:34:36,143 MELONY: I can't believe 720 00:34:36,209 --> 00:34:37,812 it took five months to get this appointment. 721 00:34:37,879 --> 00:34:40,314 KEVIN: Well, I can't believe we drove to Tennessee 722 00:34:40,380 --> 00:34:42,349 to get your hair done. 723 00:34:43,918 --> 00:34:45,053 Melony, right? 724 00:34:45,118 --> 00:34:47,021 Yeah. Hello. I'm Bernetta. 725 00:34:47,087 --> 00:34:48,121 Hi. Look at you! 726 00:34:48,188 --> 00:34:50,257 Come in! Sit down! Okay. 727 00:34:50,324 --> 00:34:51,926 And I'm gonna wash your hair myself 728 00:34:51,993 --> 00:34:53,327 so I can learn your textures. 729 00:34:53,393 --> 00:34:55,462 My textures? Your textures. 730 00:34:55,530 --> 00:34:58,498 [♪♪] 731 00:35:02,036 --> 00:35:04,438 Let me know if that's too cold or hot. 732 00:35:04,505 --> 00:35:06,774 No. It's perfect. Thank you. 733 00:35:06,841 --> 00:35:08,475 [CHUCKLES] 734 00:35:08,543 --> 00:35:10,011 Wow. 735 00:35:10,078 --> 00:35:12,513 [MUSIC CONTINUES] 736 00:35:12,580 --> 00:35:14,414 Okay. [LAUGHS] 737 00:35:14,481 --> 00:35:16,985 Is this your first time, Melony? 738 00:35:17,051 --> 00:35:18,987 Yeah, it is. I've-- 739 00:35:19,053 --> 00:35:21,022 Oh. Thank you. 740 00:35:21,089 --> 00:35:23,925 I've never done anything like this before. 741 00:35:23,992 --> 00:35:26,493 Do you know what kind of style you like? 742 00:35:26,561 --> 00:35:27,595 Oh. I do. 743 00:35:27,662 --> 00:35:31,398 I saw this woman, and she had like... 744 00:35:31,465 --> 00:35:34,201 like a hundred or two hundred braids 745 00:35:34,267 --> 00:35:37,437 all in her hair just crisscrossing all the way. 746 00:35:37,505 --> 00:35:40,074 Just swept up like a crown. [LAUGHS] 747 00:35:40,140 --> 00:35:41,308 An up-do. 748 00:35:41,375 --> 00:35:43,210 Is this for a special occasion? 749 00:35:43,276 --> 00:35:45,312 Just my life. 750 00:35:45,379 --> 00:35:47,381 I'm-- I'm five months pregnant, though. 751 00:35:47,447 --> 00:35:49,483 Oh. I see! [CHUCKLES] 752 00:35:49,550 --> 00:35:50,752 Well, let's make 753 00:35:50,818 --> 00:35:54,022 the next four months of that journey beautiful, okay? 754 00:35:54,088 --> 00:35:55,322 Okay. All right, now. 755 00:35:55,389 --> 00:35:57,491 Then let's get started! 756 00:35:57,558 --> 00:35:58,926 Here we go. 757 00:35:58,993 --> 00:36:00,862 No peeking until we're done. 758 00:36:00,928 --> 00:36:02,462 Oh. Okay. 759 00:36:02,530 --> 00:36:03,430 Here you go. 760 00:36:03,497 --> 00:36:08,503 Oh. Close your eyes and relax. 761 00:36:08,569 --> 00:36:10,571 [♪♪] 762 00:36:10,638 --> 00:36:12,607 Okay. 763 00:36:52,146 --> 00:36:53,715 BERNETTA: Melony. 764 00:36:54,716 --> 00:36:56,718 [CHUCKLES] Melony. 765 00:36:58,186 --> 00:37:01,622 Take a look, honey. We're done. 766 00:37:06,259 --> 00:37:08,830 Excuse me, miss. That's my-- 767 00:37:10,765 --> 00:37:12,499 Oh, my God. 768 00:37:12,567 --> 00:37:14,501 [LAUGHS] 769 00:37:14,569 --> 00:37:16,104 Oh, my God. 770 00:37:16,170 --> 00:37:18,840 [♪♪] 771 00:37:18,906 --> 00:37:20,407 Do you like it? 772 00:37:20,474 --> 00:37:22,110 I love it. Oh. 773 00:37:22,176 --> 00:37:24,679 Can I... Can I touch it? 774 00:37:24,746 --> 00:37:27,314 Oh, you can do anything you want with it. 775 00:37:27,380 --> 00:37:29,650 It's indestructible. 776 00:37:29,717 --> 00:37:31,519 Oh, oh. 777 00:37:33,654 --> 00:37:36,190 [LAUGHS] 778 00:37:36,256 --> 00:37:43,097 Your hair is as beautiful as you are. 779 00:37:43,164 --> 00:37:45,166 It's like what's always been inside of you 780 00:37:45,233 --> 00:37:47,367 has finally got set free. 781 00:37:47,434 --> 00:37:50,505 That's exactly how I feel, Kevin. 782 00:37:50,571 --> 00:37:55,810 It's like...everything's all coming together. 783 00:37:55,877 --> 00:37:57,578 This...Aah! 784 00:37:57,645 --> 00:38:00,248 This transformation that I feel! 785 00:38:00,313 --> 00:38:03,316 It's-- It's a healing, Kev. 786 00:38:04,952 --> 00:38:06,419 Like what if-- 787 00:38:06,486 --> 00:38:10,758 What if every Black woman in Mississippi felt this way? 788 00:38:10,825 --> 00:38:11,926 [EXHALES DEEPLY] 789 00:38:11,993 --> 00:38:14,394 Like, when we start feeling good 790 00:38:14,461 --> 00:38:16,363 and beautiful and powerful... 791 00:38:16,429 --> 00:38:18,733 [LAUGHS] ...that's a revolution, Kev! 792 00:38:18,800 --> 00:38:23,336 And, God, I just want to... I want to free women up! 793 00:38:23,403 --> 00:38:28,176 I want-- And-- And I'm gonna start by braiding hair. 794 00:38:28,242 --> 00:38:32,013 Okay. But... you don't know how to braid. 795 00:38:34,015 --> 00:38:37,285 Be real. When in your life have you ever braided hair? 796 00:38:37,350 --> 00:38:38,786 But that's not the point. 797 00:38:38,853 --> 00:38:42,123 If I know what I want to do, I can learn how to do it. 798 00:38:42,190 --> 00:38:43,658 Melony... Look. 799 00:38:43,724 --> 00:38:45,593 Bernetta told me about a huge hair show 800 00:38:45,660 --> 00:38:47,662 coming to Atlanta in a couple of months. 801 00:38:47,728 --> 00:38:50,631 They do a class on African hair braiding. 802 00:38:51,899 --> 00:38:55,570 I...Look. It's not cheap, but it's an investment. 803 00:38:55,636 --> 00:38:57,470 How large an investment? 804 00:38:57,538 --> 00:39:00,241 Twelve hundred dollars plus hotel and travel. 805 00:39:00,308 --> 00:39:01,976 Twelve hundred dollars? 806 00:39:02,043 --> 00:39:04,579 I'm not asking you for permission or for money. 807 00:39:04,645 --> 00:39:07,949 I'm asking for your support. 808 00:39:09,116 --> 00:39:12,086 [♪♪] 809 00:39:14,956 --> 00:39:16,691 KEVIN: Okay. 810 00:39:17,457 --> 00:39:19,093 You have it. 811 00:39:28,936 --> 00:39:30,972 ♪ If I cut my hair Hope I grow it long ♪ 812 00:39:31,038 --> 00:39:33,207 ♪ Back long, back time Like way before ♪ 813 00:39:33,274 --> 00:39:35,509 ♪ If I wear it straight Would they like me more? ♪ 814 00:39:35,576 --> 00:39:37,778 ♪ Like those girls On front covers ♪ 815 00:39:37,845 --> 00:39:39,981 ♪ Long hair Make 'em stay little longer ♪ 816 00:39:40,047 --> 00:39:42,449 ♪ Stay hair, stay straight Though we feel ashamed ♪ 817 00:39:42,516 --> 00:39:44,719 ♪ By the curls, waves And natural things ♪ 818 00:39:44,785 --> 00:39:46,721 ♪ Curls, waves And natural things ♪ 819 00:39:46,787 --> 00:39:49,290 ♪ Okay, one time If I grow it long... ♪ 820 00:39:49,357 --> 00:39:52,660 TALIAH: The keys to successful professional microbraiding 821 00:39:52,727 --> 00:39:56,463 are patience, precision, and efficiency. 822 00:39:56,530 --> 00:39:57,932 Move too fast, 823 00:39:57,999 --> 00:40:01,669 and you'll make mistakes that can cost you hours to fix. 824 00:40:01,736 --> 00:40:06,641 Move too slowly and you'll lose customers, money, and time. 825 00:40:06,707 --> 00:40:10,678 This is an advanced class, and I'm assuming you all have 826 00:40:10,745 --> 00:40:13,948 at least three years of prior braiding experience. 827 00:40:14,015 --> 00:40:15,116 Yes? 828 00:40:15,182 --> 00:40:16,150 WOMEN: Yes. 829 00:40:23,658 --> 00:40:27,061 Today we're using Caucasian- grade wigs as subjects. 830 00:40:27,128 --> 00:40:30,731 Now, the straightness will deliver its own set of problems. 831 00:40:30,798 --> 00:40:33,601 Take your parting combs, and let's use the mannequins 832 00:40:33,668 --> 00:40:36,737 to begin with a basic feed-in. 833 00:40:36,804 --> 00:40:39,173 [♪♪] 834 00:41:10,137 --> 00:41:12,106 [HAIR RIPPING] 835 00:41:23,617 --> 00:41:25,319 You'll never fix this. 836 00:41:25,386 --> 00:41:27,655 Take that out and start over. 837 00:41:33,861 --> 00:41:38,366 I'm the slowest, dumbest person there. 838 00:41:38,432 --> 00:41:40,868 I'm so behind. 839 00:41:40,935 --> 00:41:44,071 And tomorrow is gonna be even harder. 840 00:41:45,906 --> 00:41:49,143 [SIGHS] It's just impossible. 841 00:41:49,210 --> 00:41:50,578 Cool. 842 00:41:50,644 --> 00:41:52,146 Then let's jump in the car and get out of here 843 00:41:52,213 --> 00:41:54,849 before they charge another day's parking fee. 844 00:41:54,915 --> 00:41:56,183 Wait. What? 845 00:41:56,250 --> 00:41:58,586 Well, you're saying you just can't do it, right? 846 00:41:58,652 --> 00:42:01,389 You didn't know it was gonna be this hard, so let's go. 847 00:42:01,455 --> 00:42:03,357 Come on. 848 00:42:03,424 --> 00:42:04,925 I hate you. 849 00:42:04,992 --> 00:42:06,494 [CHUCKLES] 850 00:42:06,560 --> 00:42:08,162 You don't want to... You sure? 851 00:42:08,229 --> 00:42:09,230 I love you. 852 00:42:09,296 --> 00:42:10,431 You love me now? Yeah. 853 00:42:10,498 --> 00:42:12,166 We're chillin'? We're chillin'. 854 00:42:12,233 --> 00:42:13,534 Okay. 855 00:42:13,601 --> 00:42:14,902 Thank you. 856 00:42:14,969 --> 00:42:18,639 The hair you work on may be heat damaged, 857 00:42:18,706 --> 00:42:22,843 broken off, fragile, or chemically stripped. 858 00:42:22,910 --> 00:42:27,314 The extension should support the existing hair, 859 00:42:27,381 --> 00:42:28,849 not just enhance it. 860 00:42:28,916 --> 00:42:32,653 I want to see three different styles today, people, 861 00:42:32,720 --> 00:42:36,190 for three completely different women. 862 00:42:36,257 --> 00:42:38,225 Extensions are on the table. 863 00:42:38,292 --> 00:42:39,960 You have two hours. 864 00:42:40,027 --> 00:42:41,695 Go. 865 00:42:44,231 --> 00:42:46,333 [♪♪] 866 00:43:04,118 --> 00:43:05,820 Mm-hmm. 867 00:43:07,021 --> 00:43:09,090 TALIAH: Do you understand the assignment? 868 00:43:10,658 --> 00:43:12,093 Oh. Y-Yes. 869 00:43:12,159 --> 00:43:15,763 I just-- I just have to get to know them first. 870 00:43:17,098 --> 00:43:18,032 Know them? 871 00:43:18,099 --> 00:43:19,433 Mm-hmm. 872 00:43:19,500 --> 00:43:22,770 Okay. Who are they? 873 00:43:25,606 --> 00:43:26,707 This one... 874 00:43:26,774 --> 00:43:28,809 [CLEARS THROAT] ...is... 875 00:43:30,277 --> 00:43:32,146 Leona. 876 00:43:32,213 --> 00:43:34,014 She's not fancy, but she-- 877 00:43:34,081 --> 00:43:38,419 She wants to feel pretty and respected. 878 00:43:38,486 --> 00:43:41,222 TALIAH: Keep going. Everyone else, gather around. 879 00:43:41,288 --> 00:43:45,793 This one here, this is Lydia. 