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1
00:00:34,207 --> 00:00:37,297
Melony.
2
00:00:37,297 --> 00:00:38,298
Melony!
3
00:00:40,300 --> 00:00:41,736
Melony!
4
00:00:41,736 --> 00:00:43,695
Come on, now.
5
00:00:43,695 --> 00:00:49,092
Melony! Come on.
6
00:00:51,790 --> 00:00:53,487
You hear me calling you.
7
00:00:55,054 --> 00:00:56,621
GREAT-AUNT: Come on.
Come on, now.
8
00:00:56,621 --> 00:00:58,840
Let's get it, girl.
9
00:00:58,840 --> 00:01:02,496
Stop fidgeting, Melony.
But it hurts.
10
00:01:02,496 --> 00:01:05,064
I know it does, baby, but when
your mama's through with you,
11
00:01:05,064 --> 00:01:07,284
you're gonna look like
a pretty little angel
12
00:01:07,284 --> 00:01:09,416
and not like
some woolly old lion.
13
00:01:09,416 --> 00:01:12,767
Ow! Why?
I don't want to be an angel.
14
00:01:12,767 --> 00:01:14,726
I'd rather be a lion.
15
00:01:14,726 --> 00:01:17,163
Why can't I have
my hair like this?
16
00:01:17,163 --> 00:01:20,253
Look at this. Look at this.
17
00:01:20,253 --> 00:01:23,038
Baby, you can't go nowhere
looking like that.
18
00:01:23,038 --> 00:01:24,997
Nowhere. Nowhere.
19
00:01:24,997 --> 00:01:27,173
Melony, sit down.
20
00:01:27,173 --> 00:01:29,175
Look. She's just free, honey.
21
00:01:29,175 --> 00:01:31,351
Look at her.
22
00:01:31,351 --> 00:01:35,050
Melony! Sit down.
23
00:01:35,050 --> 00:01:37,096
GREAT-AUNT:
She just free, ain't she?
24
00:01:45,104 --> 00:01:47,976
Ode to my hair.
25
00:01:47,976 --> 00:01:50,892
My hair defies gravity.
26
00:01:50,892 --> 00:01:53,068
She is rebellious
27
00:01:53,068 --> 00:01:55,288
and will never lay down
unless she wants to.
28
00:01:57,464 --> 00:02:02,339
She is soft as a sponge
and brutal as a Brillo pad.
29
00:02:02,339 --> 00:02:05,124
She can go from lyin' down
to Lion King
30
00:02:05,124 --> 00:02:08,867
with just three drops of rain.
31
00:02:08,867 --> 00:02:10,825
My hair--
Stop there, please.
32
00:02:12,653 --> 00:02:15,482
Miss Renshaw, would you tell me
33
00:02:15,482 --> 00:02:18,529
what you thought
this assignment was?
34
00:02:18,529 --> 00:02:23,490
Well, you asked us to explore
a part of our personal psyche
35
00:02:23,490 --> 00:02:26,014
that we considered to be--
Substantial.
36
00:02:26,014 --> 00:02:27,929
That's right. Identifying.
37
00:02:27,929 --> 00:02:29,931
And you chose your hair.
38
00:02:32,020 --> 00:02:33,500
Hair, Miss Renshaw.
39
00:02:33,500 --> 00:02:36,590
Perhaps next to toenails...
40
00:02:36,590 --> 00:02:39,898
...the most superficial and
transient aspect of a person.
41
00:02:39,898 --> 00:02:42,683
When the hippies grew
their hair long in the '70s,
42
00:02:42,683 --> 00:02:45,295
they were making a huge
social statement.
43
00:02:45,295 --> 00:02:47,688
And what statement
are you making?
44
00:02:50,822 --> 00:02:52,389
Do the assignment over.
45
00:02:52,389 --> 00:02:55,522
And this time, dig deeper.
46
00:02:55,522 --> 00:02:56,871
Next.
47
00:02:59,613 --> 00:03:01,093
Hair is a hallmark of beauty.
48
00:03:01,093 --> 00:03:03,748
Whole societies have put
great value on hair,
49
00:03:03,748 --> 00:03:06,098
from ancient Egyptians
to feudal Chinese.
50
00:03:06,098 --> 00:03:09,014
And for him to just dismiss me
like that--
51
00:03:09,014 --> 00:03:10,668
Ooh!
52
00:03:10,668 --> 00:03:12,104
Oh, God.
I'm so sorry.
53
00:03:12,104 --> 00:03:14,193
No harm done.
54
00:03:14,193 --> 00:03:16,717
Whoever you were telling off
sure had it coming to him.
55
00:03:16,717 --> 00:03:19,111
Oh, you heard me?
Kind of hard not to.
56
00:03:19,111 --> 00:03:21,287
It's just my professor. He--
57
00:03:21,287 --> 00:03:23,898
Can I ask you something?
Okay.
58
00:03:23,898 --> 00:03:25,683
Is hair a thing to you?
59
00:03:25,683 --> 00:03:28,207
Like not your hair specifically.
Just hair in general.
60
00:03:28,207 --> 00:03:29,774
Like, does it mean
anything to you, or is it
61
00:03:29,774 --> 00:03:33,299
like a superficial thing,
like a toenail?
62
00:03:33,299 --> 00:03:37,216
Well, I don't think
I'd like to run my fingers
63
00:03:37,216 --> 00:03:38,478
through my lady's toenails.
64
00:03:43,091 --> 00:03:45,833
I've got to-- I've got to go.
65
00:03:47,922 --> 00:03:50,142
He was cute!
66
00:03:50,142 --> 00:03:52,579
He was just okay.
Well, he was into you.
67
00:03:52,579 --> 00:03:54,320
He was talking about running
his fingers through your hair.
68
00:03:54,320 --> 00:03:56,453
Just stop trying to hook me up. Whatever.
69
00:03:56,453 --> 00:03:57,802
What do you think?
70
00:03:57,802 --> 00:04:00,370
You going out?
No. We're going out.
71
00:04:00,370 --> 00:04:02,372
It's the St. Patty's Day dance.
Remember?
72
00:04:02,372 --> 00:04:04,199
Ah. Yeah.
73
00:04:04,199 --> 00:04:07,377
Casey, I've had to make
a lot of cultural adjustments
74
00:04:07,377 --> 00:04:09,596
since coming to this campus.
75
00:04:09,596 --> 00:04:12,599
You know, with all the loud
music that I can't dance to
76
00:04:12,599 --> 00:04:15,167
and raisins in the potato salad.
77
00:04:15,167 --> 00:04:17,865
Hey! But St. Patty's Day?
78
00:04:17,865 --> 00:04:20,955
I'm thinking about how much
I don't want to spend tonight
79
00:04:20,955 --> 00:04:23,218
saying no
to every drunk sophomore
80
00:04:23,218 --> 00:04:26,265
who asks me
if I'm Black Irish.
81
00:04:26,265 --> 00:04:30,182
Get dressed.
Green for luck. No excuses.
82
00:04:34,491 --> 00:04:37,972
♪ Under the anvil
Of the sun... ♪
83
00:04:37,972 --> 00:04:40,453
So, where's your friend?
84
00:04:40,453 --> 00:04:43,108
♪ Like a train, I come
I come ♪
85
00:04:43,108 --> 00:04:46,807
♪ My body to dust ♪
86
00:04:46,807 --> 00:04:50,724
♪ Scorched by the might
Of the sun ♪
87
00:04:50,724 --> 00:04:54,772
♪ Burning light
Burning white heat ♪
88
00:04:54,772 --> 00:04:55,990
Hi.
89
00:04:57,818 --> 00:05:00,343
You... look stunning.
90
00:05:00,343 --> 00:05:03,041
No green for luck?
91
00:05:04,608 --> 00:05:07,219
I couldn't feel any luckier.
92
00:05:07,219 --> 00:05:12,006
♪ Our love is the flame ♪
93
00:05:12,006 --> 00:05:18,099
♪ That keeps on burning ♪
94
00:05:18,099 --> 00:05:21,842
♪ I love to feel the rain ♪
95
00:05:21,842 --> 00:05:25,455
♪ On my face ♪
96
00:05:25,455 --> 00:05:28,545
So, how long
are you here for?
97
00:05:29,850 --> 00:05:32,505
Just one more week. Oh.
98
00:05:32,505 --> 00:05:35,421
I came for an evangelism conference.
99
00:05:35,421 --> 00:05:37,641
You're an evangelist?
100
00:05:37,641 --> 00:05:39,251
No.
101
00:05:39,251 --> 00:05:42,341
I majored in philosophy
and religion, though.
102
00:05:42,341 --> 00:05:45,953
So I wanted to see and feel
what the evangelists do,
103
00:05:45,953 --> 00:05:47,564
how they move people.
104
00:05:47,564 --> 00:05:50,523
I want to open
my own church someday.
105
00:05:50,523 --> 00:05:54,658
In Mississippi,
to be closer to my family.
106
00:05:54,658 --> 00:05:56,050
That's cool.
107
00:05:56,050 --> 00:05:58,531
I work construction
to pay my bills.
108
00:06:00,011 --> 00:06:01,099
What about you?
109
00:06:03,057 --> 00:06:05,277
Well, I'm-- I'm a psych major.
110
00:06:07,105 --> 00:06:10,108
At least I thought I was.
I'm...
111
00:06:10,108 --> 00:06:12,980
I'm not so sure.
112
00:06:12,980 --> 00:06:15,461
I'm starting to think maybe
there's something else for me.
113
00:06:18,072 --> 00:06:23,295
"Whatever you can do or dream,
you can begin.
114
00:06:23,295 --> 00:06:26,907
Boldness has genius, power,
and magic in it.
115
00:06:28,082 --> 00:06:30,258
Begin it now."
116
00:06:30,258 --> 00:06:32,043
That's beautiful.
117
00:06:32,043 --> 00:06:33,697
No, that's Goethe.
118
00:06:35,002 --> 00:06:37,222
You're beautiful.
119
00:06:53,586 --> 00:06:55,588
Mississippi's a huge move.
120
00:06:55,588 --> 00:06:57,938
I really hope
you're ready for it.
121
00:06:57,938 --> 00:07:00,724
I have a Mississippi
in my mind that's warm
122
00:07:00,724 --> 00:07:04,423
and rich and Black and real.
123
00:07:04,423 --> 00:07:07,426
Maybe it's where
I'm supposed to be.
124
00:07:07,426 --> 00:07:11,212
♪ I don't want to be lonely ♪
125
00:07:11,212 --> 00:07:16,435
♪ I put every last penny
In the tank of this pickup ♪
126
00:07:16,435 --> 00:07:20,221
♪ Feels like
I'm finally home free ♪
127
00:07:20,221 --> 00:07:23,660
♪ I'm pointing this truck ♪
128
00:07:23,660 --> 00:07:28,142
♪ To Mississippi with love ♪
129
00:07:28,142 --> 00:07:31,581
I can't wait to chop it up
with your mom and G'Mom.
130
00:07:31,581 --> 00:07:34,148
Ooh. Do they play bid whist?
Seriously, Mel.
131
00:07:34,148 --> 00:07:36,977
My mom and G'Mom,
they're not warm and fuzzy.
132
00:07:36,977 --> 00:07:39,327
It takes them a while
to adjust to outsiders.
133
00:07:39,327 --> 00:07:41,373
Well, I'm not an outsider.
134
00:07:41,373 --> 00:07:43,375
I'm your wife.
Mm!
135
00:07:43,375 --> 00:07:45,899
Oh!
136
00:07:45,899 --> 00:07:47,988
Grab that doughnut
out of the trunk for me.
137
00:07:47,988 --> 00:07:49,512
The doughnut is the--
Yeah.
138
00:07:49,512 --> 00:07:51,296
I know what a doughnut is, Kevin.
139
00:07:51,296 --> 00:07:52,993
I'm sorry, city girl.
140
00:07:55,561 --> 00:07:56,910
Oh! Ooh!
141
00:07:56,910 --> 00:07:59,391
No! No, no, no!
It's fine.
142
00:07:59,391 --> 00:08:01,393
Oh. Come on. Come on.
Kevin!
143
00:08:01,393 --> 00:08:03,569
It's just water.
It's just mud. Relax.
144
00:08:03,569 --> 00:08:05,049
Oh, it's just mud?
Yeah.
145
00:08:05,049 --> 00:08:06,354
Oh, is that just mud?
Aah!
146
00:08:06,354 --> 00:08:09,053
Huh? Is that just mud?
Stop!
147
00:08:09,053 --> 00:08:10,533
You--
All right. All right!
148
00:08:10,533 --> 00:08:12,535
All right. I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
149
00:08:12,535 --> 00:08:14,275
Oh, my God.
Come on.
150
00:08:15,363 --> 00:08:17,191
Come on.
Aah!
151
00:08:17,191 --> 00:08:18,976
Oh, they're here already!
152
00:08:18,976 --> 00:08:21,369
Dee, I told you
to move these toys!
153
00:08:21,369 --> 00:08:24,590
Don't worry. I'll get 'em.
154
00:08:24,590 --> 00:08:25,939
Hi!
155
00:08:25,939 --> 00:08:29,726
Lord, what in the world is this?
156
00:08:29,726 --> 00:08:32,250
Is that tire tracks
on her shirt?
157
00:08:32,250 --> 00:08:34,252
Ma Betty, G'Mom!
158
00:08:34,252 --> 00:08:37,081
I've heard so much about you!
159
00:08:37,081 --> 00:08:38,343
Mm.
160
00:08:38,343 --> 00:08:40,780
There's a sink and a towel
161
00:08:40,780 --> 00:08:42,869
just inside to your left.
162
00:08:42,869 --> 00:08:44,958
Come on, sis.
I'll show you.
163
00:08:44,958 --> 00:08:46,830
Oh, okay. Behave.
164
00:08:49,006 --> 00:08:51,704
I'm Dee, Kevin's sister.
Oh! Oh, there he is!
165
00:08:51,704 --> 00:08:54,141
There's my baby!
Still so handsome!
166
00:08:54,141 --> 00:08:56,666
Oh! Oh!
167
00:08:56,666 --> 00:08:58,537
Oh, come here!
G'Mom.
168
00:08:58,537 --> 00:09:01,627
Hey.
So, you met Melony.
169
00:09:01,627 --> 00:09:03,586
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
170
00:09:07,328 --> 00:09:08,852
I'm sorry, babe.
171
00:09:10,941 --> 00:09:13,987
I tried to warn you, but my mama
and grandmama are not exactly...
172
00:09:13,987 --> 00:09:16,424
That's fine.
173
00:09:16,424 --> 00:09:18,209
I'm fine.
174
00:09:20,864 --> 00:09:23,344
They don't know me.
175
00:09:23,344 --> 00:09:25,782
I was wrong to expect more.
176
00:09:30,177 --> 00:09:33,528
They just caught me
by surprise is all.
177
00:09:36,357 --> 00:09:40,100
But I'm not scared
of some little old ladies.