880 00:43:45,860 --> 00:43:49,463 She's all about fashion and glamour. 881 00:43:49,531 --> 00:43:51,866 But she's also really smart. 882 00:43:53,501 --> 00:43:57,071 And this last one here is Tiny. 883 00:43:57,138 --> 00:44:03,277 She's young and wild, but her hair controls her. 884 00:44:03,344 --> 00:44:06,647 She wants to control it. 885 00:44:15,756 --> 00:44:17,158 Excellent, Melony. 886 00:44:17,224 --> 00:44:18,325 Oh. 887 00:44:18,392 --> 00:44:20,094 Keep working. 888 00:44:20,161 --> 00:44:21,328 The rest of you, 889 00:44:21,395 --> 00:44:24,231 if you haven't had a conversation with your client 890 00:44:24,298 --> 00:44:27,701 and gotten a better insight into who they are, 891 00:44:27,768 --> 00:44:30,639 rip out what you've started and start again. 892 00:44:30,704 --> 00:44:33,542 This is about people first, then hair, 893 00:44:33,608 --> 00:44:35,409 not the other way around. 894 00:44:35,476 --> 00:44:36,677 Let's go. 895 00:44:36,744 --> 00:44:39,313 [STUDENTS SIGHING, MURMURING] 896 00:44:39,380 --> 00:44:42,850 Good job. Thanks. 897 00:44:46,621 --> 00:44:48,289 For the baby. 898 00:44:48,355 --> 00:44:50,291 Oh. 899 00:44:50,357 --> 00:44:52,561 [CHUCKLES SOFTLY] 900 00:44:52,627 --> 00:44:54,061 Thank you. 901 00:44:54,128 --> 00:44:59,433 You have some nerve coming in here with no skills. 902 00:44:59,500 --> 00:45:03,103 Nerves or...maybe courage. 903 00:45:05,306 --> 00:45:06,774 I just had to learn. 904 00:45:06,840 --> 00:45:08,543 I can't explain it. 905 00:45:08,610 --> 00:45:10,311 Melony, you have a gift. 906 00:45:10,377 --> 00:45:12,547 You braid from the heart. 907 00:45:12,614 --> 00:45:14,782 And once your speed and your technique 908 00:45:14,848 --> 00:45:16,685 is where your heart is, 909 00:45:16,750 --> 00:45:19,486 you're going to be unstoppable. 910 00:45:22,657 --> 00:45:25,694 Are there any more classes I can take? 911 00:45:25,759 --> 00:45:27,995 Just so I can keep practicing. 912 00:45:28,062 --> 00:45:31,131 You're from Mississippi, right? Mm-hmm. 913 00:45:31,198 --> 00:45:34,868 Well, Melony, the cosmetology schools in Mississippi 914 00:45:34,935 --> 00:45:37,071 don't even teach braiding. 915 00:45:37,137 --> 00:45:40,374 After today, you learn by doing. 916 00:45:40,441 --> 00:45:42,209 [♪♪] 917 00:45:42,276 --> 00:45:43,811 Braid everything. 918 00:45:43,877 --> 00:45:45,446 Get strong. 919 00:45:45,513 --> 00:45:49,618 The only limits are the ones you set for yourself. 920 00:45:49,684 --> 00:45:51,952 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 921 00:45:52,019 --> 00:45:55,422 I still can't believe they haven't fixed that hole. 922 00:45:55,489 --> 00:45:59,093 [CHUCKLES] We're lucky they fixed the pipes at all. 923 00:45:59,159 --> 00:46:00,961 Hm. 924 00:46:01,028 --> 00:46:04,498 How much you charge to-- to do that on a real, live person? 925 00:46:06,467 --> 00:46:08,035 I don't really know. 926 00:46:08,102 --> 00:46:09,738 I haven't had a customer yet. 927 00:46:09,803 --> 00:46:11,939 Girl, what are you waiting for? 928 00:46:12,006 --> 00:46:15,577 I'll pay you 40 bucks if you can do something with this. 929 00:46:15,644 --> 00:46:17,478 [CLEARS THROAT] Now, I washed it before, 930 00:46:17,545 --> 00:46:19,614 so you ain't got to worry about cooties or nothing. 931 00:46:19,681 --> 00:46:21,915 Girl, don't be silly. 932 00:46:21,982 --> 00:46:26,387 Rosemary, I'll braid your hair for free. 933 00:46:26,453 --> 00:46:28,255 You just pay for extensions. 934 00:46:28,322 --> 00:46:29,923 Sure. [LAUGHS] 935 00:46:29,990 --> 00:46:31,626 What are extensions? 936 00:46:31,693 --> 00:46:32,926 Oh. 937 00:46:35,362 --> 00:46:37,666 ROSEMARY: I want to see. I want to see! [LAUGHS] 938 00:46:37,732 --> 00:46:39,266 I can't take it! [LAUGHS] 939 00:46:39,333 --> 00:46:41,603 MELONY: Okay. Okay. 940 00:46:41,670 --> 00:46:42,637 You're done. 941 00:46:42,704 --> 00:46:44,238 Take a look. Ooh! 942 00:46:44,305 --> 00:46:45,406 [WOMEN CHEERING] 943 00:46:45,472 --> 00:46:48,576 A mirror! Who got a mirror? Who got a mirror? 944 00:46:49,644 --> 00:46:50,811 Hell yeah! 945 00:46:50,878 --> 00:46:53,981 [WOMEN CHEERING] [ROSEMARY LAUGHING] 946 00:46:55,215 --> 00:46:57,384 I'm gonna tell everybody I know about you. 947 00:46:57,451 --> 00:47:00,387 Whoo! You better get ready. You're about to blow up. 948 00:47:00,454 --> 00:47:01,989 [LAUGHING] Oh, my God! 949 00:47:02,056 --> 00:47:04,858 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 950 00:47:04,925 --> 00:47:08,095 [♪♪] 951 00:47:20,074 --> 00:47:21,875 [WOMEN MURMURING] 952 00:47:25,179 --> 00:47:27,948 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 953 00:47:36,490 --> 00:47:38,092 Oh. 954 00:47:38,158 --> 00:47:39,326 Ooh. 955 00:47:41,495 --> 00:47:42,996 Oh. Ooh. 956 00:47:43,063 --> 00:47:45,265 No. It's coming. Oh. 957 00:47:45,332 --> 00:47:46,634 Kevin! 958 00:47:46,701 --> 00:47:47,769 Kevin! Kevin! 959 00:47:47,836 --> 00:47:49,571 [SHUTTER CLICKING] 960 00:47:51,706 --> 00:47:52,640 DEE: Got it. 961 00:47:52,707 --> 00:47:54,208 Perfect. 962 00:47:54,274 --> 00:47:55,610 [LAUGHS] 963 00:47:57,878 --> 00:47:59,913 Dee, has anyone got back about-- 964 00:47:59,980 --> 00:48:01,915 Girl, relax. 965 00:48:01,982 --> 00:48:04,418 I told them you'd push all appointments back 966 00:48:04,485 --> 00:48:05,986 a couple of weeks. 967 00:48:06,053 --> 00:48:08,155 One lady got salty. 968 00:48:08,222 --> 00:48:10,891 She said when she dropped her baby, 969 00:48:10,958 --> 00:48:13,327 she went back to work the same day. 970 00:48:13,394 --> 00:48:14,729 No. I said: 971 00:48:14,796 --> 00:48:16,798 "This ain't no dang plantation. 972 00:48:16,865 --> 00:48:18,767 And you're not Kizzy." 973 00:48:18,833 --> 00:48:20,000 [BOTH LAUGH] 974 00:48:20,067 --> 00:48:22,871 Them nappy heads can wait. Mm-hmm. 975 00:48:22,936 --> 00:48:27,842 Melony... this is your first baby. 976 00:48:27,908 --> 00:48:31,513 You need to give yourself time to get your strength back up. 977 00:48:31,579 --> 00:48:35,517 BETTY: My chicken soup should help with that. 978 00:48:35,583 --> 00:48:38,352 [♪♪] 979 00:48:50,998 --> 00:48:54,101 Is that my new grandbaby? 980 00:48:54,168 --> 00:48:58,907 Ma Betty, I want you to meet Kevin Jr. 981 00:48:58,972 --> 00:49:00,107 Oh! K.J. 982 00:49:00,174 --> 00:49:01,876 Ooh! There you go. 983 00:49:01,942 --> 00:49:03,812 Yes. [LAUGHS] 984 00:49:03,878 --> 00:49:05,479 K.J.! 985 00:49:05,547 --> 00:49:07,181 [BABY COOING] 986 00:49:07,247 --> 00:49:08,583 Mm-hmm. 987 00:49:08,650 --> 00:49:12,453 Oh! Look at you, baby. 988 00:49:12,520 --> 00:49:15,322 K.J. Oh! 989 00:49:15,389 --> 00:49:17,224 [LAUGHS] 990 00:49:17,291 --> 00:49:18,560 [♪♪] 991 00:49:18,626 --> 00:49:20,728 MELONY: Eight hundred and fifty dollars. 992 00:49:20,795 --> 00:49:24,431 That's more in one day than one week at the shelter. 993 00:49:24,498 --> 00:49:27,569 Last weekend I made $1,500, Kev. 994 00:49:27,635 --> 00:49:29,136 But it's hurting you. 995 00:49:29,203 --> 00:49:32,072 Your fingers are stiff. Your arms ache. 996 00:49:32,139 --> 00:49:34,709 Yeah, but it comes with the job. 997 00:49:34,776 --> 00:49:36,477 If I braid full time, 998 00:49:36,544 --> 00:49:39,480 I could probably make enough to cover my half and-- 999 00:49:39,547 --> 00:49:43,116 and even rent a little studio to work out of. 1000 00:49:44,218 --> 00:49:46,554 I don't know. I could go professional. 1001 00:49:46,621 --> 00:49:48,890 I could-- I could do this! 1002 00:49:48,957 --> 00:49:52,493 I wonder if I'd need a license or something. 1003 00:49:52,560 --> 00:49:56,497 Thirty thousand dollars for a license? 1004 00:49:57,331 --> 00:49:59,868 Miss Clara, that can't be right. 1005 00:49:59,934 --> 00:50:01,903 KEVIN: Hey, sis. I'm braiding hair, 1006 00:50:01,970 --> 00:50:03,571 not flying an airplane. 1007 00:50:03,638 --> 00:50:06,073 Well, let me talk to your supervisor. 1008 00:50:07,341 --> 00:50:09,142 Hello? 1009 00:50:09,209 --> 00:50:10,745 KEVIN: What happened? 1010 00:50:10,812 --> 00:50:16,584 Same person keeps giving me all kinds of ridiculous information. 1011 00:50:16,651 --> 00:50:18,085 No license costs that much. 1012 00:50:18,151 --> 00:50:20,254 Gonna have to go down there myself. 1013 00:50:20,320 --> 00:50:22,790 KEVIN: To Jackson? That's 400 miles round-trip, babe. 1014 00:50:22,857 --> 00:50:24,024 You sure you don't want to wait 1015 00:50:24,091 --> 00:50:25,292 and go when I can help you drive? 1016 00:50:25,359 --> 00:50:27,194 Let me take the baby. Oh. 1017 00:50:27,261 --> 00:50:30,765 I'll look after K.J. You take care of your business. 1018 00:50:30,832 --> 00:50:32,567 Thank you, girl. 1019 00:50:32,634 --> 00:50:35,302 Kev, 30 grand. 1020 00:50:35,369 --> 00:50:37,639 That can't be right. Can it? 1021 00:50:37,705 --> 00:50:42,242 Oh, no, dear, the license itself is only ten thousand dollars. 1022 00:50:42,309 --> 00:50:45,580 But after you've paid the ten thousand dollars, 1023 00:50:45,647 --> 00:50:48,348 then you must attend cosmetology school 1024 00:50:48,415 --> 00:50:50,350 for two thousand hours of training. 1025 00:50:50,417 --> 00:50:53,320 Now, that'll take about a year and a half, and the cost 1026 00:50:53,387 --> 00:50:56,490 is approximately twenty thousand dollars. 1027 00:50:56,558 --> 00:50:58,893 And then upon completion of cosmetology school 1028 00:50:58,960 --> 00:51:01,261 and payment of all school fees, 1029 00:51:01,328 --> 00:51:05,232 then your license becomes active. 1030 00:51:05,299 --> 00:51:07,100 Cosmetology school? Mm-hmm. 1031 00:51:07,167 --> 00:51:11,405 But I'm braiding hair. I'm an African hair braider. 1032 00:51:12,372 --> 00:51:14,943 And I'm an Irish Catholic, dear, 1033 00:51:15,009 --> 00:51:16,911 but the rules are the rules. 1034 00:51:16,978 --> 00:51:20,314 Ma'am, Mississippi cosmetology schools 1035 00:51:20,380 --> 00:51:22,182 don't even teach hair braiding. 1036 00:51:22,249 --> 00:51:24,619 I'd be wasting my time and money. 1037 00:51:24,686 --> 00:51:26,186 It doesn't make sense. 1038 00:51:26,253 --> 00:51:29,557 It-- It is what it is, dear. 1039 00:51:29,624 --> 00:51:30,692 So please move on. 1040 00:51:30,758 --> 00:51:32,794 I will not move on! 1041 00:51:32,860 --> 00:51:34,194 I will not move on 1042 00:51:34,261 --> 00:51:37,097 until somebody in this office explains to me 1043 00:51:37,164 --> 00:51:39,667 why I'm being forced to pay thousands of dollars 1044 00:51:39,734 --> 00:51:42,436 for a course that has nothing to do with my profession! 1045 00:51:42,502 --> 00:51:45,339 I asked her to leave. She won't leave! 1046 00:51:45,405 --> 00:51:48,175 What the hell is a braiding salon? 1047 00:51:48,241 --> 00:51:49,844 I don't really know. 1048 00:51:49,911 --> 00:51:51,646 She has been quite vociferous, 1049 00:51:51,713 --> 00:51:54,015 and I'm afraid that if we don't deal with her, 1050 00:51:54,082 --> 00:51:57,317 this could escalate into an event! 1051 00:51:57,384 --> 00:51:59,119 What if she calls the press? 1052 00:51:59,186 --> 00:52:01,221 Well, all right, what can we tell her 1053 00:52:01,288 --> 00:52:02,690 to make her go away, huh? 1054 00:52:05,258 --> 00:52:07,160 What about Wigology? 1055 00:52:08,428 --> 00:52:11,264 Wigology? What is that? 1056 00:52:11,331 --> 00:52:15,202 If you obtain a Wigologist license for yourself, 1057 00:52:15,268 --> 00:52:18,438 then you can legally open up your shop. 1058 00:52:18,506 --> 00:52:21,341 Now, you'll have to take a Wigologist course, of course, 1059 00:52:21,408 --> 00:52:25,013 but for a much shorter time. About four hundred hours. 1060 00:52:25,079 --> 00:52:28,315 And the cost will be about a thousand dollars, 1061 00:52:28,382 --> 00:52:32,219 and then your license will be an additional three hundred. 1062 00:52:32,285 --> 00:52:34,488 So thirteen hundred? 1063 00:52:34,555 --> 00:52:38,158 So, where do I take this Wigology class? 1064 00:52:38,225 --> 00:52:42,897 Well, uh, that's on you, dear. 1065 00:52:42,964 --> 00:52:44,599 You know, she couldn't even tell me 1066 00:52:44,666 --> 00:52:48,670 one single school that teaches Wigology. 1067 00:52:50,404 --> 00:52:54,776 Before I left Jackson, I called six different schools. 1068 00:52:54,842 --> 00:52:57,779 Not one of them teach it. 1069 00:52:57,845 --> 00:53:01,749 How can they offer me a license 1070 00:53:01,816 --> 00:53:05,720 knowing full well I'll never be able to take the class 1071 00:53:05,787 --> 00:53:07,622 to qualify for it? 1072 00:53:07,689 --> 00:53:10,457 It's not even logical. 1073 00:53:10,525 --> 00:53:12,960 [SCOFFING] 1074 00:53:13,027 --> 00:53:15,897 This is Mississippi, child. 1075 00:53:15,963 --> 00:53:20,735 There's always something deeper than logic going down. 1076 00:53:23,738 --> 00:53:28,341 What about that old place up on Boulevard? You check there? 1077 00:53:28,408 --> 00:53:29,911 A cosmetology school? 1078 00:53:29,977 --> 00:53:31,746 That's what the sign says. 1079 00:53:31,813 --> 00:53:35,183 It's a small place, looks kind of funky, but-- 1080 00:53:35,248 --> 00:53:37,484 Are you sure? Mm-hmm. 1081 00:53:37,552 --> 00:53:39,352 Okay. 1082 00:53:39,419 --> 00:53:41,622 I'll check it out tomorrow. 1083 00:53:44,759 --> 00:53:47,095 MAN: Doesn't matter. Get this thing off my lot. 1084 00:53:47,161 --> 00:53:48,730 The truck. You can't park here. 1085 00:53:48,796 --> 00:53:50,631 I don't have to listen to you. Let me tell you something. 1086 00:53:50,698 --> 00:53:52,767 Let me tell your boss! No, get it out of here. 1087 00:53:52,834 --> 00:53:54,068 No, I'm not. Hey. 1088 00:53:54,135 --> 00:53:56,070 [MEN SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY] Hey, hey! Hey! 1089 00:53:56,137 --> 00:53:58,106 Come on! Break it up. Go over-- 1090 00:53:58,172 --> 00:53:59,540 Yeah, walk away. Come on, come on, 1091 00:53:59,607 --> 00:54:01,274 come on, come on. Walk! 1092 00:54:01,341 --> 00:54:02,577 Come on. Don't worry about it. Don't worry. 1093 00:54:02,643 --> 00:54:04,045 What's up-- What's up with you? 1094 00:54:04,112 --> 00:54:06,581 I'll get it together. I just-- 1095 00:54:08,149 --> 00:54:09,951 Just having a rough time. 1096 00:54:11,819 --> 00:54:13,821 Need to talk about it? 1097 00:54:15,990 --> 00:54:18,092 What, with you? 1098 00:54:18,159 --> 00:54:19,660 Yeah. 1099 00:54:19,727 --> 00:54:21,629 Gus, I'm not just your boss. 1100 00:54:21,696 --> 00:54:24,966 I'm a Black man living in the world just like you. 1101 00:54:27,267 --> 00:54:30,538 Look, man, I'm-- I'm having problems at home. 1102 00:54:30,605 --> 00:54:34,609 I-I can't-- I can't think straight, you know? It-- 1103 00:54:34,675 --> 00:54:37,178 She wants a divorce, but I love her. 1104 00:54:37,245 --> 00:54:38,478 Mm-hmm. 1105 00:54:38,546 --> 00:54:41,249 My minister says to-- to work it out, 1106 00:54:41,314 --> 00:54:43,518 but what does that even mean? 1107 00:54:44,886 --> 00:54:46,386 KEVIN: Yeah. 1108 00:54:47,922 --> 00:54:52,927 Why don't we grab lunch, and we can talk about it? 1109 00:54:52,994 --> 00:54:55,129 Come on. 1110 00:54:55,196 --> 00:54:56,931 You are coming at a good time. 1111 00:54:56,998 --> 00:54:59,767 The spring course is just about to get started. 1112 00:54:59,834 --> 00:55:04,437 I'm just here for the one course. Wigology. 1113 00:55:04,505 --> 00:55:09,342 Wigology? I-- I don't teach that class. 1114 00:55:13,413 --> 00:55:15,382 Wh-- Oh, dear. Have-- 1115 00:55:15,448 --> 00:55:16,918 Have I upset you? 1116 00:55:16,984 --> 00:55:19,386 MELONY: It's not you, it's-- 1117 00:55:19,452 --> 00:55:23,390 I'm just one person 1118 00:55:23,456 --> 00:55:27,161 trying to start a business, you know? 1119 00:55:27,228 --> 00:55:29,297 And I'm trying to do it right. 1120 00:55:29,362 --> 00:55:32,432 What's the nature of your business, dear? 1121 00:55:34,501 --> 00:55:36,771 I'm an African hair braider. 1122 00:55:38,005 --> 00:55:39,707 Oh. 1123 00:55:41,374 --> 00:55:45,213 Braids like these bring a lot of freedom 1124 00:55:45,279 --> 00:55:50,151 to women that have forgotten what their-- 1125 00:55:50,218 --> 00:55:53,287 what their real beauty looks like. 1126 00:55:53,353 --> 00:55:58,092 You run a school dedicated to beauty, right? 1127 00:55:58,159 --> 00:56:01,461 Well, Black women, we-- 1128 00:56:02,763 --> 00:56:06,399 We don't know our own beauty. 1129 00:56:07,969 --> 00:56:11,672 I can't teach you that class, Mrs. Armstrong. 1130 00:56:11,739 --> 00:56:15,610 Wigology hasn't been taught in Mississippi or beyond 1131 00:56:15,676 --> 00:56:18,012 for more than fifteen years. 1132 00:56:19,347 --> 00:56:21,749 What they told you was a lie. 1133 00:56:24,919 --> 00:56:28,723 MELONY: Thank you for telling me the truth. 1134 00:56:28,789 --> 00:56:30,758 I'm so sorry. 1135 00:56:41,269 --> 00:56:46,374 I'm not really good company right now. 1136 00:56:46,439 --> 00:56:49,476 That's okay. I hate good company. 1137 00:56:56,284 --> 00:56:58,485 So, I talked with three men today, 1138 00:56:58,552 --> 00:57:01,188 two workmen and one of their friends. 1139 00:57:01,255 --> 00:57:05,593 It looks like they're searching for a new style of congregation, 1140 00:57:05,660 --> 00:57:11,399 one that tells them they can do more than just wait on God. 1141 00:57:11,464 --> 00:57:14,602 They want to be proactive in their lives. 1142 00:57:16,304 --> 00:57:18,438 So I told them about you. 1143 00:57:19,240 --> 00:57:21,108 Me? 1144 00:57:21,175 --> 00:57:22,777 Kev. 1145 00:57:22,843 --> 00:57:27,615 I just hit a roadblock I can't get past. 1146 00:57:27,682 --> 00:57:30,851 I'm not exactly your proactive poster child. 1147 00:57:30,918 --> 00:57:33,788 I told them you were stuck but to stay tuned, 1148 00:57:33,854 --> 00:57:37,158 because if anyone knows how to ride shotgun with destiny, 1149 00:57:37,224 --> 00:57:38,693 Mel, it's you. 1150 00:57:38,759 --> 00:57:43,130 I've never met a boulder you couldn't smash to pebbles. 1151 00:57:43,197 --> 00:57:44,665 Mm. 1152 00:57:52,540 --> 00:57:54,675 I'm not in the mood for Goethe. 1153 00:57:55,810 --> 00:58:00,815 "The moment one definitely commits oneself, 1154 00:58:00,881 --> 00:58:03,483 all sorts of things begin to happen 1155 00:58:03,551 --> 00:58:07,922 that would never otherwise have occurred." 1156 00:58:11,559 --> 00:58:13,961 I've never heard that part. 1157 00:58:19,433 --> 00:58:23,304 "Whatever you can do, or dream, 1158 00:58:23,371 --> 00:58:25,106 you can begin. 1159 00:58:27,041 --> 00:58:28,776 Begin it now." 1160 00:58:32,646 --> 00:58:34,615 TRAVIS: Thank you for coming in. 1161 00:58:34,682 --> 00:58:36,183 I've done a bit of research. 1162 00:58:36,250 --> 00:58:39,987 Now, as you know, the Wigology course no longer exists. 1163 00:58:40,054 --> 00:58:45,726 But the Wigology exam and Wigology license still do. 1164 00:58:45,793 --> 00:58:48,329 Whoever schemed to get rid of this thing, 1165 00:58:48,396 --> 00:58:50,197 they did a terrible job. 1166 00:58:50,264 --> 00:58:56,003 But how can I take an exam if the course doesn't exist? 1167 00:58:56,070 --> 00:59:01,042 We will use the exam itself as your coursework. 1168 00:59:01,108 --> 00:59:02,977 You'll have to come at the regular times, 1169 00:59:03,044 --> 00:59:05,112 six hours a day, five days a week. 1170 00:59:05,179 --> 00:59:08,482 And the Board, they look at anyone who's 1171 00:59:08,549 --> 00:59:10,951 thinking outside the box as competition. 1172 00:59:11,018 --> 00:59:13,020 So you can't tell a soul what we're doing. 1173 00:59:13,087 --> 00:59:15,990 But if you're determined to get this license... 1174 00:59:17,191 --> 00:59:20,194 ...then I'm going to help you fight to get it. 1175 00:59:23,597 --> 00:59:26,767 [♪♪] 1176 00:59:40,014 --> 00:59:42,216 There you go. MAN: Sorry. 1177 00:59:45,920 --> 00:59:47,688 KEVIN: Yeah, this looks good. 1178 00:59:57,264 --> 00:59:59,568 KEVIN: You ladies are now in the presence 1179 00:59:59,633 --> 01:00:02,303 of a fully licensed Wigologist. 1180 01:00:02,369 --> 01:00:04,238 Wigologist? 1181 01:00:04,305 --> 01:00:06,707 Ooh! Whoo! 1182 01:00:06,774 --> 01:00:09,777 KEVIN: Passed with 100 percent. 