178
00:09:48,108 --> 00:09:50,807
Yeah.
Just a little more.
179
00:09:50,807 --> 00:09:52,635
Can I get it for you?
I got it, babe.
180
00:09:52,635 --> 00:09:54,637
Okay. Here you go.
A little bit of ham.
181
00:09:54,637 --> 00:09:55,681
Oh, no, thank you.
182
00:09:58,118 --> 00:09:59,293
You don't like to eat?
183
00:09:59,293 --> 00:10:01,556
I eat mostly vegetables.
184
00:10:03,515 --> 00:10:06,344
Okay.
185
00:10:06,344 --> 00:10:07,867
You don't eat pigs.
186
00:10:07,867 --> 00:10:10,565
You just roll around
in the mud like one.
187
00:10:10,565 --> 00:10:13,046
G'Mom, can I talk to you
in private, please?
188
00:10:34,241 --> 00:10:37,897
I was wondering how long
you'd last in there.
189
00:10:37,897 --> 00:10:40,987
Welcome to the family.
190
00:10:40,987 --> 00:10:45,078
I love my mama and my grandmama,
but you couldn't pay me
191
00:10:45,078 --> 00:10:46,950
to sit through one of those
family dinners again.
192
00:10:46,950 --> 00:10:47,907
Mnh-mnh.
193
00:10:51,171 --> 00:10:54,131
That's why I spend
so much time in there.
194
00:10:54,131 --> 00:10:56,786
Is that where you live?
195
00:10:58,657 --> 00:11:02,705
You must think
we are country sho' nuff.
196
00:11:02,705 --> 00:11:06,143
No.
Baby girl, that is my salon.
197
00:11:06,143 --> 00:11:07,535
Oh.
198
00:11:07,535 --> 00:11:09,276
You want to look inside?
199
00:11:11,801 --> 00:11:15,065
Sorry for the mess.
200
00:11:20,548 --> 00:11:23,769
Do you have customers this late?
201
00:11:23,769 --> 00:11:26,598
Lizzie works downtown till 7.
202
00:11:26,598 --> 00:11:30,341
By the time she's fed her crew
and gets the baby to bed,
203
00:11:30,341 --> 00:11:31,777
where else is she gonna go?
204
00:11:31,777 --> 00:11:33,387
Is it just you here?
205
00:11:33,387 --> 00:11:36,173
Mm. Today it was.
206
00:11:36,173 --> 00:11:40,046
My shampoo girl, Aquanetta,
is seven months pregnant.
207
00:11:40,046 --> 00:11:42,745
Has to rest her legs
every 20 minutes.
208
00:11:44,834 --> 00:11:48,838
I am gonna have to find me
somebody else pretty soon.
209
00:11:48,838 --> 00:11:52,624
Hm. Well, I can help.
210
00:11:53,625 --> 00:11:54,844
You?
211
00:11:54,844 --> 00:11:56,802
Yeah.
212
00:11:56,802 --> 00:11:59,022
What you know about hair?
213
00:11:59,022 --> 00:12:03,809
Not an awful lot,
but I can help you shampoo.
214
00:12:10,163 --> 00:12:12,818
I'm sorry again
about my ma and G'Mom.
215
00:12:12,818 --> 00:12:16,387
Huh. I don't know who
got cut worse, me or that ham.
216
00:12:16,387 --> 00:12:19,477
I love Dee, though.
She even gave me a job.
217
00:12:19,477 --> 00:12:21,958
Hey, that's great, babe.
218
00:12:33,186 --> 00:12:35,406
The movers will be here
with our stuff tomorrow.
219
00:12:35,406 --> 00:12:38,278
I'll be at the construction site
till 6.
220
00:12:38,278 --> 00:12:40,367
Have a good first day with Dee.
221
00:12:40,367 --> 00:12:41,934
I love you.
222
00:13:10,615 --> 00:13:12,051
Homemade peach?
223
00:13:12,051 --> 00:13:14,140
And some homemade
vanilla ice cream.
224
00:13:14,140 --> 00:13:18,492
Girl, I am so glad to see you.
'Netta didn't come in at all.
225
00:13:18,492 --> 00:13:21,104
I need you to use that
cream wash on Miss Cynthia there
226
00:13:21,104 --> 00:13:23,454
and the rinse
in the blue bottle.
227
00:13:23,454 --> 00:13:26,283
This is my sister-in-law Melony,
y'all.
228
00:13:26,283 --> 00:13:28,241
She's gonna take real good care
of you.
229
00:13:28,241 --> 00:13:29,808
Hi.
230
00:13:29,808 --> 00:13:33,377
Y'all act like
y'all can't speak.
231
00:13:33,377 --> 00:13:34,857
Hey.
Hi.
232
00:13:37,294 --> 00:13:41,167
Miss Cynthia, you've been
waiting for 30 minutes.
233
00:13:41,167 --> 00:13:43,604
Go on over there.
Mm-hmm. Okay.
234
00:13:47,260 --> 00:13:48,958
Whew! Um...
235
00:13:48,958 --> 00:13:50,611
Oh!
236
00:13:50,611 --> 00:13:53,484
Well, I like it hot.
237
00:13:53,484 --> 00:13:54,920
Okay.
But not too hot.
238
00:13:54,920 --> 00:13:57,575
Like warm but not too cool.
239
00:13:57,575 --> 00:13:58,968
Right.
You follow?
240
00:13:58,968 --> 00:14:00,534
Yes, ma'am.
241
00:14:00,534 --> 00:14:01,927
You got good hands?
242
00:14:01,927 --> 00:14:04,974
Um, I'm not--
I'm not too sure.
243
00:14:07,715 --> 00:14:09,543
Can I--
Can I get your...
244
00:14:09,543 --> 00:14:12,416
No. Mnh-mnh.
I keep this with me.
245
00:14:12,416 --> 00:14:14,635
Sure.
I'm just gonna...
246
00:14:17,334 --> 00:14:19,510
Is that o-- Is that okay?
247
00:14:19,510 --> 00:14:21,729
Mm-hmm.
248
00:14:22,687 --> 00:14:24,776
Oof.
249
00:14:24,776 --> 00:14:26,865
Oh.
250
00:14:26,865 --> 00:14:29,128
Mmm!
I'm just gonna...
251
00:14:30,695 --> 00:14:33,219
Oh, yes!
252
00:14:33,219 --> 00:14:35,352
Oh, that's good!
That's good.
253
00:14:35,352 --> 00:14:36,831
Ooh, yeah!
254
00:14:36,831 --> 00:14:38,790
That's good. Right there.
Right there.
255
00:14:38,790 --> 00:14:41,010
Ooh-hoo-hoo!
256
00:14:41,010 --> 00:14:42,663
And you're done, Miss Cynthia.
257
00:14:42,663 --> 00:14:44,404
Oh. What?
Yeah.
258
00:14:44,404 --> 00:14:46,145
I'm done? Ooh, Lord.
259
00:14:46,145 --> 00:14:47,799
So I'm just gonna
lift you up now.
260
00:14:47,799 --> 00:14:49,148
Ooh.
Just-- You good?
261
00:14:49,148 --> 00:14:50,889
Wow.
262
00:14:50,889 --> 00:14:53,544
Girl, I think I'm gonna need
a cigarette.
263
00:14:56,155 --> 00:14:59,854
Ooh! You know,
you got the hands of life!
264
00:14:59,854 --> 00:15:02,248
Whew!
Mm. I'm more than all right.
265
00:15:02,248 --> 00:15:06,383
Uh, so, uh, who's next?
266
00:15:10,822 --> 00:15:14,347
I really like working
in your shop, Dee.
267
00:15:14,347 --> 00:15:17,133
It's like this feeling
comes over me...
268
00:15:18,525 --> 00:15:22,616
...and my hands just know
what to do and...
269
00:15:22,616 --> 00:15:24,270
Mm.
...how to move.
270
00:15:24,270 --> 00:15:25,445
Yeah.
271
00:15:25,445 --> 00:15:28,231
When I was touching
their hair...
272
00:15:28,231 --> 00:15:32,148
...it felt like--
like I was healing them somehow.
273
00:15:32,148 --> 00:15:35,412
Like I could feel
all of their tension and worries
274
00:15:35,412 --> 00:15:37,762
just slide away.
275
00:15:37,762 --> 00:15:40,069
And we really need the money.
276
00:15:40,069 --> 00:15:42,158
Look, I know
it's just hair, but--
277
00:15:42,158 --> 00:15:44,812
There is no such thing
as just hair
278
00:15:44,812 --> 00:15:46,249
where Black ladies
are concerned.
279
00:15:46,249 --> 00:15:49,165
Hm.
We are all about the hair--
280
00:15:49,165 --> 00:15:52,081
What we do to it,
what it does to us.
281
00:15:52,081 --> 00:15:54,692
Wherever two or more
are gathered...
282
00:15:54,692 --> 00:15:56,824
we're talking about hair!
We are talking about hair!
283
00:15:56,824 --> 00:16:00,785
That's right!
284
00:16:00,785 --> 00:16:02,569
Maybe it shouldn't be that way.
285
00:16:04,136 --> 00:16:07,357
Well, the way I see it...
286
00:16:07,357 --> 00:16:10,490
the first thing people notice
about us is that we're Black.
287
00:16:10,490 --> 00:16:11,883
Mm-hmm.
288
00:16:11,883 --> 00:16:14,277
The next thing
is how we wear our hair.
289
00:16:14,277 --> 00:16:15,800
Then they judge us
on that, right?
290
00:16:15,800 --> 00:16:17,541
Mm.
Like...
291
00:16:17,541 --> 00:16:21,240
as if our hairstyle is gonna
tell them who we really are.
292
00:16:21,240 --> 00:16:23,895
Why you think
so many Black women wear wigs?
293
00:16:23,895 --> 00:16:27,551
Hmm?
Trying to fool 'em off, honey.
294
00:16:27,551 --> 00:16:29,553
I never thought of it like that.
295
00:16:29,553 --> 00:16:32,947
Ma Betty and G'Mom?
Oh, those are wigs?
296
00:16:32,947 --> 00:16:35,124
They trying to
fool you off too, honey.
297
00:16:35,124 --> 00:16:37,082
They trying. And failing.
298
00:16:37,082 --> 00:16:40,346
She's so disrespectful!
299
00:16:40,346 --> 00:16:41,913
I don't know
what Kevin sees in her.
300
00:16:41,913 --> 00:16:45,569
Mm.
She tried to cook dinner
301
00:16:45,569 --> 00:16:48,354
and tried to make some chicken.
302
00:16:48,354 --> 00:16:51,009
When I look at the chicken,
ain't no skin on it!
303
00:16:51,009 --> 00:16:52,228
She broiled it!
304
00:16:52,228 --> 00:16:53,838
Well, what-- what...
Wait.
305
00:16:53,838 --> 00:16:55,144
Where was the skin?
306
00:16:55,144 --> 00:16:57,146
She threw it out!
She what?!
307
00:16:57,146 --> 00:17:00,584
Oh!
Well, that's the best part.
308
00:17:00,584 --> 00:17:01,933
She's wasteful. Mm.
309
00:17:04,544 --> 00:17:06,372
Oh. Look there.
310
00:17:06,372 --> 00:17:08,766
Is that Miss Cynthia?
311
00:17:08,766 --> 00:17:10,811
Hey-- Hey there, Miss Cynthia!
312
00:17:10,811 --> 00:17:13,031
Good afternoon, ladies.
313
00:17:13,031 --> 00:17:14,685
I can't stop and talk,
you know.
314
00:17:14,685 --> 00:17:17,035
I got to go get a place in line.
315
00:17:17,035 --> 00:17:18,819
In line?
At Dee Dee's?
316
00:17:18,819 --> 00:17:22,823
Oh, yeah! Everybody is fired up
about that Melony.
317
00:17:22,823 --> 00:17:25,261
You know, she got good hands. Mm.
318
00:17:25,261 --> 00:17:28,307
I just might have to buy myself
a place in line.
319
00:17:28,307 --> 00:17:30,570
I got to go! Bye!
320
00:17:32,616 --> 00:17:34,226
She's selling seats?
321
00:17:39,231 --> 00:17:40,885
A hundred and twelve dollars?
322
00:17:40,885 --> 00:17:42,930
Mm-hmm.
Doing what, now?
323
00:17:42,930 --> 00:17:46,978
Hair. Shampooing hair.
324
00:17:46,978 --> 00:17:51,200
I did sixteen heads today
at seven bucks a head.
325
00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:53,724
Dee makes a killing
in that shop.
326
00:17:53,724 --> 00:17:55,508
Working there
has been a godsend.
327
00:18:02,385 --> 00:18:04,082
Hey.
328
00:18:04,082 --> 00:18:06,650
Where is everyone?
329
00:18:06,650 --> 00:18:08,347
Light day today?
330
00:18:10,132 --> 00:18:11,002
No day.
331
00:18:12,830 --> 00:18:14,919
Ain't got no water.
332
00:18:14,919 --> 00:18:17,139
Is it the bill?
No.
333
00:18:17,139 --> 00:18:18,836
It's G'Mom.
334
00:18:20,446 --> 00:18:22,361
The shack technically sits
on her land,
335
00:18:22,361 --> 00:18:24,494
and she owns the water rights.
336
00:18:26,539 --> 00:18:29,063
This morning,
she had the county cut me off.
337
00:18:30,500 --> 00:18:32,066
Why would she do that?
338
00:18:32,066 --> 00:18:33,981
She doesn't want you
working here, Melony.
339
00:18:36,462 --> 00:18:39,248
Says I got no water
until you're gone.
340
00:18:39,248 --> 00:18:40,727
Oh.
341
00:18:45,297 --> 00:18:46,951
Okay.
342
00:18:46,951 --> 00:18:49,780
It's okay.
It's not okay.
343
00:18:49,780 --> 00:18:52,609
G'Mom always pulls stunts like
this, just because she does--
344
00:18:52,609 --> 00:18:53,784
Look, Dee.
345
00:18:56,526 --> 00:18:58,180
Don't let her hurt
your business.
346
00:19:02,053 --> 00:19:03,620
Just tell her I'll leave.
347
00:19:12,063 --> 00:19:13,369
I'm just gonna miss you.
348
00:19:15,327 --> 00:19:18,200
Every head in this place
is gonna miss you.
349
00:19:25,119 --> 00:19:27,078
You're my family, Dee.
350
00:19:27,078 --> 00:19:29,559
And my friend.
351
00:19:34,303 --> 00:19:37,219
Don't let these healing hands
go to waste.
352
00:19:39,525 --> 00:19:40,613
I won't.
353
00:19:42,702 --> 00:19:43,790
I promise.
354
00:19:48,317 --> 00:19:50,362
We're really excited
355
00:19:50,362 --> 00:19:52,538
to have you starting with us,
Mrs. Armstrong.
356
00:19:52,538 --> 00:19:55,280
Psychology major, huh?
Yeah.
357
00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:58,631
But I see you didn't
finish college.
358
00:19:58,631 --> 00:20:00,764
Dropped out in your senior year?
359
00:20:00,764 --> 00:20:03,506
Yeah. I just felt like
I wasn't getting anywhere.
360
00:20:03,506 --> 00:20:07,510
I really want to make
a difference in this world.
361
00:20:07,510 --> 00:20:11,383
Well, the world starts
coming in here at 5 p.m.
362
00:20:11,383 --> 00:20:13,298
You'll be working
the night shift.
363
00:20:13,298 --> 00:20:15,909
Check the ladies in.
Get them settled.
364
00:20:15,909 --> 00:20:17,911
Okay.
365
00:20:17,911 --> 00:20:22,916
Make sure everybody gets
one food box and one cot set.
366
00:20:22,916 --> 00:20:25,658
It's your desk. Okay.
367
00:20:25,658 --> 00:20:29,183
Oh. A word of advice.
368
00:20:29,183 --> 00:20:31,011
All of these women have stories,
369
00:20:31,011 --> 00:20:34,406
and you do not have time
to hear them.
370
00:20:34,406 --> 00:20:37,714
Nobody comes here happy, Armstrong.
371
00:20:37,714 --> 00:20:40,760
And their misery will drown you.
372
00:20:44,416 --> 00:20:47,463
That's your coffee.
For you only.
373
00:20:47,463 --> 00:20:50,161
Can't afford
to feed the masses.
374
00:20:50,161 --> 00:20:52,555
Let's get
your paperwork done.
375
00:20:52,555 --> 00:20:53,338
Sure.
376
00:20:57,516 --> 00:21:01,825
Yeah. It's the graveyard shift--
8 to 6.
377
00:21:01,825 --> 00:21:04,393
Pay's not great,
but we need the money.
378
00:21:04,393 --> 00:21:06,046
And when will I see you?
379
00:21:06,046 --> 00:21:08,832
I guess we'll have to
get creative.
380
00:21:08,832 --> 00:21:10,790
I'm feeling creative right now.
381
00:21:10,790 --> 00:21:12,836
Oh, yeah?
382
00:21:14,272 --> 00:21:16,230
Wait. Right now?
383
00:21:16,230 --> 00:21:20,626
Oh, my gosh!
You're gonna mess up my hair!
384
00:21:32,769 --> 00:21:34,336
That bad?
385
00:21:35,946 --> 00:21:37,251
It's terrible.
386
00:21:37,251 --> 00:21:39,428
But it's hot.
387
00:21:39,428 --> 00:21:41,386
Yeah.
388
00:21:41,386 --> 00:21:43,040
That's what I said
about my husband.
389
00:21:47,697 --> 00:21:50,221
If you're not gonna drink it,
I will.
390
00:21:52,049 --> 00:21:54,094
Uh...
391
00:21:54,094 --> 00:21:56,575
Yeah. Sure.
Take it all.
392
00:21:58,447 --> 00:22:00,971
I miss coffee.
393
00:22:00,971 --> 00:22:04,757
I miss a lot of things,
but I really miss good coffee.
394
00:22:04,757 --> 00:22:08,108
Which this ain't,
but it's like you said.
395
00:22:08,108 --> 00:22:10,937
It's hot. Ah.
396
00:22:10,937 --> 00:22:12,591
I'm Melony.
397
00:22:12,591 --> 00:22:14,201
Leona.
398
00:22:14,201 --> 00:22:15,812
Have you been here long?
399
00:22:15,812 --> 00:22:17,944
Not here. Unh-unh.
400
00:22:17,944 --> 00:22:21,252
I was at, uh, Langforth,
and then Wesley before that.
401
00:22:21,252 --> 00:22:23,080
Lots of us,
we sort of run the circuit
402
00:22:23,080 --> 00:22:26,039
until Social finds us
a place to land.
403
00:22:26,039 --> 00:22:29,434
Some of the girls, they go back
to wherever they left.
404
00:22:29,434 --> 00:22:32,394
But most of us,
we can't do that.
405
00:22:36,833 --> 00:22:38,443
You have any lotion?
406
00:22:38,443 --> 00:22:40,924
They never have any lotion
in this place.
407
00:22:40,924 --> 00:22:43,579
It's like they never
heard of ashy before.
408
00:22:43,579 --> 00:22:45,537
Don't they got lotion
in the showers?
409
00:22:47,757 --> 00:22:49,672
Ladies!
410
00:22:49,672 --> 00:22:52,022
Is there any lotion
in the showers?
411
00:22:53,327 --> 00:22:55,852
You know ain't no lotion
in them showers.
412
00:22:55,852 --> 00:22:58,724
No.
413
00:22:58,724 --> 00:23:02,859
What they do have, though,
is some cheap-ass soap
414
00:23:02,859 --> 00:23:04,251
and some paper towels.
415
00:23:04,251 --> 00:23:05,862
Paper towels.
416
00:23:05,862 --> 00:23:08,908
How you supposed to dry
your hair on paper towels?
417
00:23:08,908 --> 00:23:10,562
Your hair?
418
00:23:10,562 --> 00:23:12,129
Ain't no real shampoo
in this joint anyway.
419
00:23:12,129 --> 00:23:13,739
I know that's right.
420
00:23:13,739 --> 00:23:16,394
I tried putting
that green stuff in my hair.
421
00:23:16,394 --> 00:23:18,701
Made it all stick together.
Clumped up like dreadlocks.
422
00:23:18,701 --> 00:23:20,137
Nappy hair.
423
00:23:20,137 --> 00:23:22,182
When I pass my reflection
in a store window,
424
00:23:22,182 --> 00:23:24,141
I say, "Ooh!"
Ooh!
425
00:23:24,141 --> 00:23:28,450
"Who is that scary, messy woman?
That's not--"
426
00:23:28,450 --> 00:23:30,974
"It can't be me!"
"It can't be me!"
427
00:23:30,974 --> 00:23:32,628
Ooh! Girls!
428
00:23:32,628 --> 00:23:34,064
Unh.
429
00:23:34,064 --> 00:23:37,850
Um, can I get a freshen-up
on the coffee?
430
00:23:37,850 --> 00:23:39,635
Me-- Me too?
431
00:23:39,635 --> 00:23:42,289
I feel like if you're doing
them, you might as well do me.
432
00:23:42,289 --> 00:23:45,641
Ple-e-e-ase?
433
00:23:45,641 --> 00:23:50,254
When I left my house,
I was running for my life.
434
00:23:50,254 --> 00:23:53,779
I didn't pack nothing.
435
00:23:53,779 --> 00:23:56,216
My hair ain't seen a brush
for two months.
436
00:23:56,216 --> 00:23:57,740
Wow.
437
00:23:57,740 --> 00:24:00,090
Those little brushes
they give you? Heh.
438
00:24:00,090 --> 00:24:01,961
They must be
for Barbie doll heads.
439
00:24:01,961 --> 00:24:04,616
I just want some grease.
440
00:24:04,616 --> 00:24:07,184
Any kind of grease.
My hair is so thirsty.
441
00:24:07,184 --> 00:24:08,881
Girl, pshh.
442
00:24:08,881 --> 00:24:10,883
I'm about to sell mine
as Brillo pads, okay?
443
00:24:13,146 --> 00:24:17,281
When my hair doesn't feel
like my hair,
444
00:24:17,281 --> 00:24:19,588
I just don't feel like myself.
445
00:24:19,588 --> 00:24:21,241
You know?
446
00:24:21,241 --> 00:24:23,853
That's why I keep my hat on.
447
00:24:23,853 --> 00:24:26,551
But we can still see
your kitchen back there.
448
00:24:26,551 --> 00:24:27,944
Aah!
449
00:24:30,773 --> 00:24:32,949
You're supposed to be
my friend!
450
00:24:37,083 --> 00:24:38,998
Are you sure this is okay?
451
00:24:38,998 --> 00:24:40,652
Oh, it's fine.
452
00:24:40,652 --> 00:24:43,568
They left for a two-day
revival meeting last night.
453
00:24:43,568 --> 00:24:46,440
I'm meeting them
at the hotel in Jackson.
454
00:24:46,440 --> 00:24:50,270
You've got all day
and all night.
455
00:24:50,270 --> 00:24:52,185
Thank you.
Try not to burn it down.
456
00:24:55,406 --> 00:24:56,799
Have fun.
Thank you, Dee.
457
00:24:56,799 --> 00:24:58,583
All right. Take care. Bye.
458
00:25:04,415 --> 00:25:06,939
Hey!
Hey!
459
00:25:06,939 --> 00:25:09,376
Thank you!
Hey, how are you doing?
460
00:25:09,376 --> 00:25:10,856
What is this?
461
00:25:10,856 --> 00:25:13,206
Well, you're gonna find out.
462
00:25:13,206 --> 00:25:15,644
Okay.
Follow me.
463
00:25:17,515 --> 00:25:19,909
Come on, come on, come on!
464
00:25:19,909 --> 00:25:21,737
Okay.
465
00:25:22,868 --> 00:25:24,304
Right this way, ladies.
466
00:25:24,304 --> 00:25:26,437
Oh, my goodness.
Y'all.
467
00:25:26,437 --> 00:25:28,918
Ooh!
I smell real coffee.
468
00:25:28,918 --> 00:25:30,528
Yes.
469
00:25:30,528 --> 00:25:32,748
A real brush!
Wow.
470
00:25:32,748 --> 00:25:36,316
It's my sister-in-law's,
but today it's ours.
471
00:25:36,316 --> 00:25:38,231
Oh, my...
472
00:25:38,231 --> 00:25:40,494
I can do shampoo,
press and curl,
473
00:25:40,494 --> 00:25:42,453
but nothing too fancy, okay?
474
00:25:42,453 --> 00:25:46,152
Oh, girl, I know my way around
a hot comb and curlers, okay?
475
00:25:46,152 --> 00:25:47,893
You got grease!
476
00:25:47,893 --> 00:25:49,199
Yes!
477
00:25:49,199 --> 00:25:50,548
This coffee. Oh!
478
00:25:50,548 --> 00:25:52,768
Enjoy, ladies.
Ooh!
479
00:25:52,768 --> 00:25:55,118
Yes.
Thank you!
480
00:25:56,685 --> 00:26:00,558
And, Miss Leona,
you're first up at the sink.
481
00:26:00,558 --> 00:26:02,342
Oh!
Right over there.
482
00:26:02,342 --> 00:26:04,170
No.
Somebody else can go first.
483
00:26:04,170 --> 00:26:05,650
Unh-unh.
No, girl.
484
00:26:05,650 --> 00:26:08,000
Age before beauty.
Go ahead.
485
00:26:08,000 --> 00:26:09,436
Stop.
Screw you, chicky.
486
00:26:09,436 --> 00:26:10,829
- I'm just saying.
- You...
487
00:26:10,829 --> 00:26:13,005
Just gonna put this over you.
488
00:26:14,398 --> 00:26:15,486
Okay?
489
00:26:17,183 --> 00:26:19,055
There.
490
00:26:19,055 --> 00:26:20,622
All right.
491
00:26:20,622 --> 00:26:21,623
Hm.
492
00:26:24,887 --> 00:26:26,889
Hey.
493
00:26:26,889 --> 00:26:30,501
I'm gonna have to
take your hat off now, okay?
494
00:26:30,501 --> 00:26:32,285
Yeah?
Mm.
495
00:26:32,285 --> 00:26:33,722
All right.
496
00:26:33,722 --> 00:26:36,159
Just gonna...
497
00:26:36,159 --> 00:26:38,291
Just gonna take it off.
498
00:26:38,291 --> 00:26:41,033
There we go.
499
00:26:41,033 --> 00:26:45,124
Oh. I'm sorry.
I hope it doesn't smell bad.
500
00:26:45,124 --> 00:26:48,040
No. Of course not!
You're fine.
501
00:26:48,040 --> 00:26:49,825
It's fine.
502
00:26:49,825 --> 00:26:53,306
Come on. I got you.
503
00:26:55,787 --> 00:26:59,312
Okay. There we go.
504
00:27:07,538 --> 00:27:09,540
Miss Leona?
505
00:27:09,540 --> 00:27:11,324
Are you okay?
506
00:27:11,324 --> 00:27:12,630
Did I hurt you?
507
00:27:12,630 --> 00:27:14,937
No. It's-- It's just...
508
00:27:14,937 --> 00:27:19,202
I just haven't been touched
in so... long.
509
00:27:19,202 --> 00:27:20,682
Go ahead, Miss Melony.
510
00:27:20,682 --> 00:27:23,206
She'll be fine.
511
00:27:23,206 --> 00:27:24,729
You got this, girl.
512
00:27:24,729 --> 00:27:27,558
This is a healing, Miss Lee Lee.
513
00:27:27,558 --> 00:27:29,734
We're all gonna get
a healing.
514
00:27:32,128 --> 00:27:34,086
Okay.
515
00:27:34,086 --> 00:27:35,740
All right.
516
00:27:38,656 --> 00:27:40,745
All right.
Here we go.
517
00:27:41,746 --> 00:27:42,747
Is that okay?
518
00:27:46,446 --> 00:27:49,145
Wow. Just...
519
00:27:49,145 --> 00:27:50,537
Wow!
520
00:27:52,365 --> 00:27:55,978
Look at you!
521
00:27:59,721 --> 00:28:02,985
I'mma get this throne.
522
00:28:04,377 --> 00:28:06,902
Girl, you look good!
Thank you!
523
00:28:06,902 --> 00:28:11,471
God bless you, Miss Mel.
524
00:28:11,471 --> 00:28:13,778
You have a gift. Truly.
525
00:28:13,778 --> 00:28:15,954
You look so beautiful.
526
00:28:15,954 --> 00:28:18,130
Thank you.
All of you.
527
00:28:26,312 --> 00:28:27,226
Kevin.
528
00:28:28,793 --> 00:28:30,360
Hey.
Mm.
529
00:28:35,191 --> 00:28:36,453
Kevin.
Mm.
530
00:28:36,453 --> 00:28:38,585
What's wrong? What's wrong?
Wake up.
531
00:28:38,585 --> 00:28:40,457
You know how you said
532
00:28:40,457 --> 00:28:43,242
you want to start
your own ministry one day,
533
00:28:43,242 --> 00:28:46,593
when the time is right
and you hear God call you?
534
00:28:46,593 --> 00:28:48,944
Yeah.
535
00:28:48,944 --> 00:28:50,162
That's right.
536
00:28:50,162 --> 00:28:51,250
Well...
537
00:28:53,035 --> 00:28:57,866
...I think...
I think I hear God calling me.
538
00:28:57,866 --> 00:29:00,782
I think I know my purpose.
539
00:29:00,782 --> 00:29:02,740
It's something about hair.
540
00:29:02,740 --> 00:29:05,612
God wants you
to be a hairdresser?
541
00:29:05,612 --> 00:29:08,398
I don't know. Maybe.
542
00:29:08,398 --> 00:29:13,577
I can't help feeling like
I should... do something.
543
00:29:15,840 --> 00:29:18,060
I get that.