1183 01:00:13,948 --> 01:00:15,816 What? I-- 1184 01:00:19,286 --> 01:00:20,354 Wait. 1185 01:00:20,421 --> 01:00:22,256 KEVIN: What do you think? 1186 01:00:22,323 --> 01:00:24,291 MELONY: Is this-- 1187 01:00:25,426 --> 01:00:27,228 Is this what-- It's your shop. 1188 01:00:27,294 --> 01:00:28,563 My shop? Mm-hmm. 1189 01:00:28,629 --> 01:00:31,232 You got me a shop, baby?! That's your shop. 1190 01:00:31,298 --> 01:00:32,867 Oh, my God! 1191 01:00:32,933 --> 01:00:33,901 How? 1192 01:00:33,968 --> 01:00:35,570 KEVIN: Saving up. Oh, my God. 1193 01:00:35,636 --> 01:00:36,737 KEVIN: Lots of overtime. 1194 01:00:36,804 --> 01:00:38,239 There's chairs. Oh, my God. 1195 01:00:38,305 --> 01:00:40,207 KEVIN: I've been fixing it up after work. 1196 01:00:40,274 --> 01:00:41,576 What?! 1197 01:00:41,642 --> 01:00:43,978 Wait, what is this? 1198 01:00:44,044 --> 01:00:45,079 What is this? 1199 01:00:45,146 --> 01:00:48,249 I built that chair just for you. Sit down. 1200 01:00:48,315 --> 01:00:50,284 For me? Yeah. 1201 01:00:50,351 --> 01:00:52,219 Okay. 1202 01:00:52,286 --> 01:00:53,487 Is it comfy? 1203 01:00:53,555 --> 01:00:55,189 Yes. 1204 01:00:55,256 --> 01:00:56,490 So you like it? 1205 01:00:56,558 --> 01:00:58,225 I love it. 1206 01:00:58,292 --> 01:00:59,994 You deserve it all. 1207 01:01:02,997 --> 01:01:04,431 Thank you. 1208 01:01:04,498 --> 01:01:10,271 And over here, maybe we could put some sofas and chairs and-- 1209 01:01:10,337 --> 01:01:12,907 And a coffee maker? Mmm. 1210 01:01:12,973 --> 01:01:14,842 Oh, and a sound system. 1211 01:01:14,909 --> 01:01:16,844 Just a little one. Okay. 1212 01:01:16,911 --> 01:01:20,247 Oh, Kevin, come here. 1213 01:01:20,314 --> 01:01:22,950 Here, feel this. 1214 01:01:23,017 --> 01:01:24,185 What? 1215 01:01:25,219 --> 01:01:29,190 This is what a living dream feels like. 1216 01:01:30,925 --> 01:01:33,194 I want this for you, too. 1217 01:01:33,260 --> 01:01:35,196 And your congregation. 1218 01:01:36,631 --> 01:01:38,332 Speaking of congregation, 1219 01:01:38,399 --> 01:01:43,170 I think you have some converts here yourself. 1220 01:01:43,237 --> 01:01:44,705 Huh? Ladies! 1221 01:01:44,772 --> 01:01:47,509 Pretty nice! Oh, my gosh! 1222 01:01:47,576 --> 01:01:50,277 Hi! Oh, my goodness. 1223 01:01:50,344 --> 01:01:51,745 Hey! Girl, you have 1224 01:01:51,812 --> 01:01:54,549 such a good husband. 1225 01:01:54,616 --> 01:01:56,050 Oh, my gosh. How-- 1226 01:01:56,116 --> 01:01:59,186 Wait, how? How did you do that? 1227 01:01:59,253 --> 01:02:00,421 Uh, Dee helped me. 1228 01:02:00,487 --> 01:02:01,855 We, um... Dee? 1229 01:02:01,922 --> 01:02:04,158 ...figured you'd need some support to get started. 1230 01:02:04,225 --> 01:02:06,927 And we're both on unemployment right now, 1231 01:02:06,994 --> 01:02:09,863 so we were thinking that by the time it runs out-- 1232 01:02:09,930 --> 01:02:13,367 Yes, girl! Oh, my gosh! 1233 01:02:13,434 --> 01:02:15,269 Oh, my gosh. I'm so happy. 1234 01:02:15,336 --> 01:02:16,904 I feel like I'm dreaming. 1235 01:02:16,971 --> 01:02:19,273 ♪ It ain't easy tryna give ♪ 1236 01:02:19,340 --> 01:02:20,642 [TELEPHONE RINGS] 1237 01:02:20,709 --> 01:02:22,776 Hello? Naturally Speaking Hair Salon. 1238 01:02:22,843 --> 01:02:24,411 This is Leona speaking. 1239 01:02:24,478 --> 01:02:26,715 ♪ Can't let it slide No, not this time ♪ 1240 01:02:26,780 --> 01:02:28,849 ♪ We come too far To let the dream... ♪ 1241 01:02:28,916 --> 01:02:31,952 All right. You're done! 1242 01:02:32,753 --> 01:02:35,624 [CHUCKLES] Ooh! 1243 01:02:35,690 --> 01:02:39,093 ♪ Nothing left for you to do But don't believe it ♪ 1244 01:02:39,159 --> 01:02:42,162 ♪ You got to, got to See it through, baby ♪ 1245 01:02:42,229 --> 01:02:44,164 All right, if your name is on the list, 1246 01:02:44,231 --> 01:02:46,568 you have an appointment. Just relax. 1247 01:02:46,635 --> 01:02:48,769 Wakey wakey. 1248 01:02:48,836 --> 01:02:51,405 All right. You are done. 1249 01:02:51,472 --> 01:02:52,741 [TELEPHONE RINGS] 1250 01:02:52,806 --> 01:02:54,743 Naturally Speaking Salon. This is Leona. 1251 01:02:54,808 --> 01:02:56,477 MELONY: Is this your first time getting braids? 1252 01:02:56,544 --> 01:02:57,845 It sure is. 1253 01:02:57,911 --> 01:03:00,080 Me and my husband, we're going to the Bahamas. 1254 01:03:00,147 --> 01:03:02,651 And this time I'm getting my hair wet. 1255 01:03:02,717 --> 01:03:04,018 Ooh! MELONY: Okay! 1256 01:03:04,084 --> 01:03:05,654 Get your hands off my pad. 1257 01:03:05,720 --> 01:03:06,954 Get your fingers off my pad. 1258 01:03:07,021 --> 01:03:09,156 ♪ Across the nation ♪ 1259 01:03:09,223 --> 01:03:11,258 ♪ That's going through Some... ♪ 1260 01:03:11,325 --> 01:03:12,426 Ma'am? Ma'am. 1261 01:03:13,794 --> 01:03:15,829 ♪ You gotta groove ♪ 1262 01:03:15,896 --> 01:03:17,998 You all go have a seat. I got you. I got-- 1263 01:03:18,065 --> 01:03:19,800 I said, don't touch my pad! 1264 01:03:19,867 --> 01:03:23,538 One, two, three, oh. Oh. 1265 01:03:23,605 --> 01:03:27,642 I just can't anymore. Ugh! 1266 01:03:27,709 --> 01:03:31,111 Welcome to Naturally Speaking. I'm Melony. 1267 01:03:31,178 --> 01:03:34,649 Now, tell me about who you are. 1268 01:03:34,716 --> 01:03:36,150 [BELL JINGLES] 1269 01:03:36,216 --> 01:03:37,318 Whew, boy. 1270 01:03:37,384 --> 01:03:39,688 Don't you forget to send us some pictures, now. 1271 01:03:39,754 --> 01:03:41,855 Okay, bye. 1272 01:03:41,922 --> 01:03:46,493 Whew. I cannot believe how busy we were today. 1273 01:03:46,561 --> 01:03:50,064 Girl. Lord. My hands hurt! 1274 01:03:50,130 --> 01:03:51,700 Mm-hmm. They hurting? 1275 01:03:51,766 --> 01:03:52,966 Yes. 1276 01:03:53,033 --> 01:03:54,669 Mm, this will make them feel better. 1277 01:03:54,736 --> 01:03:56,805 [GASPS] 1278 01:03:56,870 --> 01:03:58,740 Yes, it will. 1279 01:03:58,807 --> 01:04:00,040 [LAUGHS] 1280 01:04:00,107 --> 01:04:02,943 Soak your fingers in some salt water, 1281 01:04:03,010 --> 01:04:08,015 then meet me two hours before opening tomorrow. 1282 01:04:08,082 --> 01:04:11,018 Mm. Bring friends if you want to. 1283 01:04:11,085 --> 01:04:16,056 But tomorrow, class begins. 1284 01:04:25,800 --> 01:04:27,935 What am I supposed to ask it again? 1285 01:04:28,001 --> 01:04:30,270 You ask her what she wants. 1286 01:04:32,640 --> 01:04:34,074 [CLEARS THROAT] 1287 01:04:36,611 --> 01:04:37,579 Oh. 1288 01:04:46,788 --> 01:04:49,223 She said she want the rest of her body. 1289 01:04:49,289 --> 01:04:52,926 [LAUGHTER] 1290 01:04:52,993 --> 01:04:54,895 REPORTER [ON TV]: We're here... 1291 01:04:54,962 --> 01:04:56,196 ...with Melony Armstrong... Okay. Here we go. 1292 01:04:56,263 --> 01:04:58,867 of Naturally Speaking Salon. 1293 01:04:58,932 --> 01:05:03,203 Braids are what I call "Freedom Hair." 1294 01:05:03,270 --> 01:05:07,642 These braids, twists, and micro braids 1295 01:05:07,709 --> 01:05:09,176 free women up 1296 01:05:09,243 --> 01:05:11,679 so they can pay more attention to their lives 1297 01:05:11,746 --> 01:05:14,549 and not worry about how their hair might restrict them. 1298 01:05:14,616 --> 01:05:17,184 WOMAN: Tell 'em, Melony. And what inspired you 1299 01:05:17,251 --> 01:05:19,386 to do this African style hair braiding? 1300 01:05:19,453 --> 01:05:22,222 Were you born in Africa? [LAUGHTER] 1301 01:05:22,289 --> 01:05:24,491 ROSEMARY: Is she serious-- 1302 01:05:24,559 --> 01:05:26,795 [CHUCKLES] No. No, I-- 1303 01:05:26,861 --> 01:05:29,196 I was born right here in America. 1304 01:05:29,263 --> 01:05:32,132 African style braids are much more about 1305 01:05:32,199 --> 01:05:34,168 who you are than where you're from. 1306 01:05:34,234 --> 01:05:35,936 WOMEN: Mm-hmm. MELONY: Black women 1307 01:05:36,003 --> 01:05:38,238 in America need to remember their own beauty. 1308 01:05:38,305 --> 01:05:41,910 My shop exists to celebrate that beauty that all of us have 1309 01:05:41,975 --> 01:05:44,512 but that many of us keep hidden. 1310 01:05:44,579 --> 01:05:46,881 Ah! That's it! Yes. 1311 01:05:46,947 --> 01:05:49,851 That's it. Ooh, she did good. 1312 01:05:49,918 --> 01:05:52,019 DEE: She sure did. 1313 01:05:54,021 --> 01:05:55,489 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 1314 01:05:55,557 --> 01:05:58,292 MELONY: Yeah, I don't think it's the same. 1315 01:05:58,358 --> 01:05:59,861 LYDIA: It's that cheap hair. 1316 01:05:59,928 --> 01:06:01,495 Girl. It's cheap. 1317 01:06:01,563 --> 01:06:02,897 Welcome to Natur-- 1318 01:06:02,963 --> 01:06:04,799 [CONVERSATIONS STOP] 1319 01:06:04,866 --> 01:06:06,835 G'Mom. 1320 01:06:06,901 --> 01:06:09,970 [INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 1321 01:06:14,007 --> 01:06:16,711 G'MOM: Hello! 1322 01:06:16,778 --> 01:06:19,246 Hey, pretty baby, what you doing? 1323 01:06:19,313 --> 01:06:22,349 MELONY: I didn't know you were coming by. 1324 01:06:22,416 --> 01:06:27,689 I got to have an invitation to see my great grand? 1325 01:06:27,755 --> 01:06:33,160 Or to see you and this little shop of yours for that matter? 1326 01:06:33,227 --> 01:06:34,762 MELONY: Come sit down. 1327 01:06:34,829 --> 01:06:37,097 Oh, no, I'm just fine, thank you. 1328 01:06:37,164 --> 01:06:39,667 I'm very particular about my hair. 1329 01:06:39,734 --> 01:06:41,502 Mm-hmm. 1330 01:06:41,569 --> 01:06:43,403 G'Mom, 1331 01:06:43,470 --> 01:06:48,242 you've worn this wig for a very long time. 1332 01:06:49,777 --> 01:06:52,045 And underneath it... 1333 01:06:52,112 --> 01:06:56,316 ...there's hair that could stand some tenderness. 1334 01:06:57,919 --> 01:07:01,188 Come sit down. Let me spoil you. 1335 01:07:03,056 --> 01:07:04,458 Yeah? 1336 01:07:05,727 --> 01:07:08,095 Okay. All right. 1337 01:07:08,161 --> 01:07:11,098 G'MOM: All right then. 1338 01:07:11,164 --> 01:07:13,768 [CLEARS THROAT] 1339 01:07:16,036 --> 01:07:17,839 I'm just going to-- 1340 01:07:17,906 --> 01:07:21,475 I'm just gonna massage you. Okay? 1341 01:07:48,402 --> 01:07:49,737 [SNIFFLES] 1342 01:07:52,439 --> 01:07:54,842 I used to have long hair. 1343 01:07:57,579 --> 01:07:59,514 It was long and-- 1344 01:08:00,782 --> 01:08:02,684 and white. Wow. 1345 01:08:03,751 --> 01:08:05,452 All the way down to my waist. 