You do?
544
00:29:18,060 --> 00:29:21,890
Yeah. Maybe you could start
a hair church.
545
00:29:21,890 --> 00:29:24,718
Folks could tithe
their combs and brushes.
546
00:29:24,718 --> 00:29:26,590
You could have
a special roped-off area
547
00:29:26,590 --> 00:29:28,026
for folks with Jheri curls
548
00:29:28,026 --> 00:29:30,115
so they don't drip juice
on everybody.
549
00:29:30,115 --> 00:29:31,377
I'm being serious.
Okay! Okay.
550
00:29:31,377 --> 00:29:32,988
Okay.
551
00:29:34,511 --> 00:29:37,035
Whatever you're being called
to do, babe,
552
00:29:37,035 --> 00:29:38,384
I support it.
553
00:29:38,384 --> 00:29:40,647
Thank you.
554
00:29:40,647 --> 00:29:44,129
Just as long
as you scratch my head
555
00:29:44,129 --> 00:29:46,566
and keep me far away
from the weave choir, okay?
556
00:29:46,566 --> 00:29:48,438
All right. Yeah. Yeah.
Scratch your head?
557
00:29:48,438 --> 00:29:49,656
Mm-hmm.
What, like this?
558
00:29:49,656 --> 00:29:50,832
Huh?
Stop. Stop.
559
00:29:50,832 --> 00:29:52,485
Give me a kiss.
560
00:29:52,485 --> 00:29:53,878
Give me a kiss. No.
561
00:29:53,878 --> 00:29:55,532
Give me a kiss.
You don't deserve it!
562
00:29:57,708 --> 00:29:59,971
Who's calling this late?
563
00:30:01,494 --> 00:30:03,366
Hello?
564
00:30:05,281 --> 00:30:07,674
Oh, my God.
565
00:30:07,674 --> 00:30:10,460
Oh, that's terrible.
566
00:30:10,460 --> 00:30:13,724
I'll be right there.
What is it?
567
00:30:13,724 --> 00:30:15,944
The pipes burst at the shelter.
568
00:30:15,944 --> 00:30:19,034
The whole place is flooded.
They're moving the women out.
569
00:30:19,034 --> 00:30:21,166
So, what are you gonna do?
Where are you going?
570
00:30:21,166 --> 00:30:23,386
Those are my ladies, Kev.
571
00:30:23,386 --> 00:30:25,823
I got to be there for them.
572
00:30:31,960 --> 00:30:35,311
I'll notify you
when we can reopen.
573
00:30:35,311 --> 00:30:37,182
You should go dry off.
574
00:30:37,182 --> 00:30:40,490
Yeah.
Good night.
575
00:30:40,490 --> 00:30:41,752
Good night.
576
00:30:46,409 --> 00:30:47,976
Where's Lydia and Rudy?
577
00:30:47,976 --> 00:30:50,500
Both of them shipped
to other shelters.
578
00:30:50,500 --> 00:30:52,676
Just waiting
on my play brother Garvin.
579
00:30:52,676 --> 00:30:55,070
I'll stay with him a while.
580
00:30:55,070 --> 00:30:56,680
We're all split up now.
581
00:30:58,725 --> 00:31:01,598
I know.
It sucks, right?
582
00:31:01,598 --> 00:31:03,730
You see Lydia, though?
583
00:31:03,730 --> 00:31:05,994
She gave 'em hell for making her
stand out here in the rain
584
00:31:05,994 --> 00:31:09,388
with her hair freshly did.
585
00:31:09,388 --> 00:31:12,130
She was madder about that
than having to move again.
586
00:31:12,130 --> 00:31:14,437
I told her, "Calm down.
587
00:31:14,437 --> 00:31:16,395
All our hair got wrecked."
588
00:31:22,358 --> 00:31:24,447
I'm sorry.
589
00:31:24,447 --> 00:31:26,536
Hey.
590
00:31:26,536 --> 00:31:28,190
It's not your fault.
591
00:31:28,190 --> 00:31:31,889
Hell, we all got to be
princesses for a whole night.
592
00:31:31,889 --> 00:31:33,847
Yeah.
All four of us.
593
00:31:33,847 --> 00:31:36,676
Couldn't nobody tell us nothing.
594
00:31:36,676 --> 00:31:39,984
It's just, you know,
water and nature
595
00:31:39,984 --> 00:31:42,552
got the last word, as always.
596
00:31:45,642 --> 00:31:48,862
I think that's him.
That's him?
597
00:31:48,862 --> 00:31:51,387
Take care of yourself.
You too.
598
00:32:01,484 --> 00:32:03,225
I'll see you again.
599
00:32:05,140 --> 00:32:06,880
I just wish
600
00:32:06,880 --> 00:32:09,361
there was something more
I could do for them.
601
00:32:09,361 --> 00:32:11,755
You were there, baby.
That's enough.
602
00:32:20,111 --> 00:32:21,417
Freedom hair.
603
00:32:21,417 --> 00:32:23,636
What's that?
604
00:32:23,636 --> 00:32:26,465
It's what I used to call this,
605
00:32:26,465 --> 00:32:31,079
when my hair was just itself
and wild and free.
606
00:32:34,734 --> 00:32:38,738
My grandmother, she let me wear
it out like this one weekend
607
00:32:38,738 --> 00:32:40,262
when my mom was away.
608
00:32:42,481 --> 00:32:46,224
One weekend of freedom
in 25 years.
609
00:32:53,014 --> 00:32:56,452
Split ends, breakage,
610
00:32:56,452 --> 00:33:00,151
pain, relaxer burns, and...
611
00:33:00,151 --> 00:33:02,327
who knows
what other kind of damage
612
00:33:02,327 --> 00:33:04,460
from more home perms
than I can count.
613
00:33:06,070 --> 00:33:07,898
And for what, Kevin?
614
00:33:07,898 --> 00:33:09,204
Straightness?
615
00:33:11,032 --> 00:33:12,990
Why?
You're shaking.
616
00:33:12,990 --> 00:33:15,384
Here's some soup.
Your favorite.
617
00:33:20,171 --> 00:33:21,868
I think I'm gonna be sick!
618
00:33:24,523 --> 00:33:26,656
All right. All right.
I got you.
619
00:33:26,656 --> 00:33:30,007
All right. I'm here.
620
00:33:30,007 --> 00:33:33,141
Well, folks, it is not the flu.
621
00:33:33,141 --> 00:33:36,318
And, Mrs. Armstrong,
you're gonna have a baby.
622
00:33:37,536 --> 00:33:39,582
Uh, I'm...
623
00:33:39,582 --> 00:33:41,323
You're pregnant.
624
00:33:41,323 --> 00:33:42,715
W-- I'm pregnant?
625
00:33:44,369 --> 00:33:46,371
Baby, we're pregnant!
Oh, my--
626
00:33:46,371 --> 00:33:48,852
Congratulations.
Oh, my God!
627
00:33:48,852 --> 00:33:52,160
We're pregnant!
Oh, my God!
628
00:33:52,160 --> 00:33:55,337
So I've got to learn to breathe?
629
00:33:55,337 --> 00:33:58,775
Also here's a sample
of the vitamins you'll need.
630
00:33:58,775 --> 00:34:00,951
Vitamins?
Sweetheart!
631
00:34:00,951 --> 00:34:03,867
Pregnancy takes
all of the strength
632
00:34:03,867 --> 00:34:05,477
and vitamins out of you.
633
00:34:05,477 --> 00:34:07,000
Okay.
But--
634
00:34:07,000 --> 00:34:11,701
Excuse me,
but your hair is magnificent.
635
00:34:11,701 --> 00:34:12,963
Oh, my goodness.
636
00:34:12,963 --> 00:34:14,138
I've never seen
anything like it.
637
00:34:14,138 --> 00:34:17,924
How did you...
Where did you...
638
00:34:17,924 --> 00:34:20,623
It's a little shop
called Bernetta's.
639
00:34:20,623 --> 00:34:24,105
I found it passing by
in Memphis.
640
00:34:24,105 --> 00:34:26,977
She's pretty pricy. Heh.
641
00:34:26,977 --> 00:34:30,241
But, girl,
she can change your life.
642
00:34:30,241 --> 00:34:33,853
There's nothing stronger
than the braid.
643
00:34:35,420 --> 00:34:36,987
I can't believe
644
00:34:36,987 --> 00:34:38,771
it took five months
to get this appointment.
645
00:34:38,771 --> 00:34:40,947
Well, I can't believe
we drove to Tennessee
646
00:34:40,947 --> 00:34:42,558
to get your hair done.
647
00:34:44,560 --> 00:34:45,822
Melony, right?
648
00:34:45,822 --> 00:34:47,780
Yeah.
Hello. I'm Bernetta.
649
00:34:47,780 --> 00:34:48,868
Hi.
Look at you!
650
00:34:48,868 --> 00:34:51,175
Come in! Sit down!
Okay.
651
00:34:51,175 --> 00:34:52,611
And I'm gonna wash your hair myself
652
00:34:52,611 --> 00:34:53,960
so I can learn your textures.
653
00:34:53,960 --> 00:34:55,875
My textures?
Your textures.
654
00:35:02,708 --> 00:35:05,146
Let me know
if that's too cold or hot.
655
00:35:05,146 --> 00:35:07,365
No. It's perfect.
Thank you.
656
00:35:08,888 --> 00:35:10,760
Wow.
657
00:35:12,936 --> 00:35:15,112
Okay.
658
00:35:15,112 --> 00:35:17,680
Is this your first time,
Melony?
659
00:35:17,680 --> 00:35:19,682
Yeah, it is.
I've--
660
00:35:19,682 --> 00:35:21,771
Oh.
Thank you.
661
00:35:21,771 --> 00:35:24,600
I've never done anything
like this before.
662
00:35:24,600 --> 00:35:26,906
Do you know what kind
of style you like?
663
00:35:26,906 --> 00:35:28,386
Oh. I do.
664
00:35:28,386 --> 00:35:32,347
I saw this woman,
and she had like...
665
00:35:32,347 --> 00:35:35,045
like a hundred
or two hundred braids
666
00:35:35,045 --> 00:35:38,135
all in her hair
just crisscrossing all the way.
667
00:35:38,135 --> 00:35:40,529
Just swept up like a crown.
668
00:35:40,529 --> 00:35:42,226
An up-do.
669
00:35:42,226 --> 00:35:43,749
Is this for a special occasion?
670
00:35:43,749 --> 00:35:46,230
Just my life.
671
00:35:46,230 --> 00:35:48,014
I'm-- I'm five months pregnant, though.
672
00:35:48,014 --> 00:35:49,842
Oh. I see!
673
00:35:49,842 --> 00:35:51,627
Well, let's make
674
00:35:51,627 --> 00:35:54,717
the next four months
of that journey beautiful, okay?
675
00:35:54,717 --> 00:35:55,848
Okay.
All right, now.
676
00:35:55,848 --> 00:35:57,850
Then let's get started!
677
00:35:57,850 --> 00:35:59,591
Here we go.
678
00:35:59,591 --> 00:36:01,463
No peeking until we're done.
679
00:36:01,463 --> 00:36:02,812
Oh.
Okay.
680
00:36:02,812 --> 00:36:04,074
Here you go.
681
00:36:04,074 --> 00:36:08,861
Oh. Close your eyes and relax.
682
00:36:10,994 --> 00:36:12,909
Okay.
683
00:36:52,818 --> 00:36:54,080
Melony.
684
00:36:55,125 --> 00:36:57,083
Melony.
685
00:36:58,868 --> 00:37:01,914
Take a look, honey.
We're done.
686
00:37:07,006 --> 00:37:09,270
Excuse me, miss.
That's my--
687
00:37:11,184 --> 00:37:12,838
Oh, my God.
688
00:37:14,840 --> 00:37:16,799
Oh, my God.
689
00:37:19,367 --> 00:37:21,020
Do you like it?
690
00:37:21,020 --> 00:37:22,805
I love it. Oh.
691
00:37:22,805 --> 00:37:25,460
Can I...
Can I touch it?
692
00:37:25,460 --> 00:37:27,853
Oh, you can do
anything you want with it.
693
00:37:27,853 --> 00:37:30,073
It's indestructible.
694
00:37:30,073 --> 00:37:31,727
Oh, oh.
695
00:37:36,949 --> 00:37:43,782
Your hair is as beautiful
as you are.
696
00:37:43,782 --> 00:37:45,915
It's like what's always been
inside of you
697
00:37:45,915 --> 00:37:48,221
has finally got set free.
698
00:37:48,221 --> 00:37:51,442
That's exactly
how I feel, Kevin.
699
00:37:51,442 --> 00:37:56,317
It's like... everything's
all coming together.
700
00:37:56,317 --> 00:37:58,275
This... Aah!
701
00:37:58,275 --> 00:38:01,017
This transformation that I feel!
702
00:38:01,017 --> 00:38:03,367
It's-- It's a healing, Kev.
703
00:38:05,456 --> 00:38:07,284
Like what if--
704
00:38:07,284 --> 00:38:11,201
What if every Black woman
in Mississippi felt this way?
705
00:38:12,463 --> 00:38:15,248
Like, when we start feeling good
706
00:38:15,248 --> 00:38:17,207
and beautiful and powerful...
707
00:38:17,207 --> 00:38:19,818
...that's a revolution, Kev!
708
00:38:19,818 --> 00:38:24,170
And, God, I just want to...
I want to free women up!
709
00:38:24,170 --> 00:38:28,871
I want-- And-- And I'm gonna
start by braiding hair.
710
00:38:28,871 --> 00:38:32,483
Okay. But...
you don't know how to braid.
711
00:38:34,877 --> 00:38:38,054
Be real. When in your life
have you ever braided hair?
712
00:38:38,054 --> 00:38:39,882
But that's not the point.
713
00:38:39,882 --> 00:38:42,798
If I know what I want to do,
I can learn how to do it.
714
00:38:42,798 --> 00:38:44,365
Melony...
Look.
715
00:38:44,365 --> 00:38:46,541
Bernetta told me
about a huge hair show
716
00:38:46,541 --> 00:38:48,673
coming to Atlanta
in a couple of months.
717
00:38:48,673 --> 00:38:50,849
They do a class
on African hair braiding.
718
00:38:52,677 --> 00:38:56,202
I...Look. It's not cheap,
but it's an investment.
719
00:38:56,202 --> 00:38:58,335
How large an investment?
720
00:38:58,335 --> 00:39:00,990
Twelve hundred dollars
plus hotel and travel.
721
00:39:00,990 --> 00:39:02,861
Twelve hundred dollars?
722
00:39:02,861 --> 00:39:05,211
I'm not asking you
for permission or for money.
723
00:39:05,211 --> 00:39:08,389
I'm asking for your support.
724
00:39:15,439 --> 00:39:16,962
Okay.
725
00:39:17,963 --> 00:39:19,617
You have it.
726
00:39:29,932 --> 00:39:31,716
♪ If I cut my hair
Hope I grow it long ♪
727
00:39:31,716 --> 00:39:34,110
♪ Back long, back time
Like way before ♪
728
00:39:34,110 --> 00:39:36,286
♪ If I wear it straight
Would they like me more? ♪
729
00:39:36,286 --> 00:39:38,723
♪ Like those girls
On front covers ♪
730
00:39:38,723 --> 00:39:41,030
♪ Long hair
Make 'em stay little longer ♪
731
00:39:41,030 --> 00:39:43,162
♪ Stay hair, stay straight
Though we feel ashamed ♪
732
00:39:43,162 --> 00:39:45,600
♪ By the curls, waves
And natural things ♪
733
00:39:45,600 --> 00:39:47,602
♪ Curls, waves
And natural things ♪
734
00:39:47,602 --> 00:39:50,300
♪ Okay, one time
If I grow it long... ♪
735
00:39:50,300 --> 00:39:53,608
The keys to successful
professional microbraiding
736
00:39:53,608 --> 00:39:57,002
are patience, precision,
and efficiency.
737
00:39:57,002 --> 00:39:59,048
Move too fast,
738
00:39:59,048 --> 00:40:02,617
and you'll make mistakes
that can cost you hours to fix.
739
00:40:02,617 --> 00:40:07,578
Move too slowly and you'll lose
customers, money, and time.
740
00:40:07,578 --> 00:40:11,626
This is an advanced class,
and I'm assuming you all have
741
00:40:11,626 --> 00:40:14,455
at least three years
of prior braiding experience.
742
00:40:14,455 --> 00:40:15,717
Yes?
743
00:40:15,717 --> 00:40:16,674
Yes.
744
00:40:24,508 --> 00:40:27,946
Today we're using Caucasian-
grade wigs as subjects.
745
00:40:27,946 --> 00:40:31,733
Now, the straightness will
deliver its own set of problems.
746
00:40:31,733 --> 00:40:34,518
Take your parting combs,
and let's use the mannequins
747
00:40:34,518 --> 00:40:37,086
to begin with a basic feed-in.
748
00:41:24,437 --> 00:41:26,004
You'll never fix this.
749
00:41:26,004 --> 00:41:27,789
Take that out and start over.
750
00:41:34,839 --> 00:41:39,061
I'm the slowest,
dumbest person there.
751
00:41:39,061 --> 00:41:41,585
I'm so behind.
752
00:41:41,585 --> 00:41:44,457
And tomorrow is gonna be
even harder.
753
00:41:46,590 --> 00:41:49,724
It's just impossible.
754
00:41:49,724 --> 00:41:51,421
Cool.
755
00:41:51,421 --> 00:41:53,031
Then let's jump in the car
and get out of here
756
00:41:53,031 --> 00:41:55,207
before they charge
another day's parking fee.
757
00:41:55,207 --> 00:41:57,079
Wait. What?
758
00:41:57,079 --> 00:41:59,429
Well, you're saying
you just can't do it, right?
759
00:41:59,429 --> 00:42:02,084
You didn't know it was gonna be
this hard, so let's go.
760
00:42:02,084 --> 00:42:04,042
Come on.
761
00:42:04,042 --> 00:42:05,348
I hate you.
762
00:42:07,263 --> 00:42:08,743
You don't want to...
You sure?
763
00:42:08,743 --> 00:42:09,831
I love you.
764
00:42:09,831 --> 00:42:11,180
You love me now?
Yeah.
765
00:42:11,180 --> 00:42:12,747
We're chillin'?
We're chillin'.
766
00:42:12,747 --> 00:42:14,009
Okay.
767
00:42:14,009 --> 00:42:15,924
Thank you.
768
00:42:15,924 --> 00:42:19,492
The hair you work on
may be heat damaged,
769
00:42:19,492 --> 00:42:23,845
broken off, fragile,
or chemically stripped.
770
00:42:23,845 --> 00:42:27,979
The extension should support
the existing hair,
771
00:42:27,979 --> 00:42:29,851
not just enhance it.
772
00:42:29,851 --> 00:42:33,506
I want to see three different
styles today, people,
773
00:42:33,506 --> 00:42:36,771
for three completely
different women.
774
00:42:36,771 --> 00:42:38,816
Extensions are on the table.
775
00:42:38,816 --> 00:42:40,383
You have two hours.
776
00:42:40,383 --> 00:42:41,819
Go.
777
00:43:04,537 --> 00:43:06,017
Mm-hmm.
778
00:43:08,019 --> 00:43:09,455
Do you understand
the assignment?
779
00:43:11,109 --> 00:43:12,894
Oh. Y-Yes.
780
00:43:12,894 --> 00:43:15,897
I just-- I just have to
get to know them first.
781
00:43:17,507 --> 00:43:18,464
Know them?
782
00:43:18,464 --> 00:43:20,118
Mm-hmm.
783
00:43:20,118 --> 00:43:22,904
Okay. Who are they?
784
00:43:26,342 --> 00:43:27,560
This one...
785
00:43:27,560 --> 00:43:28,997
...is...
786
00:43:30,781 --> 00:43:32,653
Leona.
787
00:43:32,653 --> 00:43:34,742
She's not fancy, but she--
788
00:43:34,742 --> 00:43:39,398
She wants to feel pretty
and respected.
789
00:43:39,398 --> 00:43:41,749
Keep going.
Everyone else, gather around.
790
00:43:41,749 --> 00:43:46,710
This one here, this is Lydia.
791
00:43:46,710 --> 00:43:50,148
She's all about fashion
and glamour.
792
00:43:50,148 --> 00:43:52,063
But she's also really smart.
793
00:43:54,152 --> 00:43:58,156
And this last one here is Tiny.
794
00:43:58,156 --> 00:44:03,858
She's young and wild,
but her hair controls her.
795
00:44:03,858 --> 00:44:06,687
She wants to control it.
796
00:44:16,479 --> 00:44:17,654
Excellent, Melony.
797
00:44:17,654 --> 00:44:18,916
Oh.
798
00:44:18,916 --> 00:44:20,526
Keep working.
799
00:44:20,526 --> 00:44:22,224
The rest of you,
800
00:44:22,224 --> 00:44:25,096
if you haven't had
a conversation with your client
801
00:44:25,096 --> 00:44:28,534
and gotten a better insight
into who they are,
802
00:44:28,534 --> 00:44:31,407
rip out what you've started
and start again.
803
00:44:31,407 --> 00:44:34,236
This is about people first,
then hair,
804
00:44:34,236 --> 00:44:36,020
not the other way around.
805
00:44:36,020 --> 00:44:37,456
Let's go.
806
00:44:39,894 --> 00:44:42,984
Good job. Thanks.
807
00:44:47,292 --> 00:44:48,816
For the baby.
808
00:44:48,816 --> 00:44:50,818
Oh.
809
00:44:53,255 --> 00:44:55,083
Thank you.
810
00:44:55,083 --> 00:45:00,044
You have some nerve
coming in here with no skills.
811
00:45:00,044 --> 00:45:03,395
Nerves or... maybe courage.
812
00:45:05,789 --> 00:45:07,312
I just had to learn.
813
00:45:07,312 --> 00:45:09,227
I can't explain it.
814
00:45:09,227 --> 00:45:10,838
Melony, you have a gift.
815
00:45:10,838 --> 00:45:13,231
You braid from the heart.
816
00:45:13,231 --> 00:45:15,625
And once your speed
and your technique
817
00:45:15,625 --> 00:45:17,453
is where your heart is,
818
00:45:17,453 --> 00:45:20,021
you're going to be unstoppable.
819
00:45:23,328 --> 00:45:26,462
Are there any more classes
I can take?
820
00:45:26,462 --> 00:45:28,943
Just so I can keep practicing.
821
00:45:28,943 --> 00:45:32,163
You're from Mississippi, right?
Mm-hmm.
822
00:45:32,163 --> 00:45:35,732
Well, Melony, the cosmetology
schools in Mississippi
823
00:45:35,732 --> 00:45:37,778
don't even teach braiding.
824
00:45:37,778 --> 00:45:40,955
After today,
you learn by doing.
825
00:45:42,652 --> 00:45:44,349
Braid everything.
826
00:45:44,349 --> 00:45:46,395
Get strong.
827
00:45:46,395 --> 00:45:50,312
The only limits are the ones
you set for yourself.
828
00:45:52,880 --> 00:45:56,318
I still can't believe
they haven't fixed that hole.
829
00:45:56,318 --> 00:45:59,451
We're lucky
they fixed the pipes at all.
830
00:45:59,451 --> 00:46:01,889
Hm.
831
00:46:01,889 --> 00:46:05,022
How much you charge to-- to do
that on a real, live person?
832
00:46:07,024 --> 00:46:08,678
I don't really know.
833
00:46:08,678 --> 00:46:10,506
I haven't had a customer yet.
834
00:46:10,506 --> 00:46:12,856
Girl, what are you waiting for?
835
00:46:12,856 --> 00:46:16,251
I'll pay you 40 bucks if you can
do something with this.
836
00:46:16,251 --> 00:46:18,427
Now, I washed it before,
837
00:46:18,427 --> 00:46:20,298
so you ain't got to worry about
cooties or nothing.
838
00:46:20,298 --> 00:46:22,779
Girl, don't be silly.
839
00:46:22,779 --> 00:46:26,914
Rosemary, I'll braid
your hair for free.
840
00:46:26,914 --> 00:46:28,698
You just pay for extensions.
841
00:46:28,698 --> 00:46:30,439
Sure.
842
00:46:30,439 --> 00:46:32,310
What are extensions?
843
00:46:32,310 --> 00:46:33,050
Oh.
844
00:46:36,445 --> 00:46:38,360
I want to see.
I want to see!
845
00:46:38,360 --> 00:46:39,709
I can't take it!
846
00:46:39,709 --> 00:46:42,277
Okay. Okay.
847
00:46:42,277 --> 00:46:43,321
You're done.
848
00:46:43,321 --> 00:46:44,670
Take a look.
Ooh!
849
00:46:46,281 --> 00:46:49,110
A mirror! Who got a mirror?
Who got a mirror?
850
00:46:50,285 --> 00:46:51,677
Hell yeah!
851
00:46:56,204 --> 00:46:58,249
I'm gonna tell everybody
I know about you.
852
00:46:58,249 --> 00:47:00,904
Whoo! You better get ready.
You're about to blow up.
853
00:47:00,904 --> 00:47:02,601
Oh, my God!
854
00:47:36,984 --> 00:47:38,376
Oh.
855
00:47:38,376 --> 00:47:39,682
Ooh.
856
00:47:41,989 --> 00:47:43,555
Oh. Ooh.
857
00:47:43,555 --> 00:47:45,688
No. It's coming. Oh.
858
00:47:45,688 --> 00:47:48,517
Kevin!
Kevin!
859
00:47:52,347 --> 00:47:53,304
Got it.
860
00:47:53,304 --> 00:47:54,566
Perfect.
861
00:47:58,614 --> 00:48:00,442
Dee, has anyone got back
about--
862
00:48:00,442 --> 00:48:02,705
Girl, relax.
863
00:48:02,705 --> 00:48:04,925
I told them you'd push
all appointments back
864
00:48:04,925 --> 00:48:06,535
a couple of weeks.
865
00:48:06,535 --> 00:48:09,103
One lady got salty.
866
00:48:09,103 --> 00:48:11,670
She said when she dropped
her baby,
867
00:48:11,670 --> 00:48:13,759
she went back to work
the same day.
868
00:48:13,759 --> 00:48:15,413
No.
I said:
869
00:48:15,413 --> 00:48:17,546
"This ain't no dang plantation.
870
00:48:17,546 --> 00:48:19,461
And you're not Kizzy."
871
00:48:20,853 --> 00:48:23,639
Them nappy heads can wait.
Mm-hmm.
872
00:48:23,639 --> 00:48:28,905
Melony...
this is your first baby.
873
00:48:28,905 --> 00:48:32,387
You need to give yourself time
to get your strength back up.
874
00:48:32,387 --> 00:48:36,043
My chicken soup
should help with that.
875
00:48:51,754 --> 00:48:55,018
Is that my new grandbaby?
876
00:48:55,018 --> 00:48:59,370
Ma Betty, I want you
to meet Kevin Jr.
877
00:48:59,370 --> 00:49:00,719
Oh!
K.J.
878
00:49:00,719 --> 00:49:02,634
Ooh!
There you go.
879
00:49:02,634 --> 00:49:04,506
Yes.
880
00:49:04,506 --> 00:49:05,986
K.J.!
881
00:49:07,509 --> 00:49:09,163
Mm-hmm.
882
00:49:09,163 --> 00:49:12,949
Oh! Look at you, baby.
883
00:49:12,949 --> 00:49:15,734
K.J. Oh!
884
00:49:19,434 --> 00:49:21,697
Eight hundred
and fifty dollars.
885
00:49:21,697 --> 00:49:25,222
That's more in one day
than one week at the shelter.
886
00:49:25,222 --> 00:49:28,095
Last weekend I made
$1,500, Kev.
887
00:49:28,095 --> 00:49:30,053
But it's hurting you.
888
00:49:30,053 --> 00:49:32,925
Your fingers are stiff.
Your arms ache.
889
00:49:32,925 --> 00:49:35,319
Yeah, but it
comes with the job.
890
00:49:35,319 --> 00:49:37,278
If I braid full time,
891
00:49:37,278 --> 00:49:40,281
I could probably make enough
to cover my half and--
892
00:49:40,281 --> 00:49:43,240
and even rent a little studio
to work out of.
893
00:49:45,112 --> 00:49:47,070
I don't know.
I could go professional.
894
00:49:47,070 --> 00:49:49,638
I could-- I could do this!
895
00:49:49,638 --> 00:49:53,294
I wonder if I'd need
a license or something.
896
00:49:53,294 --> 00:49:56,862
Thirty thousand dollars
for a license?
897
00:49:57,950 --> 00:50:00,562
Miss Clara, that can't be right.
898
00:50:00,562 --> 00:50:02,651
Hey, sis.
I'm braiding hair,
899
00:50:02,651 --> 00:50:04,435
not flying an airplane.
900
00:50:04,435 --> 00:50:06,176
Well, let me talk
to your supervisor.
901
00:50:07,656 --> 00:50:09,701
Hello?
902
00:50:09,701 --> 00:50:11,703
What happened?
903
00:50:11,703 --> 00:50:17,100
Same person keeps giving me all
kinds of ridiculous information.
904
00:50:17,100 --> 00:50:18,928
No license costs that much.
905
00:50:18,928 --> 00:50:21,191
Gonna have to
go down there myself.
906
00:50:21,191 --> 00:50:23,454
To Jackson? That's
400 miles round-trip, babe.
907
00:50:23,454 --> 00:50:24,803
You sure you don't
want to wait
908
00:50:24,803 --> 00:50:25,935
and go when I can
help you drive?
909
00:50:25,935 --> 00:50:28,111
Let me take the baby. Oh.