1346 01:08:05,520 --> 01:08:06,888 [MELONY CHUCKLES] 1347 01:08:06,955 --> 01:08:11,191 Oh, I was something to see. 1348 01:08:14,062 --> 01:08:16,496 It was before I got sick. 1349 01:08:16,564 --> 01:08:18,633 I just-- 1350 01:08:20,969 --> 01:08:23,838 I just can't wear my hair like this. 1351 01:08:23,905 --> 01:08:26,106 It's okay. 1352 01:08:26,173 --> 01:08:28,643 But I don't want braids, either, child. 1353 01:08:28,710 --> 01:08:32,080 MELONY: Well, braids aren't for everyone, G'Mom. 1354 01:08:32,145 --> 01:08:34,716 But freedom is. 1355 01:08:36,084 --> 01:08:39,453 And if wearing your piece makes you feel free, 1356 01:08:39,520 --> 01:08:41,923 then that's exactly what we're gonna do. 1357 01:08:41,990 --> 01:08:44,792 Let me work on your piece, G'Mom. 1358 01:08:44,859 --> 01:08:48,462 I could restyle it for a softer look or anything. 1359 01:08:48,529 --> 01:08:50,999 That's right. That's right. Ain't no reason for you 1360 01:08:51,065 --> 01:08:53,101 to keep going around looking like Bea Arthur. 1361 01:08:53,166 --> 01:08:54,736 [LAUGHS] 1362 01:08:56,704 --> 01:08:57,872 LYDIA: Girl. 1363 01:09:03,845 --> 01:09:05,780 [LAUGHING] 1364 01:09:08,783 --> 01:09:12,386 [LAUGHTER] 1365 01:09:21,696 --> 01:09:22,797 [WOMAN SOBBING] 1366 01:09:22,864 --> 01:09:24,899 And my cousin Tanika said she could do it. 1367 01:09:24,966 --> 01:09:27,267 But she got us looking like we got mops on our heads! 1368 01:09:27,334 --> 01:09:28,936 MELONY: It's okay. And my rehearsal supper's 1369 01:09:29,003 --> 01:09:31,204 in two hours and I don't know what I'm supposed to do with-- 1370 01:09:31,271 --> 01:09:34,642 Okay. Leona, Rosemary, start unbraiding bridesmaids. 1371 01:09:34,709 --> 01:09:36,811 Lydia, come up here and help me with the bride. 1372 01:09:36,878 --> 01:09:40,715 I don't know if you can fix it. Okay. It's okay. 1373 01:09:40,782 --> 01:09:42,984 You're gonna look beautiful. This is, like, so ridiculous! 1374 01:09:43,051 --> 01:09:44,284 It's closed for the day! 1375 01:09:44,351 --> 01:09:45,953 INSPECTOR: I don't think it matters, ma'am. 1376 01:09:46,020 --> 01:09:48,321 I need to see your license. 1377 01:09:48,388 --> 01:09:52,060 Um, just a second, okay? I'll be right back. 1378 01:09:52,126 --> 01:09:54,696 [WOMEN WHISPER INDISTINCTLY] 1379 01:10:00,702 --> 01:10:02,436 What is this about? 1380 01:10:04,005 --> 01:10:05,740 Wigology, huh? Mm-hmm. 1381 01:10:05,807 --> 01:10:09,143 [CHUCKLES] Is that what this place is? 1382 01:10:09,209 --> 01:10:11,512 I need to see their licenses, too. 1383 01:10:11,579 --> 01:10:16,216 But these ladies are my students. 1384 01:10:16,283 --> 01:10:19,754 I supervise their every move. They're my trainees. 1385 01:10:19,821 --> 01:10:23,390 Ma'am, this license doesn't give you the right to train anybody. 1386 01:10:23,457 --> 01:10:27,394 Now, I'm gonna give you a citation and a fine today. 1387 01:10:27,461 --> 01:10:29,764 But if I catch you at this again... 1388 01:10:31,231 --> 01:10:32,867 ...I'll close you down 1389 01:10:32,934 --> 01:10:34,401 and may arrest you. 1390 01:10:34,468 --> 01:10:37,038 On what charge? Making a living? 1391 01:10:37,105 --> 01:10:39,674 [♪♪] 1392 01:10:41,241 --> 01:10:42,710 [DOOR OPENS, BELL JINGLES] 1393 01:10:42,777 --> 01:10:44,311 [DOOR CLOSES] 1394 01:10:44,377 --> 01:10:47,548 MELONY: The way these Mississippi laws are written, 1395 01:10:47,615 --> 01:10:51,052 it's only folks with money who can get a license. 1396 01:10:51,119 --> 01:10:53,554 It costs less time and less money 1397 01:10:53,621 --> 01:10:57,357 to get certified as a fireman or a nurse 1398 01:10:57,424 --> 01:11:00,027 or a sheriff than it does to be a hairdresser. 1399 01:11:00,094 --> 01:11:01,461 Wow. DEE: I know. 1400 01:11:01,529 --> 01:11:04,832 My shop has been flying under the radar for years. 1401 01:11:04,899 --> 01:11:07,568 But it's on private property, and I don't advertise, 1402 01:11:07,635 --> 01:11:10,071 so I probably don't exist to them. 1403 01:11:10,138 --> 01:11:11,572 Mm, that's true. 1404 01:11:11,639 --> 01:11:14,108 If women like me had to depend on the State of Mississippi 1405 01:11:14,175 --> 01:11:16,144 to certify us to do what it is we do... 1406 01:11:16,210 --> 01:11:17,578 Come on. ...we'd all still be 1407 01:11:17,645 --> 01:11:21,082 sweeping floors or working in Miss Ann's kitchen. 1408 01:11:21,149 --> 01:11:23,151 That's what they want. WOMAN: Yeah. 1409 01:11:23,217 --> 01:11:25,219 I don't want to stop learning, though. 1410 01:11:25,285 --> 01:11:27,454 I could really be good at this. 1411 01:11:27,522 --> 01:11:30,390 Yeah. I mean, I could teach you right here at my house, 1412 01:11:30,457 --> 01:11:32,226 but you can't braid at the shop. 1413 01:11:32,325 --> 01:11:34,695 But your business is gonna go right to squat 1414 01:11:34,762 --> 01:11:36,831 if you don't have some help. Yeah. 1415 01:11:36,898 --> 01:11:40,168 LYDIA: And the State of Mississippi strikes again. 1416 01:11:40,234 --> 01:11:41,669 Hmm. 1417 01:11:43,336 --> 01:11:45,673 MELONY: What if we strike it back? 1418 01:11:45,740 --> 01:11:47,275 Yeah. 1419 01:11:47,340 --> 01:11:50,511 [TELEPHONE RINGING, INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS] 1420 01:11:55,082 --> 01:11:56,517 Institute for Justice. 1421 01:11:56,584 --> 01:11:59,153 Dana Berliner here, could you please hold a sec-- 1422 01:11:59,220 --> 01:12:01,388 Wait, what? Slow down. 1423 01:12:01,454 --> 01:12:02,924 Miss, who are you? 1424 01:12:02,990 --> 01:12:04,926 Uh-huh. 1425 01:12:04,992 --> 01:12:09,297 What about the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology? 1426 01:12:09,362 --> 01:12:11,232 Put that on speaker! 1427 01:12:11,299 --> 01:12:12,667 MELONY: I am a licensed, 1428 01:12:12,733 --> 01:12:14,602 professional African hair braider, 1429 01:12:14,669 --> 01:12:17,370 and the State of Mississippi is actively interfering 1430 01:12:17,437 --> 01:12:20,007 with my right to make a living. Are you familiar 1431 01:12:20,074 --> 01:12:22,310 with the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology? 1432 01:12:22,375 --> 01:12:24,178 Oh, we are very familiar with them. 1433 01:12:24,245 --> 01:12:27,114 Could you tell us everything from the beginning, please? 1434 01:12:27,181 --> 01:12:28,516 You are not the first people 1435 01:12:28,583 --> 01:12:31,052 to ever fight back against unfair licensing laws. 1436 01:12:31,118 --> 01:12:33,554 In our very first case, 1437 01:12:33,621 --> 01:12:35,857 Pamela Ferrell and Taalib Din Uqdah, 1438 01:12:35,923 --> 01:12:38,425 two highly successful salon owners, 1439 01:12:38,491 --> 01:12:40,962 were fined and threatened with closure for 1440 01:12:41,028 --> 01:12:44,198 running a natural hair braiding program without a license. 1441 01:12:44,265 --> 01:12:47,235 Through us, they sued the government of Washington, D.C., 1442 01:12:47,301 --> 01:12:50,271 for violating their constitutional rights. 1443 01:12:50,338 --> 01:12:53,440 And D.C. wanted to avoid bad press. 1444 01:12:53,507 --> 01:12:55,408 They just changed the law. 1445 01:12:55,475 --> 01:12:57,545 So there's precedent. We can win. 1446 01:12:57,612 --> 01:13:00,982 Well, you have to remember that D.C. is not a state, 1447 01:13:01,048 --> 01:13:02,617 so the rules are not the same. 1448 01:13:02,683 --> 01:13:05,753 That's a city with a population of about 700,000 1449 01:13:05,820 --> 01:13:08,823 and a largely Black and sympathetic city council. 1450 01:13:08,890 --> 01:13:12,226 Mississippi has a population of over 3 million, 1451 01:13:12,293 --> 01:13:14,795 and a legislative body full of mostly 1452 01:13:14,862 --> 01:13:17,265 good ol' boys who couldn't care less. 1453 01:13:17,331 --> 01:13:20,101 Which is exactly why, Melony-- 1454 01:13:20,167 --> 01:13:22,103 Ah, thank you-- 1455 01:13:22,169 --> 01:13:25,273 That's why if you're going to do this, you have to be sure. 1456 01:13:25,339 --> 01:13:27,275 And you have to be brave. 1457 01:13:27,341 --> 01:13:28,709 I'm sure. 1458 01:13:28,776 --> 01:13:30,778 I mean, what choice do I have? 1459 01:13:30,845 --> 01:13:34,181 Well, you could probably strike a deal 1460 01:13:34,248 --> 01:13:36,717 with the State, keep quiet in exchange 1461 01:13:36,784 --> 01:13:39,020 for the Board leaving you and your trainees alone. 1462 01:13:39,086 --> 01:13:42,156 This case is about more than just Melony Armstrong. 1463 01:13:42,223 --> 01:13:43,724 It's about Black women everywhere 1464 01:13:43,791 --> 01:13:46,627 being refused the right to earn an honest living. 1465 01:13:46,694 --> 01:13:48,362 How could you even say that? 1466 01:13:48,428 --> 01:13:50,865 Melony, Melony, that was a test. 1467 01:13:50,932 --> 01:13:53,734 If you had said yes to that, I wouldn't have taken your case. 1468 01:13:53,801 --> 01:13:56,070 And now I'm very excited to. 1469 01:13:56,137 --> 01:13:57,437 Oh. 1470 01:13:58,973 --> 01:14:00,341 Okay. 1471 01:14:00,408 --> 01:14:02,043 Good. I was testing you. 1472 01:14:02,109 --> 01:14:05,546 Good. Have we both passed? 1473 01:14:05,613 --> 01:14:08,249 'Cause that's the kind of passion we're gonna need to win. 1474 01:14:08,316 --> 01:14:09,684 Okay. 1475 01:14:09,750 --> 01:14:12,920 This fight is not about hair, you know. 1476 01:14:12,987 --> 01:14:14,689 It's about money. 1477 01:14:14,755 --> 01:14:17,124 There are over 100,000 1478 01:14:17,191 --> 01:14:20,795 licensed cosmetologists in the State of Mississippi. 1479 01:14:20,861 --> 01:14:23,431 Wow. Every single one of them 1480 01:14:23,496 --> 01:14:26,667 paid $30,000 to obtain their license 1481 01:14:26,734 --> 01:14:29,070 and attend cosmetology school. 1482 01:14:29,136 --> 01:14:30,771 So when you do the math on that, 1483 01:14:30,838 --> 01:14:33,607 and you think about all the new licenses 1484 01:14:33,674 --> 01:14:35,509 being issued every year, 1485 01:14:35,576 --> 01:14:37,645 both the state and the schools 1486 01:14:37,712 --> 01:14:41,015 have a nice big, guaranteed source of revenue. 