910
00:50:28,111 --> 00:50:31,375
I'll look after K.J.
You take care of your business.
911
00:50:31,375 --> 00:50:33,073
Thank you, girl.
912
00:50:33,073 --> 00:50:35,945
Kev, 30 grand.
913
00:50:35,945 --> 00:50:38,817
That can't be right. Can it?
914
00:50:38,817 --> 00:50:43,170
Oh, no, dear, the license itself
is only ten thousand dollars.
915
00:50:43,170 --> 00:50:46,390
But after you've paid
the ten thousand dollars,
916
00:50:46,390 --> 00:50:49,045
then you must attend
cosmetology school
917
00:50:49,045 --> 00:50:51,352
for two thousand hours
of training.
918
00:50:51,352 --> 00:50:54,268
Now, that'll take about a year
and a half, and the cost
919
00:50:54,268 --> 00:50:57,271
is approximately
twenty thousand dollars.
920
00:50:57,271 --> 00:50:59,577
And then upon completion
of cosmetology school
921
00:50:59,577 --> 00:51:02,189
and payment of all school fees,
922
00:51:02,189 --> 00:51:06,149
then your license
becomes active.
923
00:51:06,149 --> 00:51:07,933
Cosmetology school?
Mm-hmm.
924
00:51:07,933 --> 00:51:11,676
But I'm braiding hair.
I'm an African hair braider.
925
00:51:13,287 --> 00:51:15,637
And I'm an Irish Catholic, dear,
926
00:51:15,637 --> 00:51:17,595
but the rules are the rules.
927
00:51:17,595 --> 00:51:20,946
Ma'am, Mississippi
cosmetology schools
928
00:51:20,946 --> 00:51:23,035
don't even teach hair braiding.
929
00:51:23,035 --> 00:51:25,125
I'd be wasting
my time and money.
930
00:51:25,125 --> 00:51:27,039
It doesn't make sense.
931
00:51:27,039 --> 00:51:29,999
It-- It is what it is, dear.
932
00:51:29,999 --> 00:51:31,218
So please move on.
933
00:51:31,218 --> 00:51:33,394
I will not move on!
934
00:51:33,394 --> 00:51:35,047
I will not move on
935
00:51:35,047 --> 00:51:37,876
until somebody in this office
explains to me
936
00:51:37,876 --> 00:51:40,836
why I'm being forced
to pay thousands of dollars
937
00:51:40,836 --> 00:51:43,143
for a course that has nothing
to do with my profession!
938
00:51:43,143 --> 00:51:46,276
I asked her to leave.
She won't leave!
939
00:51:46,276 --> 00:51:48,713
What the hell
is a braiding salon?
940
00:51:48,713 --> 00:51:50,454
I don't really know.
941
00:51:50,454 --> 00:51:52,456
She has been
quite vociferous,
942
00:51:52,456 --> 00:51:54,763
and I'm afraid that
if we don't deal with her,
943
00:51:54,763 --> 00:51:57,940
this could escalate
into an event!
944
00:51:57,940 --> 00:51:59,898
What if she calls the press?
945
00:51:59,898 --> 00:52:02,074
Well, all right,
what can we tell her
946
00:52:02,074 --> 00:52:03,075
to make her go away, huh?
947
00:52:05,774 --> 00:52:07,210
What about Wigology?
948
00:52:09,038 --> 00:52:12,128
Wigology? What is that?
949
00:52:12,128 --> 00:52:16,045
If you obtain a Wigologist
license for yourself,
950
00:52:16,045 --> 00:52:19,440
then you can legally
open up your shop.
951
00:52:19,440 --> 00:52:22,269
Now, you'll have to take
a Wigologist course, of course,
952
00:52:22,269 --> 00:52:25,707
but for a much shorter time.
About four hundred hours.
953
00:52:25,707 --> 00:52:29,232
And the cost will be
about a thousand dollars,
954
00:52:29,232 --> 00:52:32,757
and then your license will be
an additional three hundred.
955
00:52:32,757 --> 00:52:35,499
So thirteen hundred?
956
00:52:35,499 --> 00:52:38,937
So, where do I take
this Wigology class?
957
00:52:38,937 --> 00:52:43,507
Well, uh, that's on you, dear.
958
00:52:43,507 --> 00:52:45,379
You know, she couldn't
even tell me
959
00:52:45,379 --> 00:52:49,034
one single school
that teaches Wigology.
960
00:52:51,298 --> 00:52:55,302
Before I left Jackson,
I called six different schools.
961
00:52:55,302 --> 00:52:58,305
Not one of them teach it.
962
00:52:58,305 --> 00:53:02,613
How can they offer me a license
963
00:53:02,613 --> 00:53:06,226
knowing full well I'll never
be able to take the class
964
00:53:06,226 --> 00:53:08,053
to qualify for it?
965
00:53:08,053 --> 00:53:10,795
It's not even logical.
966
00:53:13,624 --> 00:53:16,845
This is Mississippi, child.
967
00:53:16,845 --> 00:53:21,110
There's always something deeper
than logic going down.
968
00:53:24,809 --> 00:53:28,900
What about that old place up
on Boulevard? You check there?
969
00:53:28,900 --> 00:53:30,511
A cosmetology school?
970
00:53:30,511 --> 00:53:32,556
That's what the sign says.
971
00:53:32,556 --> 00:53:35,951
It's a small place,
looks kind of funky, but--
972
00:53:35,951 --> 00:53:37,822
Are you sure?
Mm-hmm.
973
00:53:37,822 --> 00:53:40,216
Okay.
974
00:53:40,216 --> 00:53:41,913
I'll check it out tomorrow.
975
00:53:45,830 --> 00:53:47,789
Doesn't matter.
Get this thing off my lot.
976
00:53:47,789 --> 00:53:49,834
The truck. You can't park here.
977
00:53:49,834 --> 00:53:51,662
I don't have to listen to you.
Let me tell you something.
978
00:53:51,662 --> 00:53:53,273
Let me tell your boss!
No, get it out of here.
979
00:53:53,273 --> 00:53:54,752
No, I'm not. Hey.
980
00:53:54,752 --> 00:53:56,754
Hey, hey! Hey!
981
00:53:56,754 --> 00:53:58,800
Come on! Break it up. Go over--
982
00:53:58,800 --> 00:54:00,236
Yeah, walk away.
Come on, come on,
983
00:54:00,236 --> 00:54:02,107
come on, come on.
Walk!
984
00:54:02,107 --> 00:54:03,283
Come on. Don't worry about it.
Don't worry.
985
00:54:03,283 --> 00:54:04,719
What's up-- What's up with you?
986
00:54:04,719 --> 00:54:06,851
I'll get it together. I just--
987
00:54:08,810 --> 00:54:10,420
Just having a rough time.
988
00:54:12,292 --> 00:54:14,206
Need to talk about it?
989
00:54:16,557 --> 00:54:18,776
What, with you?
990
00:54:18,776 --> 00:54:20,387
Yeah.
991
00:54:20,387 --> 00:54:22,650
Gus, I'm not
just your boss.
992
00:54:22,650 --> 00:54:25,435
I'm a Black man living
in the world just like you.
993
00:54:28,003 --> 00:54:31,485
Look, man, I'm--
I'm having problems at home.
994
00:54:31,485 --> 00:54:35,315
I-I can't-- I can't think
straight, you know? It--
995
00:54:35,315 --> 00:54:37,621
She wants a divorce,
but I love her.
996
00:54:37,621 --> 00:54:39,406
Mm-hmm.
997
00:54:39,406 --> 00:54:42,017
My minister says to--
to work it out,
998
00:54:42,017 --> 00:54:43,714
but what does that even mean?
999
00:54:45,368 --> 00:54:46,500
Yeah.
1000
00:54:48,763 --> 00:54:53,507
Why don't we grab lunch,
and we can talk about it?
1001
00:54:53,507 --> 00:54:55,813
Come on.
1002
00:54:55,813 --> 00:54:57,815
You are coming at a good time.
1003
00:54:57,815 --> 00:55:00,557
The spring course is
just about to get started.
1004
00:55:00,557 --> 00:55:05,301
I'm just here
for the one course. Wigology.
1005
00:55:05,301 --> 00:55:09,392
Wigology? I--
I don't teach that class.
1006
00:55:14,223 --> 00:55:15,920
Wh-- Oh, dear. Have--
1007
00:55:15,920 --> 00:55:17,444
Have I upset you?
1008
00:55:17,444 --> 00:55:19,924
It's not you, it's--
1009
00:55:19,924 --> 00:55:24,189
I'm just one person
1010
00:55:24,189 --> 00:55:27,845
trying to start a business,
you know?
1011
00:55:27,845 --> 00:55:30,065
And I'm trying
to do it right.
1012
00:55:30,065 --> 00:55:32,546
What's the nature
of your business, dear?
1013
00:55:35,331 --> 00:55:37,072
I'm an African hair braider.
1014
00:55:38,508 --> 00:55:39,988
Oh.
1015
00:55:42,120 --> 00:55:45,907
Braids like these
bring a lot of freedom
1016
00:55:45,907 --> 00:55:50,825
to women that have forgotten
what their--
1017
00:55:50,825 --> 00:55:54,045
what their real beauty
looks like.
1018
00:55:54,045 --> 00:55:58,702
You run a school
dedicated to beauty, right?
1019
00:55:58,702 --> 00:56:01,575
Well, Black women, we--
1020
00:56:03,446 --> 00:56:06,449
We don't know our own beauty.
1021
00:56:08,756 --> 00:56:12,673
I can't teach you that class,
Mrs. Armstrong.
1022
00:56:12,673 --> 00:56:16,241
Wigology hasn't been taught
in Mississippi or beyond
1023
00:56:16,241 --> 00:56:18,461
for more than fifteen years.
1024
00:56:20,071 --> 00:56:22,030
What they told you was a lie.
1025
00:56:25,686 --> 00:56:29,080
Thank you
for telling me the truth.
1026
00:56:29,080 --> 00:56:31,039
I'm so sorry.
1027
00:56:41,919 --> 00:56:47,142
I'm not really
good company right now.
1028
00:56:47,142 --> 00:56:49,579
That's okay.
I hate good company.
1029
00:56:56,934 --> 00:56:59,328
So, I talked with
three men today,
1030
00:56:59,328 --> 00:57:02,157
two workmen
and one of their friends.
1031
00:57:02,157 --> 00:57:06,509
It looks like they're searching
for a new style of congregation,
1032
00:57:06,509 --> 00:57:12,167
one that tells them they can
do more than just wait on God.
1033
00:57:12,167 --> 00:57:14,735
They want to be proactive
in their lives.
1034
00:57:16,954 --> 00:57:18,478
So I told them about you.
1035
00:57:19,827 --> 00:57:21,698
Me?
1036
00:57:21,698 --> 00:57:23,787
Kev.
1037
00:57:23,787 --> 00:57:28,531
I just hit a roadblock
I can't get past.
1038
00:57:28,531 --> 00:57:31,882
I'm not exactly
your proactive poster child.
1039
00:57:31,882 --> 00:57:34,798
I told them you were stuck
but to stay tuned,
1040
00:57:34,798 --> 00:57:37,758
because if anyone knows how
to ride shotgun with destiny,
1041
00:57:37,758 --> 00:57:39,629
Mel, it's you.
1042
00:57:39,629 --> 00:57:43,720
I've never met a boulder
you couldn't smash to pebbles.
1043
00:57:43,720 --> 00:57:44,852
Mm.
1044
00:57:53,295 --> 00:57:54,862
I'm not in the mood
for Goethe.
1045
00:57:56,733 --> 00:58:01,521
"The moment one definitely
commits oneself,
1046
00:58:01,521 --> 00:58:04,262
all sorts of things
begin to happen
1047
00:58:04,262 --> 00:58:08,223
that would never otherwise
have occurred."
1048
00:58:12,314 --> 00:58:14,316
I've never heard that part.
1049
00:58:20,104 --> 00:58:23,978
"Whatever you can do, or dream,
1050
00:58:23,978 --> 00:58:25,545
you can begin.
1051
00:58:27,459 --> 00:58:28,983
Begin it now."
1052
00:58:33,465 --> 00:58:35,467
Thank you for coming in.
1053
00:58:35,467 --> 00:58:37,078
I've done a bit of research.
1054
00:58:37,078 --> 00:58:41,082
Now, as you know, the Wigology
course no longer exists.
1055
00:58:41,082 --> 00:58:46,653
But the Wigology exam
and Wigology license still do.
1056
00:58:46,653 --> 00:58:49,003
Whoever schemed
to get rid of this thing,
1057
00:58:49,003 --> 00:58:51,092
they did a terrible job.
1058
00:58:51,092 --> 00:58:56,793
But how can I take an exam
if the course doesn't exist?
1059
00:58:56,793 --> 00:59:01,842
We will use the exam itself
as your coursework.
1060
00:59:01,842 --> 00:59:03,757
You'll have to come
at the regular times,
1061
00:59:03,757 --> 00:59:05,976
six hours a day,
five days a week.
1062
00:59:05,976 --> 00:59:09,240
And the Board,
they look at anyone who's
1063
00:59:09,240 --> 00:59:11,678
thinking outside the box
as competition.
1064
00:59:11,678 --> 00:59:13,810
So you can't tell a soul
what we're doing.
1065
00:59:13,810 --> 00:59:16,291
But if you're determined
to get this license...
1066
00:59:18,032 --> 00:59:20,643
...then I'm going
to help you fight to get it.
1067
00:59:40,707 --> 00:59:42,665
There you go. Sorry.
1068
00:59:46,538 --> 00:59:47,801
Yeah, this looks good.
1069
00:59:58,115 --> 01:00:00,335
You ladies are now
in the presence
1070
01:00:00,335 --> 01:00:02,903
of a fully licensed Wigologist.
1071
01:00:02,903 --> 01:00:04,818
Wigologist?
1072
01:00:04,818 --> 01:00:07,559
Ooh!
Whoo!
1073
01:00:07,559 --> 01:00:09,910
Passed with 100 percent.
1074
01:00:14,262 --> 01:00:16,003
What? I--
1075
01:00:19,789 --> 01:00:20,964
Wait.
1076
01:00:20,964 --> 01:00:22,836
What do you think?
1077
01:00:22,836 --> 01:00:24,751
Is this--
1078
01:00:26,013 --> 01:00:27,754
Is this what--
It's your shop.
1079
01:00:27,754 --> 01:00:29,320
My shop?
Mm-hmm.
1080
01:00:29,320 --> 01:00:31,758
You got me a shop, baby?!
That's your shop.
1081
01:00:31,758 --> 01:00:33,194
Oh, my God!
1082
01:00:33,194 --> 01:00:34,543
How?
1083
01:00:34,543 --> 01:00:36,327
Saving up.
Oh, my God.
1084
01:00:36,327 --> 01:00:37,589
Lots of overtime.
1085
01:00:37,589 --> 01:00:39,113
There's chairs. Oh, my God.
1086
01:00:39,113 --> 01:00:40,723
I've been fixing it up
after work.
1087
01:00:40,723 --> 01:00:42,333
What?!
1088
01:00:42,333 --> 01:00:44,335
Wait, what is this?
1089
01:00:44,335 --> 01:00:45,859
What is this?
1090
01:00:45,859 --> 01:00:48,775
I built that chair
just for you. Sit down.
1091
01:00:48,775 --> 01:00:50,864
For me?
Yeah.
1092
01:00:50,864 --> 01:00:52,735
Okay.
1093
01:00:52,735 --> 01:00:53,867
Is it comfy?
1094
01:00:53,867 --> 01:00:55,695
Yes.
1095
01:00:55,695 --> 01:00:57,174
So you like it?
1096
01:00:57,174 --> 01:00:58,741
I love it.
1097
01:00:58,741 --> 01:01:00,264
You deserve it all.
1098
01:01:03,311 --> 01:01:05,400
Thank you.
1099
01:01:05,400 --> 01:01:10,797
And over here, maybe we could
put some sofas and chairs and--
1100
01:01:10,797 --> 01:01:13,538
And a coffee maker? Mmm.
1101
01:01:13,538 --> 01:01:15,453
Oh, and a sound system.
1102
01:01:15,453 --> 01:01:17,455
Just a little one. Okay.
1103
01:01:17,455 --> 01:01:20,763
Oh, Kevin, come here.
1104
01:01:20,763 --> 01:01:23,287
Here, feel this.
1105
01:01:23,287 --> 01:01:24,549
What?
1106
01:01:25,986 --> 01:01:29,554
This is what a living dream
feels like.
1107
01:01:31,513 --> 01:01:33,689
I want this for you, too.
1108
01:01:33,689 --> 01:01:35,560
And your congregation.
1109
01:01:37,301 --> 01:01:39,216
Speaking of congregation,
1110
01:01:39,216 --> 01:01:43,612
I think you have some converts
here yourself.
1111
01:01:43,612 --> 01:01:45,483
Huh?
Ladies!
1112
01:01:45,483 --> 01:01:48,182
Pretty nice!
Oh, my gosh!
1113
01:01:48,182 --> 01:01:50,793
Hi!
Oh, my goodness.
1114
01:01:50,793 --> 01:01:52,273
Hey!
Girl, you have
1115
01:01:52,273 --> 01:01:55,232
such a good husband.
1116
01:01:55,232 --> 01:01:56,756
Oh, my gosh. How--
1117
01:01:56,756 --> 01:01:59,628
Wait, how? How did you do that?
1118
01:01:59,628 --> 01:02:01,021
Uh, Dee helped me.
1119
01:02:01,021 --> 01:02:02,718
We, um...
Dee?
1120
01:02:02,718 --> 01:02:04,938
...figured you'd need
some support to get started.
1121
01:02:04,938 --> 01:02:07,854
And we're both
on unemployment right now,
1122
01:02:07,854 --> 01:02:10,421
so we were thinking
that by the time it runs out--
1123
01:02:10,421 --> 01:02:13,947
Yes, girl! Oh, my gosh!
1124
01:02:13,947 --> 01:02:15,775
Oh, my gosh.
I'm so happy.
1125
01:02:15,775 --> 01:02:17,689
I feel like I'm dreaming.
1126
01:02:17,689 --> 01:02:19,779
♪ It ain't easy tryna give ♪
1127
01:02:21,389 --> 01:02:23,608
Hello?
Naturally Speaking Hair Salon.
1128
01:02:23,608 --> 01:02:25,219
This is Leona speaking.
1129
01:02:25,219 --> 01:02:27,395
♪ Can't let it slide
No, not this time ♪
1130
01:02:27,395 --> 01:02:29,397
♪ We come too far
To let the dream... ♪
1131
01:02:29,397 --> 01:02:32,139
All right. You're done!
1132
01:02:33,488 --> 01:02:36,534
Ooh!
1133
01:02:36,534 --> 01:02:39,973
♪ Nothing left for you to do
But don't believe it ♪
1134
01:02:39,973 --> 01:02:42,889
♪ You got to, got to
See it through, baby ♪
1135
01:02:42,889 --> 01:02:44,891
All right, if your name
is on the list,
1136
01:02:44,891 --> 01:02:47,241
you have an appointment.
Just relax.
1137
01:02:47,241 --> 01:02:49,547
Wakey wakey.
1138
01:02:49,547 --> 01:02:51,985
All right. You are done.
1139
01:02:53,508 --> 01:02:55,510
Naturally Speaking Salon.
This is Leona.
1140
01:02:55,510 --> 01:02:57,077
Is this your first time
getting braids?
1141
01:02:57,077 --> 01:02:58,687
It sure is.
1142
01:02:58,687 --> 01:03:01,081
Me and my husband,
we're going to the Bahamas.
1143
01:03:01,081 --> 01:03:03,344
And this time
I'm getting my hair wet.
1144
01:03:03,344 --> 01:03:04,649
Ooh!
Okay!
1145
01:03:04,649 --> 01:03:06,347
Get your hands off my pad.
1146
01:03:06,347 --> 01:03:07,739
Get your fingers off my pad.
1147
01:03:07,739 --> 01:03:10,090
♪ Across the nation ♪
1148
01:03:10,090 --> 01:03:11,700
♪ That's going through
Some... ♪
1149
01:03:11,700 --> 01:03:12,875
Ma'am? Ma'am.
1150
01:03:14,398 --> 01:03:16,661
♪ You gotta groove ♪
1151
01:03:16,661 --> 01:03:18,620
You all go have a seat.
I got you. I got--
1152
01:03:18,620 --> 01:03:20,578
I said, don't touch my pad!
1153
01:03:20,578 --> 01:03:24,147
One, two, three, oh. Oh.
1154
01:03:24,147 --> 01:03:28,325
I just can't anymore. Ugh!
1155
01:03:28,325 --> 01:03:31,807
Welcome to Naturally Speaking.
I'm Melony.
1156
01:03:31,807 --> 01:03:35,332
Now, tell me about who you are.
1157
01:03:36,507 --> 01:03:38,118
Whew, boy.
1158
01:03:38,118 --> 01:03:40,381
Don't you forget to send us
some pictures, now.
1159
01:03:40,381 --> 01:03:42,687
Okay, bye.
1160
01:03:42,687 --> 01:03:47,083
Whew. I cannot believe
how busy we were today.
1161
01:03:47,083 --> 01:03:50,695
Girl.
Lord. My hands hurt!
1162
01:03:50,695 --> 01:03:52,088
Mm-hmm.
They hurting?
1163
01:03:52,088 --> 01:03:53,829
Yes.
1164
01:03:53,829 --> 01:03:55,352
Mm, this will
make them feel better.
1165
01:03:57,572 --> 01:03:59,182
Yes, it will.
1166
01:04:00,967 --> 01:04:03,795
Soak your fingers
in some salt water,
1167
01:04:03,795 --> 01:04:08,931
then meet me two hours
before opening tomorrow.
1168
01:04:08,931 --> 01:04:11,629
Mm.
Bring friends if you want to.
1169
01:04:11,629 --> 01:04:16,243
But tomorrow, class begins.
1170
01:04:26,470 --> 01:04:28,777
What am I supposed
to ask it again?
1171
01:04:28,777 --> 01:04:30,561
You ask her what she wants.
1172
01:04:37,177 --> 01:04:38,047
Oh.
1173
01:04:47,448 --> 01:04:49,580
She said she want
the rest of her body.
1174
01:04:53,758 --> 01:04:55,673
We're here...
1175
01:04:55,673 --> 01:04:56,892
...with Melony Armstrong...
Okay. Here we go.
1176
01:04:56,892 --> 01:04:59,634
of Naturally Speaking Salon.
1177
01:04:59,634 --> 01:05:04,204
Braids are what I call
"Freedom Hair."
1178
01:05:04,204 --> 01:05:08,251
These braids, twists,
and micro braids
1179
01:05:08,251 --> 01:05:10,123
free women up
1180
01:05:10,123 --> 01:05:12,647
so they can pay more attention
to their lives
1181
01:05:12,647 --> 01:05:15,432
and not worry about how
their hair might restrict them.
1182
01:05:15,432 --> 01:05:18,131
Tell 'em, Melony.
And what inspired you
1183
01:05:18,131 --> 01:05:20,176
to do this African style
hair braiding?
1184
01:05:20,176 --> 01:05:22,918
Were you born in Africa?
1185
01:05:22,918 --> 01:05:25,007
Is she serious--
1186
01:05:25,007 --> 01:05:27,488
No. No, I--
1187
01:05:27,488 --> 01:05:30,143
I was born right here
in America.
1188
01:05:30,143 --> 01:05:33,059
African style braids
are much more about
1189
01:05:33,059 --> 01:05:35,104
who you are
than where you're from.
1190
01:05:35,104 --> 01:05:36,714
Mm-hmm.
Black women
1191
01:05:36,714 --> 01:05:39,239
in America need to remember
their own beauty.
1192
01:05:39,239 --> 01:05:42,677
My shop exists to celebrate
that beauty that all of us have
1193
01:05:42,677 --> 01:05:45,027
but that many of us
keep hidden.
1194
01:05:45,027 --> 01:05:47,638
Ah! That's it!
Yes.
1195
01:05:47,638 --> 01:05:50,598
That's it. Ooh, she did good.
1196
01:05:50,598 --> 01:05:52,121
She sure did.
1197
01:05:56,299 --> 01:05:58,954
Yeah, I don't think
it's the same.
1198
01:05:58,954 --> 01:06:00,608
It's that cheap hair.
1199
01:06:00,608 --> 01:06:02,001
Girl.
It's cheap.
1200
01:06:02,001 --> 01:06:03,654
Welcome to Natur--
1201
01:06:05,482 --> 01:06:07,528
G'Mom.
1202
01:06:14,752 --> 01:06:17,320
Hello!
1203
01:06:17,320 --> 01:06:20,193
Hey, pretty baby,
what you doing?
1204
01:06:20,193 --> 01:06:23,370
I didn't know
you were coming by.
1205
01:06:23,370 --> 01:06:28,636
I got to have an invitation
to see my great grand?
1206
01:06:28,636 --> 01:06:33,771
Or to see you and this little
shop of yours for that matter?
1207
01:06:33,771 --> 01:06:35,382
Come sit down.
1208
01:06:35,382 --> 01:06:37,949
Oh, no, I'm just fine,
thank you.
1209
01:06:37,949 --> 01:06:40,256
I'm very particular
about my hair.
1210
01:06:40,256 --> 01:06:41,997
Mm-hmm.
1211
01:06:41,997 --> 01:06:44,130
G'Mom,
1212
01:06:44,130 --> 01:06:48,438
you've worn this wig
for a very long time.
1213
01:06:50,353 --> 01:06:52,877
And underneath it...
1214
01:06:52,877 --> 01:06:56,533
...there's hair that could stand
some tenderness.
1215
01:06:58,579 --> 01:07:01,321
Come sit down. Let me spoil you.
1216
01:07:03,497 --> 01:07:04,759
Yeah?
1217
01:07:06,282 --> 01:07:08,937
Okay.
All right.
1218
01:07:08,937 --> 01:07:11,635
All right then.
1219
01:07:16,771 --> 01:07:18,512
I'm just going to--
1220
01:07:18,512 --> 01:07:21,776
I'm just gonna massage you.
Okay?
1221
01:07:53,112 --> 01:07:55,375
I used to have long hair.
1222
01:07:57,986 --> 01:07:59,814
It was long and--
1223
01:08:01,337 --> 01:08:03,122
and white. Wow.
1224
01:08:04,253 --> 01:08:05,863
All the way down to my waist.
1225
01:08:07,561 --> 01:08:11,304
Oh, I was something to see.
1226
01:08:14,785 --> 01:08:16,918
It was before I got sick.
1227
01:08:16,918 --> 01:08:19,007
I just--
1228
01:08:21,618 --> 01:08:24,447
I just can't
wear my hair like this.
1229
01:08:24,447 --> 01:08:26,884
It's okay.
1230
01:08:26,884 --> 01:08:29,452
But I don't want braids,
either, child.
1231
01:08:29,452 --> 01:08:32,847
Well, braids aren't
for everyone, G'Mom.
1232
01:08:32,847 --> 01:08:35,154
But freedom is.
1233
01:08:36,807 --> 01:08:40,159
And if wearing your piece
makes you feel free,
1234
01:08:40,159 --> 01:08:42,596
then that's exactly
what we're gonna do.
1235
01:08:42,596 --> 01:08:45,686
Let me work on your piece,
G'Mom.
1236
01:08:45,686 --> 01:08:49,472
I could restyle it
for a softer look or anything.
1237
01:08:49,472 --> 01:08:51,692
That's right. That's right.
Ain't no reason for you
1238
01:08:51,692 --> 01:08:53,563
to keep going around
looking like Bea Arthur.
1239
01:08:57,176 --> 01:08:58,394
Girl.
1240
01:09:23,680 --> 01:09:25,856
And my cousin Tanika
said she could do it.
1241
01:09:25,856 --> 01:09:28,119
But she got us looking like
we got mops on our heads!
1242
01:09:28,119 --> 01:09:29,904
It's okay.
And my rehearsal supper's
1243
01:09:29,904 --> 01:09:31,993
in two hours and I don't know
what I'm supposed to do with--
1244
01:09:31,993 --> 01:09:35,431
Okay. Leona, Rosemary,
start unbraiding bridesmaids.
1245
01:09:35,431 --> 01:09:37,694
Lydia, come up here
and help me with the bride.
1246
01:09:37,694 --> 01:09:41,829
I don't know if you can fix it.
Okay. It's okay.
1247
01:09:41,829 --> 01:09:43,657
You're gonna look beautiful.
This is, like, so ridiculous!
1248
01:09:43,657 --> 01:09:45,136
It's closed for the day!
1249
01:09:45,136 --> 01:09:46,616
I don't think it matters, ma'am.
1250
01:09:46,616 --> 01:09:49,184
I need to see your license.
1251
01:09:49,184 --> 01:09:52,753
Um, just a second, okay?
I'll be right back.
1252
01:10:01,109 --> 01:10:02,632
What is this about?
1253
01:10:04,591 --> 01:10:06,549
Wigology, huh?
Mm-hmm.
1254
01:10:06,549 --> 01:10:09,900
Is that what this place is?
1255
01:10:09,900 --> 01:10:12,207
I need to see
their licenses, too.
1256
01:10:12,207 --> 01:10:16,994
But these ladies
are my students.
1257
01:10:16,994 --> 01:10:20,868
I supervise their every move.
They're my trainees.
1258
01:10:20,868 --> 01:10:24,306
Ma'am, this license doesn't give
you the right to train anybody.
1259
01:10:24,306 --> 01:10:28,310
Now, I'm gonna give you
a citation and a fine today.
1260
01:10:28,310 --> 01:10:30,138
But if I catch you
at this again...