1487 01:14:41,082 --> 01:14:42,116 Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. 1488 01:14:42,183 --> 01:14:44,552 And they do not want you 1489 01:14:44,618 --> 01:14:47,555 to come in and mess that up. Mm. 1490 01:14:47,621 --> 01:14:51,125 Ladies, your opponents have very deep pockets. 1491 01:14:53,394 --> 01:14:54,795 You know, they're gonna come at you 1492 01:14:54,862 --> 01:14:56,764 in some pretty creative ways. 1493 01:14:56,831 --> 01:15:00,500 Lobbyists are gonna attack your reputation, 1494 01:15:00,568 --> 01:15:03,237 your background, and your credibility. 1495 01:15:03,304 --> 01:15:08,309 If I win this case, Black women will have as much a chance 1496 01:15:08,376 --> 01:15:12,346 of running their own business as any white kid with a degree. 1497 01:15:12,413 --> 01:15:14,081 Hmm. 1498 01:15:14,148 --> 01:15:17,051 You ever think about what'll happen if you lose? 1499 01:15:17,118 --> 01:15:19,453 I'm not gonna lose. 1500 01:15:19,520 --> 01:15:21,188 Good. 1501 01:15:21,255 --> 01:15:23,057 Then I'll file suit next week. 1502 01:15:24,225 --> 01:15:25,626 No turning back now. 1503 01:15:25,693 --> 01:15:28,629 Armstrong versus the State of Mississippi. 1504 01:15:28,696 --> 01:15:31,499 MELONY: I like the sound of that. 1505 01:15:31,565 --> 01:15:34,635 DANA: It's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it? 1506 01:15:34,702 --> 01:15:36,170 MELONY: How do I pay for this? 1507 01:15:36,237 --> 01:15:40,007 DANA: You don't. I.J. is funded by donations. 1508 01:15:41,108 --> 01:15:43,711 So, are we going into the courtroom? 1509 01:15:43,778 --> 01:15:46,080 No, we're going into the hearing room first. 1510 01:15:46,147 --> 01:15:48,783 Luckily, the state legislature is worried enough 1511 01:15:48,849 --> 01:15:52,653 about this going to court that they want to hear us out first. 1512 01:15:52,720 --> 01:15:53,954 Oh. That's good for us. 1513 01:15:54,021 --> 01:15:57,058 Oh. That is Representative Steve Holland. 1514 01:15:57,124 --> 01:16:00,494 He's committee chair. He is smart and fair. 1515 01:16:00,561 --> 01:16:02,196 You're gonna want to get his ear. 1516 01:16:02,263 --> 01:16:05,566 So, in the case of Armstrong versus the State of Mississippi, 1517 01:16:05,633 --> 01:16:07,935 it is important to understand that my client 1518 01:16:08,002 --> 01:16:11,639 is filing for injunctive and declaratory relief. 1519 01:16:11,705 --> 01:16:13,307 She is not seeking money. 1520 01:16:13,374 --> 01:16:17,711 She is seeking to challenge the constitutionality of the law 1521 01:16:17,778 --> 01:16:21,248 and moves that that law be changed or struck down. 1522 01:16:21,315 --> 01:16:22,817 Thank you, Ms. Berliner. 1523 01:16:22,883 --> 01:16:24,885 But that's a longstanding law. 1524 01:16:24,952 --> 01:16:27,488 You've certainly got a lot of nerve, Mrs. Armstrong. 1525 01:16:27,556 --> 01:16:30,591 Good. We got their attention. 1526 01:16:30,658 --> 01:16:33,227 [INSECTS CHIRPING] 1527 01:16:37,264 --> 01:16:38,632 [DOOR CLOSES] 1528 01:16:40,401 --> 01:16:41,735 Hey. 1529 01:16:48,909 --> 01:16:51,645 I've been offered a pastorship. 1530 01:16:53,380 --> 01:16:57,852 I told them I'd decline until this lawsuit is over. 1531 01:16:59,854 --> 01:17:02,623 Oh, don't do that, Kev. 1532 01:17:04,091 --> 01:17:05,926 Take it. 1533 01:17:05,993 --> 01:17:09,697 Look, if I'm gonna go through this, 1534 01:17:09,763 --> 01:17:14,435 I need to know you're where you ought to be. 1535 01:17:14,502 --> 01:17:19,273 Besides, I might need you to whisper to God for me a little. 1536 01:17:19,340 --> 01:17:21,809 [CHUCKLES] 1537 01:17:25,346 --> 01:17:27,281 Are you scared, Mel? 1538 01:17:28,583 --> 01:17:30,718 Mm. 1539 01:17:32,953 --> 01:17:35,189 No. 1540 01:17:35,256 --> 01:17:37,791 But I think I should be. 1541 01:17:40,427 --> 01:17:41,962 REPORTER [ON TV]: They're calling it Hair Wars. 1542 01:17:42,029 --> 01:17:43,831 Local hair braider Melony Armstrong 1543 01:17:43,898 --> 01:17:45,666 takes on the State of Mississippi 1544 01:17:45,733 --> 01:17:48,169 over the right to braid Black natural hair. 1545 01:17:48,235 --> 01:17:50,905 MELONY: Nearly 100 percent of hair braiders 1546 01:17:50,971 --> 01:17:53,542 in Mississippi are Black women. 1547 01:17:53,608 --> 01:17:56,477 So essentially, the Cosmetology Board 1548 01:17:56,545 --> 01:17:58,479 are seeking yet another way 1549 01:17:58,547 --> 01:18:01,583 to keep Black women out of the financial mainstream. 1550 01:18:01,650 --> 01:18:04,818 REPORTER [ON TV]: However, many lawmakers don't see it that way. 1551 01:18:04,885 --> 01:18:08,756 Maybe braids and cosmetology are not the same thing, 1552 01:18:08,822 --> 01:18:11,058 but they're close enough. They both involve hair. 1553 01:18:11,125 --> 01:18:13,360 REPORTER [ON TV]: Mrs. Armstrong faces an uphill battle 1554 01:18:13,427 --> 01:18:15,362 to convince the state lawmakers 1555 01:18:15,429 --> 01:18:18,332 that this longstanding law should be changed. 1556 01:18:18,399 --> 01:18:20,367 [CLICKS, TELEVISION SHUTS OFF] 1557 01:18:31,445 --> 01:18:34,248 Babe, what are you doing up? 1558 01:18:34,315 --> 01:18:36,317 What's wrong? 1559 01:18:37,985 --> 01:18:39,654 We're not strong enough. 1560 01:18:39,720 --> 01:18:42,456 KEVIN: What do you mean not strong enough? Why? 1561 01:18:42,524 --> 01:18:46,927 We're fighting by their rules, trying to change their laws. 1562 01:18:46,994 --> 01:18:49,263 We should be bringing the fight to them. 1563 01:18:49,330 --> 01:18:52,499 DANA: The cosmetology board's caving to the negative press. 1564 01:18:52,567 --> 01:18:55,269 They're willing to reduce the mandatory hours of instruction 1565 01:18:55,336 --> 01:18:56,937 from 2,000 down to 600, 1566 01:18:57,004 --> 01:18:59,907 which will lower the cost of cosmetology tuition 1567 01:18:59,974 --> 01:19:02,076 from 10,000 to around 5. 1568 01:19:02,142 --> 01:19:04,579 Now, they want to make a deal. 1569 01:19:04,646 --> 01:19:06,380 No deal. 1570 01:19:09,917 --> 01:19:13,754 I want us to bring our own bill to the state lawmakers. 1571 01:19:13,821 --> 01:19:16,890 Something that will free braiders completely. 1572 01:19:16,957 --> 01:19:19,293 No license should cost more than $25, 1573 01:19:19,360 --> 01:19:22,530 and every braider should have to pass a basic hygiene 1574 01:19:22,597 --> 01:19:25,232 and safety test, as well as a demonstration of skills. 1575 01:19:25,299 --> 01:19:27,868 And if you can braid, you can teach braiding. 1576 01:19:27,935 --> 01:19:31,805 No more Wigology. No more Cosmetology, at all. 1577 01:19:31,872 --> 01:19:35,342 The art of braiding should be set free. 1578 01:19:35,409 --> 01:19:38,379 Yes. Yes! 1579 01:19:38,445 --> 01:19:40,014 Yeah? Yes. 1580 01:19:40,080 --> 01:19:41,882 It's good, right? All right. 1581 01:19:41,949 --> 01:19:44,251 It's great. [CHUCKLES SOFTLY] 1582 01:19:44,318 --> 01:19:46,554 My friend, you married a very fierce woman, 1583 01:19:46,621 --> 01:19:49,123 and I like her so much. 1584 01:19:49,189 --> 01:19:50,824 I like her, too. 1585 01:19:50,891 --> 01:19:52,661 DANA: Okay, let's talk strategy, Melony. 1586 01:19:52,727 --> 01:19:55,597 You are gonna have to meet with a lot of powerful politicians, 1587 01:19:55,664 --> 01:19:56,864 shake a lot of hands... 1588 01:19:56,930 --> 01:19:58,566 You're making a big deal out of nothing. 1589 01:19:58,633 --> 01:20:01,302 DANA: ...and change a lot of minds before the hearing. 1590 01:20:01,368 --> 01:20:05,272 MELONY: Traffic cops and Congressmen both involve law. 1591 01:20:05,339 --> 01:20:08,342 Do they have the same training, the same licenses? 1592 01:20:08,409 --> 01:20:10,911 No! You can't-- 1593 01:20:22,791 --> 01:20:25,225 Where you going? 1594 01:20:25,292 --> 01:20:26,695 Come out with me. 1595 01:20:26,761 --> 01:20:27,995 Out? 1596 01:20:29,496 --> 01:20:30,864 Have you looked at me? 1597 01:20:30,931 --> 01:20:33,802 And there's tomorrow. No. 1598 01:20:33,867 --> 01:20:36,805 All the more reason. Just throw on a dress, 1599 01:20:36,870 --> 01:20:39,373 keep your hair wrapped if you like. 1600 01:20:39,440 --> 01:20:41,108 Mnh-mnh. But please. 1601 01:20:41,175 --> 01:20:44,044 What you doing? Mm. 1602 01:20:44,111 --> 01:20:46,581 Kevin. [LAUGHS] Mwah. Mwah. 1603 01:20:46,648 --> 01:20:49,016 All right! All right. All right. 1604 01:20:49,083 --> 01:20:51,985 I'm coming! I'm coming. I'm coming. 1605 01:20:52,052 --> 01:20:54,288 Lord, I'm coming. 1606 01:20:54,355 --> 01:20:55,856 You're crazy. 1607 01:20:55,923 --> 01:20:58,125 KEVIN: Cover your eyes. MELONY: I'm covering them. 1608 01:20:58,192 --> 01:21:00,829 KEVIN: Don't peek. Kevin, I'm not peeking. 1609 01:21:00,894 --> 01:21:02,463 All right, there's two steps, ready? 1610 01:21:02,530 --> 01:21:03,565 Okay. Ooh. One. 1611 01:21:03,631 --> 01:21:05,700 One. One more. Two. 1612 01:21:05,767 --> 01:21:07,868 Two. Okay. Perfect. All right. 1613 01:21:07,935 --> 01:21:10,904 Can I open them now? Just wait. 1614 01:21:10,971 --> 01:21:15,476 My wife, Melony Armstrong! 1615 01:21:15,543 --> 01:21:18,546 [CROWD CHEERING] 1616 01:21:18,613 --> 01:21:20,080 [LAUGHTER] 1617 01:21:20,147 --> 01:21:23,217 Oh, my God. Oh, my God! 1618 01:21:23,283 --> 01:21:25,018 Look at you! 1619 01:21:25,085 --> 01:21:26,286 What is going on? 1620 01:21:26,353 --> 01:21:29,490 Why is everybody here?! [LAUGHS] 1621 01:21:29,557 --> 01:21:31,392 Oh, my gosh. Mom. 1622 01:21:31,458 --> 01:21:33,595 KEVIN: All right, now everyone take your seats! 1623 01:21:33,661 --> 01:21:36,263 [CHUCKLES] [MURMURS INDISTINCTLY] 1624 01:21:40,735 --> 01:21:43,170 [CHUCKLES] WOMAN: Gonna be great. 1625 01:21:43,237 --> 01:21:46,708 My wife usually gets the last word, 1626 01:21:46,775 --> 01:21:49,910 but tonight is my night to speak. 1627 01:21:49,977 --> 01:21:51,679 [LAUGHTER] 1628 01:21:51,746 --> 01:21:53,280 A few years ago, 1629 01:21:53,347 --> 01:21:57,985 my wife came to me and told me she wanted to braid hair. 1630 01:21:58,051 --> 01:22:02,156 And I told her I thought she was crazy. 1631 01:22:02,222 --> 01:22:05,025 [LAUGHTER] And she was. 1632 01:22:05,092 --> 01:22:08,563 At that time, she knew nothing about braiding hair. 1633 01:22:08,630 --> 01:22:10,931 But the thing about my wife, 1634 01:22:10,998 --> 01:22:13,535 she never once let the impossible stop her. 1635 01:22:13,601 --> 01:22:16,036 [CROWD MURMURING] The improbable to her 1636 01:22:16,103 --> 01:22:19,173 just indicates a lack of imagination. 1637 01:22:19,239 --> 01:22:21,543 I once told her she never met a boulder 1638 01:22:21,609 --> 01:22:24,712 she couldn't smash to pebbles. 1639 01:22:24,779 --> 01:22:27,047 [LAUGHTER] And I was right. 1640 01:22:27,114 --> 01:22:32,052 But tomorrow, my wife is meeting more than a boulder. 1641 01:22:32,119 --> 01:22:34,254 Tomorrow my wife is coming up 1642 01:22:34,321 --> 01:22:37,157 against the powerful State of Mississippi. 1643 01:22:37,224 --> 01:22:41,061 And I asked you all here to share in a prayer of courage 1644 01:22:41,128 --> 01:22:43,665 and strength for her, my wife. 1645 01:22:43,731 --> 01:22:47,669 Because we need her to be whole, to remain unafraid, 1646 01:22:47,735 --> 01:22:52,139 and carry her undaunted cause straight to the lap of victory. 1647 01:22:52,206 --> 01:22:55,175 So I ask you all, in the name of the Most High, 1648 01:22:55,242 --> 01:23:00,113 to bow your heads, close your eyes, grasp hands, 1649 01:23:00,180 --> 01:23:05,219 go to your innermost silent place, and pray. 1650 01:23:05,285 --> 01:23:08,055 [DOWN-TEMPO MUSIC PLAYING] 1651 01:23:12,961 --> 01:23:14,394 [CROWDS CLAMORING INDISTINCTLY] 1652 01:23:14,461 --> 01:23:16,831 MELONY: Will I have to say anything today? 1653 01:23:16,898 --> 01:23:18,465 You don't have to, 1654 01:23:18,533 --> 01:23:21,435 and I'll respect your decision if you don't. 1655 01:23:21,502 --> 01:23:22,637 But... 1656 01:23:22,704 --> 01:23:26,340 But without your voice, there's just my own. 1657 01:23:26,406 --> 01:23:29,777 You are this truth, Melony. 1658 01:23:29,844 --> 01:23:32,547 I'm just your echo. 1659 01:23:34,348 --> 01:23:35,282 Okay. 1660 01:23:35,349 --> 01:23:37,384 Okay. I got it. Come on. 1661 01:23:37,451 --> 01:23:39,152 You'll be great. [CROWD SHOUTING] 1662 01:23:39,219 --> 01:23:42,524 These are local cosmetology students. 1663 01:23:42,590 --> 01:23:46,728 They were ordered to be here or risk failing their course. 1664 01:23:46,794 --> 01:23:48,328 That seems unfair. 1665 01:23:48,395 --> 01:23:51,198 Yeah. Welcome to politics. 1666 01:23:51,265 --> 01:23:54,134 Fortunately, your supporters are a lot louder 1667 01:23:54,201 --> 01:23:56,671 and a lot more fierce. 1668 01:23:56,738 --> 01:23:59,674 Freedom hair! Freedom hair! 1669 01:23:59,741 --> 01:24:00,942 Freedom hair! 1670 01:24:01,009 --> 01:24:03,778 Freedom hair! Freedom hair! 1671 01:24:03,845 --> 01:24:05,112 Freedom hair! 1672 01:24:05,178 --> 01:24:06,915 Freedom hair! Freedom hair! You've got this. 1673 01:24:06,981 --> 01:24:09,017 Freedom hair! Freedom hair! 1674 01:24:09,082 --> 01:24:10,885 Freedom hair! 1675 01:24:10,952 --> 01:24:13,555 Freedom hair! Freedom hair! 1676 01:24:13,621 --> 01:24:15,055 Freedom hair! 1677 01:24:15,122 --> 01:24:17,692 Freedom hair! Freedom hair! HOLLAND: Good morning. 1678 01:24:17,759 --> 01:24:19,126 Today we will hear testimony 1679 01:24:19,192 --> 01:24:21,395 regarding proposed bills that would change the laws 1680 01:24:21,461 --> 01:24:25,033 that apply to African hair braiding in Mississippi. 1681 01:24:25,098 --> 01:24:27,802 Ms. Berliner, we will first hear from you. 1682 01:24:27,869 --> 01:24:29,436 Thank you. 1683 01:24:29,503 --> 01:24:32,372 The current law denies hair braiders like Melony Armstrong 1684 01:24:32,439 --> 01:24:35,175 their constitutional right guaranteed 1685 01:24:35,242 --> 01:24:36,778 by the Fourteenth Amendment-- 1686 01:24:36,844 --> 01:24:39,479 The right to earn a living in their chosen field. 1687 01:24:39,547 --> 01:24:43,483 The current laws in place with the State Board of Cosmetology 1688 01:24:43,551 --> 01:24:48,523 make it virtually impossible for hair braiders to be trained, 1689 01:24:48,590 --> 01:24:52,961 to train others, and to obtain a license truly relevant 1690 01:24:53,027 --> 01:24:55,395 to the work that they do. 1691 01:24:55,462 --> 01:24:58,098 The entire system of cosmetology 1692 01:24:58,165 --> 01:25:00,267 dates back to the early 1900s. 1693 01:25:00,334 --> 01:25:02,837 It doesn't make sense anymore, 1694 01:25:02,904 --> 01:25:05,940 but a lot of people make a lot of money from it, 1695 01:25:06,007 --> 01:25:09,409 and those people make sure that the rules don't change. 1696 01:25:09,476 --> 01:25:12,212 They don't care about the lives destroyed 1697 01:25:12,279 --> 01:25:14,716 when thousands of women cannot work. 1698 01:25:14,782 --> 01:25:17,652 And you might ask yourself how this could be so. 1699 01:25:17,719 --> 01:25:21,254 But to answer, you only need to look at Melony, 1700 01:25:21,321 --> 01:25:23,625 and then look around you. 1701 01:25:24,892 --> 01:25:28,295 There is not one person who understands Black hair 1702 01:25:28,362 --> 01:25:32,165 or African micro braiding at a single cosmetology school 1703 01:25:32,232 --> 01:25:34,535 in the entire state of Mississippi. 1704 01:25:34,602 --> 01:25:35,803 Not one. 1705 01:25:35,870 --> 01:25:40,074 Yet it is into this unbending wall of ignorance 1706 01:25:40,140 --> 01:25:41,676 that Melony Armstrong 1707 01:25:41,743 --> 01:25:45,513 and any person who wishes to practice African braiding 1708 01:25:45,580 --> 01:25:48,248 in the traditional styles is meant to throw themselves. 1709 01:25:48,315 --> 01:25:50,484 In return for what? 1710 01:25:50,551 --> 01:25:52,452 Nothing. 1711 01:25:52,520 --> 01:25:56,591 These archaic laws have to change. 1712 01:25:56,658 --> 01:26:01,029 And the bill that we are putting before you today 1713 01:26:01,095 --> 01:26:03,564 for your consideration... 1714 01:26:03,631 --> 01:26:06,134 ...can fix what's broken immediately. 1715 01:26:06,199 --> 01:26:07,702 [CROWD MURMURS IN AGREEMENT] 1716 01:26:07,769 --> 01:26:09,637 [APPLAUSE] 1717 01:26:09,704 --> 01:26:10,838 Thank you. 1718 01:26:10,905 --> 01:26:12,907 [BILLINGS CHUCKLES] 1719 01:26:12,974 --> 01:26:14,642 Mm, mm, mm. 1720 01:26:14,709 --> 01:26:20,380 That was, uh, poetic and emotional, 1721 01:26:20,447 --> 01:26:25,720 but it's mere smoke and mirrors of the real point 1722 01:26:25,787 --> 01:26:27,722 of why we're here. 1723 01:26:27,789 --> 01:26:31,358 You don't keep a clean aesthetic by letting folks run wild. 1724 01:26:31,425 --> 01:26:34,962 If somebody touches your hair or your skin, 1725 01:26:35,029 --> 01:26:36,764 they need to be regulated. 1726 01:26:36,831 --> 01:26:40,668 If anybody touches my hair or my wife's hair, 1727 01:26:40,735 --> 01:26:44,271 I would want to know that they are clean, 1728 01:26:44,337 --> 01:26:47,274 licensed, and accountable. 1729 01:26:47,340 --> 01:26:49,043 We wouldn't want some bum off the street 1730 01:26:49,110 --> 01:26:50,210 washing our hair, now, would we? 1731 01:26:50,277 --> 01:26:51,211 DANA: Mr. Chairman? 1732 01:26:51,278 --> 01:26:53,548 Please stick to the point. 1733 01:26:53,614 --> 01:26:55,616 BILLINGS: I think I've made my point. 1734 01:26:55,683 --> 01:26:57,952 [CLEARS THROAT] Now, Ms. Berliner, 1735 01:26:58,019 --> 01:26:59,721 do you have anything further to add? 1736 01:26:59,787 --> 01:27:02,222 DANA: No. Thank you, Senator Holland. 1737 01:27:03,356 --> 01:27:05,059 I want to talk. 1738 01:27:05,126 --> 01:27:07,562 My client would like to speak. 1739 01:27:09,664 --> 01:27:10,965 [CLEARS THROAT] 1740 01:27:14,102 --> 01:27:15,937 [SIGHS] 1741 01:27:16,003 --> 01:27:18,906 My name is Melony Armstrong. 1742 01:27:18,973 --> 01:27:22,810 I'm not a lawyer or a politician. 1743 01:27:22,877 --> 01:27:24,679 I became a braider 1744 01:27:24,746 --> 01:27:29,083 as a way to touch and heal Black women's souls. 1745 01:27:29,150 --> 01:27:35,056 I wanted to restore to us a clear and unfiltered vision 1746 01:27:35,123 --> 01:27:38,159 of our own grace and beauty. 1747 01:27:38,226 --> 01:27:42,730 I was tired of us only seeing ourselves through a hot combed, 1748 01:27:42,797 --> 01:27:45,265 fried, and chemically treated lens. 1749 01:27:45,332 --> 01:27:49,570 We deserve a chance to just be who we are. 1750 01:27:49,637 --> 01:27:51,739 [CROWD MURMURS IN AGREEMENT] 1751 01:27:51,806 --> 01:27:55,475 Braiding can give Black women a leg up in their self-esteem 1752 01:27:55,543 --> 01:27:57,745 and a footing in the workplace, 1753 01:27:57,812 --> 01:28:01,549 and it's exactly that financial opportunity 1754 01:28:01,616 --> 01:28:05,520 that the Cosmetology Board wants to suppress. 1755 01:28:05,586 --> 01:28:08,523 They don't want to teach hair braiding. 1756 01:28:08,589 --> 01:28:11,391 They don't want anything to do with us. 1757 01:28:11,458 --> 01:28:14,562 They just want to take our time and money 1758 01:28:14,629 --> 01:28:16,697 and give us nothing in return. 1759 01:28:16,764 --> 01:28:17,832 MAN: Right. 1760 01:28:17,899 --> 01:28:20,535 The bill that I'm urging you to pass 1761 01:28:20,601 --> 01:28:23,204 will put an end to that. 1762 01:28:23,271 --> 01:28:26,107 When I first started this journey, 1763 01:28:26,174 --> 01:28:28,709 I didn't know how to braid. 1764 01:28:28,776 --> 01:28:30,377 Now? 1765 01:28:31,813 --> 01:28:35,415 [SPECTATORS CHEERING AND APPLAUDING] 1766 01:28:39,720 --> 01:28:42,957 I am the voice of any Black woman in Mississippi 1767 01:28:43,024 --> 01:28:47,128 or in the world that wants to create this for a living. 1768 01:28:47,195 --> 01:28:48,461 MAN: Yes. WOMAN: Yes. 1769 01:28:48,529 --> 01:28:51,232 To the State of Mississippi in general, 1770 01:28:51,299 --> 01:28:53,701 and to the Mississippi Board of Cosmetology 1771 01:28:53,768 --> 01:28:58,172 specifically, I say, let my people braid. 1772 01:28:58,239 --> 01:28:59,974 MAN: Yes. 1773 01:29:00,041 --> 01:29:01,909 [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] 1774 01:29:01,976 --> 01:29:03,544 Thank you. 1775 01:29:09,784 --> 01:29:12,520 BILLINGS: This woman is not who she says she is. 1776 01:29:12,587 --> 01:29:15,289 She's not even from Mississippi. 1777 01:29:15,355 --> 01:29:18,125 Melony Armstrong is a college dropout. 1778 01:29:18,192 --> 01:29:21,729 She has been cited for employing unregistered workers. 1779 01:29:21,796 --> 01:29:23,965 She's not even qualified to touch a dog's hair. 1780 01:29:24,031 --> 01:29:25,266 Mr. Chairman, that-- 1781 01:29:25,333 --> 01:29:27,268 Mr. Billings, your vitriol is disappointing 1782 01:29:27,335 --> 01:29:28,870 and an embarrassment to this state. 1783 01:29:28,936 --> 01:29:30,705 The Board should be ashamed of itself 1784 01:29:30,771 --> 01:29:32,340 for allowing these tactics, 1785 01:29:32,405 --> 01:29:34,275 which are unseemly in any legislative hearing. 1786 01:29:34,342 --> 01:29:37,044 Now if you are done, sir, please be seated. 1787 01:29:37,111 --> 01:29:38,880 [CROWD MURMURING IN AGREEMENT] 1788 01:29:38,946 --> 01:29:42,516 Now, hair braiding should have never been an issue 1789 01:29:42,583 --> 01:29:44,652 to come before this legislative body. 1790 01:29:44,719 --> 01:29:48,556 It is clearly a cultural art form. 1791 01:29:49,957 --> 01:29:52,226 And if it can be a means of financial support, too, 1792 01:29:52,293 --> 01:29:53,493 well, so much the better. 1793 01:29:53,561 --> 01:29:55,563 Mr. Chairman, please-- Mr. Billings. 1794 01:29:55,630 --> 01:29:58,532 You can inform the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology 1795 01:29:58,599 --> 01:29:59,934 that I'm not recommending their bill 1796 01:30:00,001 --> 01:30:02,169 for further regulation moves forward. 1797 01:30:02,236 --> 01:30:04,105 However, I strongly advise 1798 01:30:04,171 --> 01:30:06,874 that Ms. Armstrong's bill to remove hair braiding 1799 01:30:06,941 --> 01:30:10,211 from any jurisdiction the Cosmetology Board holds now 1800 01:30:10,278 --> 01:30:11,846 or may ever hold in the future, 1801 01:30:11,913 --> 01:30:14,615 be approved by the State House and Senate 1802 01:30:14,682 --> 01:30:17,385 and signed into law by the governor. 1803 01:30:17,450 --> 01:30:19,220 Yes. Yes! 1804 01:30:19,287 --> 01:30:20,755 All right! 1805 01:30:22,123 --> 01:30:23,357 Thank you. 1806 01:30:23,423 --> 01:30:25,259 [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE] 1807 01:30:25,326 --> 01:30:27,361 DANA: You did it. 1808 01:30:27,427 --> 01:30:31,832 [CHEERS AND APPLAUSE CONTINUE] 1809 01:30:31,899 --> 01:30:37,705 ♪ The sun is comin' up again ♪ 1810 01:30:40,041 --> 01:30:45,379 ♪ These winds of change Are blowin' in ♪ 1811 01:30:45,445 --> 01:30:49,517 ♪ And I know ♪ 1812 01:30:49,583 --> 01:30:52,353 ♪ Yes, I know ♪ 1813 01:30:52,420 --> 01:30:53,621 Wow. 1814 01:30:53,688 --> 01:30:55,990 ♪ It feels like freedom ♪ 1815 01:30:56,057 --> 01:30:57,792 All right, all right. 1816 01:31:00,161 --> 01:31:04,732 "My hair defies gravity." [CROWD MURMURING IN AGREEMENT] 1817 01:31:04,799 --> 01:31:06,834 "She is rebellious and will never lay down 1818 01:31:06,901 --> 01:31:09,971 unless she wants to." [CROWD MURMURING IN AGREEMENT] 1819 01:31:10,037 --> 01:31:12,673 "She is soft as a sponge..." WOMAN: Yes. 1820 01:31:12,740 --> 01:31:14,909 "...and brutal as a Brillo pad." 1821 01:31:14,976 --> 01:31:16,610 [LAUGHTER] 1822 01:31:16,677 --> 01:31:19,580 "She can go from lyin' down to Lion King 1823 01:31:19,647 --> 01:31:22,049 with just three drops of rain! 1824 01:31:23,483 --> 01:31:26,320 [VOICE BREAKING] My hair takes no prisoners." 1825 01:31:26,387 --> 01:31:27,722 [CROWD CONTINUES MURMURING AGREEMENT] 1826 01:31:27,788 --> 01:31:30,358 "My hair hides infinite secrets." 1827 01:31:30,424 --> 01:31:31,726 [CROWD MURMURING IN AGREEMENT] 1828 01:31:31,792 --> 01:31:37,465 "Sometimes I feel she is magical. 1829 01:31:37,531 --> 01:31:40,334 And sometimes I feel she is possessed." 1830 01:31:40,401 --> 01:31:42,370 [LAUGHTER] 1831 01:31:42,436 --> 01:31:44,572 "She looks like she can be controlled. 1832 01:31:44,638 --> 01:31:45,906 But she can't." 1833 01:31:45,973 --> 01:31:47,942 WOMAN 1: No. WOMAN 2: No, no, no. 1834 01:31:48,009 --> 01:31:51,312 "Gel, hairspray, goo, and prayers are useless." 1835 01:31:51,379 --> 01:31:52,780 [LAUGHTER] 1836 01:31:52,847 --> 01:31:54,715 "She is silent except 1837 01:31:54,782 --> 01:31:59,086 when a flat iron makes her hiss. 1838 01:31:59,153 --> 01:32:01,555 My hair has attitude." 1839 01:32:01,622 --> 01:32:03,090 MAN: Yeah! Yes. 1840 01:32:03,157 --> 01:32:05,393 "She is born to be wild!" 1841 01:32:05,459 --> 01:32:07,528 [CROWD CHEERING] 1842 01:32:07,595 --> 01:32:10,398 Freedom Hair at last! 1843 01:32:10,464 --> 01:32:12,199 Yes! 1844 01:32:12,266 --> 01:32:15,669 CROWD [CHANTING]: Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair! 1845 01:32:15,736 --> 01:32:18,739 Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair! ♪ And my sisters ♪ 1846 01:32:18,806 --> 01:32:21,375 Freedom Hair! ♪ And my brothers ♪ 1847 01:32:21,442 --> 01:32:24,245 Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair! 1848 01:32:24,311 --> 01:32:26,680 Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair! 1849 01:32:26,747 --> 01:32:32,186 ♪ I see 'em comin' together ♪ 1850 01:32:32,253 --> 01:32:34,755 ♪ And, oh ♪ 1851 01:32:34,822 --> 01:32:38,826 ♪ Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, yeah ♪ 1852 01:32:38,893 --> 01:32:44,265 ♪ Said it feels like freedom 1853 01:32:44,331 --> 01:32:48,636 ♪ Are you ready now? Yes, I'm ready now ♪ 1854 01:32:48,702 --> 01:32:52,440 ♪ For a change to come ♪ 1855 01:32:52,507 --> 01:32:56,677 ♪ Feet, don't fail me now 'Cause I'm ready now ♪ 1856 01:32:56,744 --> 01:33:00,314 ♪ To move on ♪ 1857 01:33:00,381 --> 01:33:04,618 ♪ Are you ready now? Yes, I'm ready now ♪ 1858 01:33:04,685 --> 01:33:08,722 ♪ For a change to come ♪ 1859 01:33:08,789 --> 01:33:12,793 ♪ Feet, don't fail me now 'Cause I'm ready now ♪ 1860 01:33:12,860 --> 01:33:17,098 ♪ To move on ♪ 1861 01:33:17,164 --> 01:33:21,536 ♪ Freedom ♪ 1862 01:33:21,602 --> 01:33:25,574 ♪ Freedom ♪ ♪ Whoo-hoo ♪ 1863 01:33:25,639 --> 01:33:29,844 ♪ Freedom ♪ ♪ Whoo-hoo-ooh ♪ 1864 01:33:29,910 --> 01:33:34,281 ♪ Freedom ♪ ♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪ 1865 01:33:34,348 --> 01:33:40,754 ♪ Freedom ♪ 1866 01:33:41,755 --> 01:33:43,824 ♪ Freedom ♪ 1867 01:33:43,891 --> 01:33:46,127 ♪ I might not be here ♪ 1868 01:33:46,193 --> 01:33:47,529 ♪ Freedom ♪ 1869 01:33:47,596 --> 01:33:51,198 ♪ You know I'm free ♪ 1870 01:33:58,339 --> 01:34:02,309 [FOLK COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYING] 1871 01:34:10,718 --> 01:34:13,921 ♪ Put my feet Under cold water ♪ 1872 01:34:13,988 --> 01:34:16,190 ♪ Whenever I get home ♪ 1873 01:34:16,257 --> 01:34:19,793 ♪ And I tell myself That I did it all better ♪ 1874 01:34:19,860 --> 01:34:22,863 ♪ Than I might have done ♪ 1875 01:34:22,930 --> 01:34:25,900 ♪ I came up Like a paper daughter ♪ 1876 01:34:25,966 --> 01:34:28,669 ♪ Fallen with The afterthought ♪ 1877 01:34:28,736 --> 01:34:34,675 ♪ And the tender mercy that I Was after came hard won ♪ 1878 01:34:34,742 --> 01:34:37,178 ♪ Hard won ♪ 1879 01:34:48,590 --> 01:34:52,126 ♪ Oh, how I've tried ♪ 1880 01:34:52,193 --> 01:34:56,230 ♪ Keeping you in my mind ♪ 1881 01:35:00,734 --> 01:35:04,305 ♪ And I've done my time ♪ 1882 01:35:04,371 --> 01:35:08,709 ♪ Lying awake at night ♪ 1883 01:35:12,313 --> 01:35:16,750 ♪ But, oh ♪ 1884 01:35:18,819 --> 01:35:23,090 ♪ Those lonely times are done ♪ 1885 01:35:24,559 --> 01:35:29,664 ♪ And, oh ♪ 1886 01:35:29,730 --> 01:35:32,466 ♪ It was hard won ♪ 1887 01:35:36,303 --> 01:35:38,973 ♪ Hard won ♪ 1888 01:35:42,743 --> 01:35:45,946 ♪ Found myself In a strange new land ♪ 1889 01:35:46,013 --> 01:35:48,717 ♪ Without a hand to hold ♪ 1890 01:35:48,782 --> 01:35:50,417 ♪ And I was mad at God ♪ 1891 01:35:50,484 --> 01:35:55,189 ♪ For leaving me standing In bitter sun ♪ 1892 01:35:55,256 --> 01:36:01,095 ♪ But I kept hanging on To the very end of my rope ♪ 1893 01:36:01,161 --> 01:36:06,900 ♪ When sitting down all right With myself came hard won ♪ 1894 01:36:06,967 --> 01:36:09,403 ♪ Hard won ♪ 1895 01:36:20,781 --> 01:36:24,586 ♪ Oh, how I've tried ♪ 1896 01:36:24,653 --> 01:36:28,322 ♪ Keeping you in my mind ♪ 1897 01:36:32,860 --> 01:36:36,698 ♪ And I've done my time ♪ 1898 01:36:36,765 --> 01:36:40,901 ♪ Lying awake at night ♪ 1899 01:36:44,438 --> 01:36:48,976 ♪ But, oh ♪ 1900 01:36:50,978 --> 01:36:56,518 ♪ Those lonely times are done ♪ 1901 01:36:56,584 --> 01:37:01,690 ♪ And, oh ♪ 1902 01:37:01,756 --> 01:37:04,925 ♪ It was hard won ♪ 1903 01:37:08,697 --> 01:37:10,864 ♪ Hard won ♪ 1904 01:37:15,169 --> 01:37:18,272 ♪ I was up On the Third Street Bridge ♪ 1905 01:37:18,339 --> 01:37:21,241 ♪ The night you got my letter ♪ 1906 01:37:21,308 --> 01:37:27,081 ♪ I was singing out in Virginia When you found someone ♪ 1907 01:37:27,147 --> 01:37:32,886 ♪ I had to lay your memory down On the altar of my anger ♪ 1908 01:37:32,953 --> 01:37:39,493 ♪ And the peace of mind that I Finally found came hard won ♪ 1909 01:37:39,561 --> 01:37:42,296 ♪ Hard won ♪ 1910 01:37:52,973 --> 01:37:56,778 ♪ Oh, how I've tried ♪ 1911 01:37:56,845 --> 01:38:00,582 ♪ Keeping you in my mind ♪ 1912 01:38:05,185 --> 01:38:08,956 ♪ And I've done my time ♪ 1913 01:38:09,022 --> 01:38:13,160 ♪ Lying awake at night ♪ 1914 01:38:16,930 --> 01:38:21,335 ♪ But, oh ♪ 1915 01:38:23,270 --> 01:38:28,710 ♪ Those lonely times are done ♪ 1916 01:38:28,777 --> 01:38:34,348 ♪ And I know, oh ♪ 1917 01:38:34,415 --> 01:38:40,655 ♪ Yeah, I know I know, I know ♪ 1918 01:38:40,722 --> 01:38:46,193 ♪ Yeah, I know, oh ♪ 1919 01:38:46,260 --> 01:38:49,463 ♪ It was hard won ♪ 1920 01:38:53,467 --> 01:38:55,936 ♪ Hard won ♪ 1921 01:39:01,408 --> 01:39:05,379 [♪♪] 137938