1261
01:10:31,966 --> 01:10:33,446
...I'll close you down
1262
01:10:33,446 --> 01:10:35,317
and may arrest you.
1263
01:10:35,317 --> 01:10:37,711
On what charge?
Making a living?
1264
01:10:45,153 --> 01:10:48,548
The way these
Mississippi laws are written,
1265
01:10:48,548 --> 01:10:51,725
it's only folks with money
who can get a license.
1266
01:10:51,725 --> 01:10:54,554
It costs less time
and less money
1267
01:10:54,554 --> 01:10:58,209
to get certified
as a fireman or a nurse
1268
01:10:58,209 --> 01:11:00,690
or a sheriff than it does
to be a hairdresser.
1269
01:11:00,690 --> 01:11:02,388
Wow.
I know.
1270
01:11:02,388 --> 01:11:05,695
My shop has been flying
under the radar for years.
1271
01:11:05,695 --> 01:11:08,263
But it's on private property,
and I don't advertise,
1272
01:11:08,263 --> 01:11:10,744
so I probably don't exist
to them.
1273
01:11:10,744 --> 01:11:12,572
Mm, that's true.
1274
01:11:12,572 --> 01:11:14,791
If women like me had to depend
on the State of Mississippi
1275
01:11:14,791 --> 01:11:16,837
to certify us
to do what it is we do...
1276
01:11:16,837 --> 01:11:18,578
Come on.
...we'd all still be
1277
01:11:18,578 --> 01:11:21,755
sweeping floors or working
in Miss Ann's kitchen.
1278
01:11:21,755 --> 01:11:23,844
That's what they want. Yeah.
1279
01:11:23,844 --> 01:11:25,976
I don't want
to stop learning, though.
1280
01:11:25,976 --> 01:11:28,370
I could really be good at this.
1281
01:11:28,370 --> 01:11:31,242
Yeah. I mean, I could teach you
right here at my house,
1282
01:11:31,242 --> 01:11:32,983
but you can't braid at the shop.
1283
01:11:32,983 --> 01:11:35,421
But your business
is gonna go right to squat
1284
01:11:35,421 --> 01:11:37,945
if you don't have some help. Yeah.
1285
01:11:37,945 --> 01:11:40,556
And the State
of Mississippi strikes again.
1286
01:11:40,556 --> 01:11:41,949
Hmm.
1287
01:11:44,081 --> 01:11:46,083
What if we strike it back?
1288
01:11:46,083 --> 01:11:48,042
Yeah.
1289
01:11:55,658 --> 01:11:57,443
Institute for Justice.
1290
01:11:57,443 --> 01:11:59,836
Dana Berliner here,
could you please hold a sec--
1291
01:11:59,836 --> 01:12:01,925
Wait, what? Slow down.
1292
01:12:01,925 --> 01:12:03,449
Miss, who are you?
1293
01:12:03,449 --> 01:12:05,799
Uh-huh.
1294
01:12:05,799 --> 01:12:10,064
What about the Mississippi
State Board of Cosmetology?
1295
01:12:10,064 --> 01:12:11,979
Put that on speaker!
1296
01:12:11,979 --> 01:12:13,676
I am a licensed,
1297
01:12:13,676 --> 01:12:15,548
professional African
hair braider,
1298
01:12:15,548 --> 01:12:18,159
and the State of Mississippi
is actively interfering
1299
01:12:18,159 --> 01:12:20,901
with my right to make a living.
Are you familiar
1300
01:12:20,901 --> 01:12:23,077
with the Mississippi State
Board of Cosmetology?
1301
01:12:23,077 --> 01:12:25,209
Oh, we are
very familiar with them.
1302
01:12:25,209 --> 01:12:27,777
Could you tell us everything
from the beginning, please?
1303
01:12:27,777 --> 01:12:29,431
You are not
the first people
1304
01:12:29,431 --> 01:12:31,651
to ever fight back against
unfair licensing laws.
1305
01:12:31,651 --> 01:12:34,480
In our very first case,
1306
01:12:34,480 --> 01:12:36,656
Pamela Ferrell
and Taalib Din Uqdah,
1307
01:12:36,656 --> 01:12:39,267
two highly successful
salon owners,
1308
01:12:39,267 --> 01:12:41,835
were fined and threatened
with closure for
1309
01:12:41,835 --> 01:12:45,229
running a natural hair braiding
program without a license.
1310
01:12:45,229 --> 01:12:47,928
Through us, they sued the
government of Washington, D.C.,
1311
01:12:47,928 --> 01:12:51,018
for violating their
constitutional rights.
1312
01:12:51,018 --> 01:12:54,282
And D.C. wanted
to avoid bad press.
1313
01:12:54,282 --> 01:12:56,240
They just changed the law.
1314
01:12:56,240 --> 01:12:58,417
So there's precedent.
We can win.
1315
01:12:58,417 --> 01:13:01,507
Well, you have to remember
that D.C. is not a state,
1316
01:13:01,507 --> 01:13:03,552
so the rules are not the same.
1317
01:13:03,552 --> 01:13:06,773
That's a city with a population
of about 700,000
1318
01:13:06,773 --> 01:13:09,906
and a largely Black
and sympathetic city council.
1319
01:13:09,906 --> 01:13:12,909
Mississippi has a population
of over 3 million,
1320
01:13:12,909 --> 01:13:15,521
and a legislative body
full of mostly
1321
01:13:15,521 --> 01:13:17,958
good ol' boys
who couldn't care less.
1322
01:13:17,958 --> 01:13:20,700
Which is exactly why, Melony--
1323
01:13:20,700 --> 01:13:23,050
Ah, thank you--
1324
01:13:23,050 --> 01:13:25,966
That's why if you're going
to do this, you have to be sure.
1325
01:13:25,966 --> 01:13:27,968
And you have to be brave.
1326
01:13:27,968 --> 01:13:29,404
I'm sure.
1327
01:13:29,404 --> 01:13:31,493
I mean, what choice do I have?
1328
01:13:31,493 --> 01:13:34,844
Well, you could probably
strike a deal
1329
01:13:34,844 --> 01:13:37,717
with the State,
keep quiet in exchange
1330
01:13:37,717 --> 01:13:39,893
for the Board leaving
you and your trainees alone.
1331
01:13:39,893 --> 01:13:42,765
This case is about
more than just Melony Armstrong.
1332
01:13:42,765 --> 01:13:44,724
It's about Black women everywhere
1333
01:13:44,724 --> 01:13:47,204
being refused the right
to earn an honest living.
1334
01:13:47,204 --> 01:13:49,119
How could you even say that?
1335
01:13:49,119 --> 01:13:51,948
Melony, Melony, that was a test.
1336
01:13:51,948 --> 01:13:54,429
If you had said yes to that,
I wouldn't have taken your case.
1337
01:13:54,429 --> 01:13:56,649
And now
I'm very excited to.
1338
01:13:56,649 --> 01:13:57,476
Oh.
1339
01:13:59,390 --> 01:14:01,088
Okay.
1340
01:14:01,088 --> 01:14:02,568
Good. I was testing you.
1341
01:14:02,568 --> 01:14:06,397
Good. Have we both passed?
1342
01:14:06,397 --> 01:14:08,922
'Cause that's the kind of
passion we're gonna need to win.
1343
01:14:08,922 --> 01:14:10,619
Okay.
1344
01:14:10,619 --> 01:14:13,361
This fight is not about hair,
you know.
1345
01:14:13,361 --> 01:14:15,319
It's about money.
1346
01:14:15,319 --> 01:14:18,018
There are over 100,000
1347
01:14:18,018 --> 01:14:21,500
licensed cosmetologists
in the State of Mississippi.
1348
01:14:21,500 --> 01:14:24,198
Wow.
Every single one of them
1349
01:14:24,198 --> 01:14:27,288
paid $30,000
to obtain their license
1350
01:14:27,288 --> 01:14:29,595
and attend cosmetology school.
1351
01:14:29,595 --> 01:14:31,771
So when you do the math on that,
1352
01:14:31,771 --> 01:14:34,164
and you think about
all the new licenses
1353
01:14:34,164 --> 01:14:36,340
being issued every year,
1354
01:14:36,340 --> 01:14:38,560
both the state and the schools
1355
01:14:38,560 --> 01:14:41,520
have a nice big,
guaranteed source of revenue.
1356
01:14:41,520 --> 01:14:42,695
- Mm-hmm.
- Mm-hmm.
1357
01:14:42,695 --> 01:14:45,393
And they do not want you
1358
01:14:45,393 --> 01:14:48,396
to come in and mess that up. Mm.
1359
01:14:48,396 --> 01:14:51,573
Ladies, your opponents
have very deep pockets.
1360
01:14:54,054 --> 01:14:55,490
You know, they're gonna
come at you
1361
01:14:55,490 --> 01:14:57,710
in some pretty creative ways.
1362
01:14:57,710 --> 01:15:01,278
Lobbyists are gonna attack
your reputation,
1363
01:15:01,278 --> 01:15:04,194
your background,
and your credibility.
1364
01:15:04,194 --> 01:15:09,286
If I win this case, Black women
will have as much a chance
1365
01:15:09,286 --> 01:15:13,029
of running their own business
as any white kid with a degree.
1366
01:15:13,029 --> 01:15:14,944
Hmm.
1367
01:15:14,944 --> 01:15:17,556
You ever think about
what'll happen if you lose?
1368
01:15:17,556 --> 01:15:19,906
I'm not gonna lose.
1369
01:15:19,906 --> 01:15:21,777
Good.
1370
01:15:21,777 --> 01:15:23,431
Then I'll file suit next week.
1371
01:15:24,780 --> 01:15:26,477
No turning back now.
1372
01:15:26,477 --> 01:15:29,480
Armstrong versus
the State of Mississippi.
1373
01:15:29,480 --> 01:15:32,266
I like the sound of that.
1374
01:15:32,266 --> 01:15:35,486
It's got a nice ring
to it, doesn't it?
1375
01:15:35,486 --> 01:15:37,053
How do I pay for this?
1376
01:15:37,053 --> 01:15:40,361
You don't.
I.J. is funded by donations.
1377
01:15:41,884 --> 01:15:44,626
So, are we going
into the courtroom?
1378
01:15:44,626 --> 01:15:46,889
No, we're going into
the hearing room first.
1379
01:15:46,889 --> 01:15:49,718
Luckily, the state legislature
is worried enough
1380
01:15:49,718 --> 01:15:53,504
about this going to court that
they want to hear us out first.
1381
01:15:53,504 --> 01:15:54,984
Oh.
That's good for us.
1382
01:15:54,984 --> 01:15:57,857
Oh. That is
Representative Steve Holland.
1383
01:15:57,857 --> 01:16:01,251
He's committee chair.
He is smart and fair.
1384
01:16:01,251 --> 01:16:03,079
You're gonna want
to get his ear.
1385
01:16:03,079 --> 01:16:06,343
So, in the case of Armstrong
versus the State of Mississippi,
1386
01:16:06,343 --> 01:16:08,955
it is important to understand
that my client
1387
01:16:08,955 --> 01:16:12,480
is filing for injunctive
and declaratory relief.
1388
01:16:12,480 --> 01:16:14,264
She is not seeking money.
1389
01:16:14,264 --> 01:16:18,573
She is seeking to challenge
the constitutionality of the law
1390
01:16:18,573 --> 01:16:21,837
and moves that that law
be changed or struck down.
1391
01:16:21,837 --> 01:16:23,447
Thank you, Ms. Berliner.
1392
01:16:23,447 --> 01:16:25,885
But that's a longstanding law.
1393
01:16:25,885 --> 01:16:28,235
You've certainly got a lot
of nerve, Mrs. Armstrong.
1394
01:16:28,235 --> 01:16:31,368
Good.
We got their attention.
1395
01:16:40,987 --> 01:16:41,857
Hey.
1396
01:16:49,517 --> 01:16:51,693
I've been offered a pastorship.
1397
01:16:54,304 --> 01:16:58,047
I told them I'd decline
until this lawsuit is over.
1398
01:17:00,441 --> 01:17:02,661
Oh, don't do that, Kev.
1399
01:17:04,488 --> 01:17:06,621
Take it.
1400
01:17:06,621 --> 01:17:10,538
Look, if I'm gonna
go through this,
1401
01:17:10,538 --> 01:17:15,412
I need to know
you're where you ought to be.
1402
01:17:15,412 --> 01:17:19,852
Besides, I might need you to
whisper to God for me a little.
1403
01:17:25,901 --> 01:17:27,729
Are you scared, Mel?
1404
01:17:28,948 --> 01:17:30,819
Mm.
1405
01:17:33,256 --> 01:17:35,694
No.
1406
01:17:35,694 --> 01:17:37,913
But I think I should be.
1407
01:17:41,264 --> 01:17:42,962
They're calling it Hair Wars.
1408
01:17:42,962 --> 01:17:44,746
Local hair braider
Melony Armstrong
1409
01:17:44,746 --> 01:17:46,443
takes on the State
of Mississippi
1410
01:17:46,443 --> 01:17:48,968
over the right to braid
Black natural hair.
1411
01:17:48,968 --> 01:17:51,535
Nearly 100 percent
of hair braiders
1412
01:17:51,535 --> 01:17:54,234
in Mississippi are Black women.
1413
01:17:54,234 --> 01:17:57,150
So essentially,
the Cosmetology Board
1414
01:17:57,150 --> 01:17:59,456
are seeking yet another way
1415
01:17:59,456 --> 01:18:02,633
to keep Black women out
of the financial mainstream.
1416
01:18:02,633 --> 01:18:05,680
However, many lawmakers
don't see it that way.
1417
01:18:05,680 --> 01:18:09,597
Maybe braids and cosmetology
are not the same thing,
1418
01:18:09,597 --> 01:18:12,078
but they're close enough.
They both involve hair.
1419
01:18:12,078 --> 01:18:13,949
Mrs. Armstrong faces
an uphill battle
1420
01:18:13,949 --> 01:18:16,256
to convince the state lawmakers
1421
01:18:16,256 --> 01:18:18,911
that this longstanding law
should be changed.
1422
01:18:32,011 --> 01:18:34,753
Babe, what are you doing up?
1423
01:18:34,753 --> 01:18:36,755
What's wrong?
1424
01:18:38,582 --> 01:18:40,410
We're not strong enough.
1425
01:18:40,410 --> 01:18:43,413
What do you mean
not strong enough? Why?
1426
01:18:43,413 --> 01:18:47,809
We're fighting by their rules,
trying to change their laws.
1427
01:18:47,809 --> 01:18:50,377
We should be
bringing the fight to them.
1428
01:18:50,377 --> 01:18:53,467
The cosmetology board's
caving to the negative press.
1429
01:18:53,467 --> 01:18:55,774
They're willing to reduce the
mandatory hours of instruction
1430
01:18:55,774 --> 01:18:57,863
from 2,000 down to 600,
1431
01:18:57,863 --> 01:19:00,517
which will lower the cost
of cosmetology tuition
1432
01:19:00,517 --> 01:19:02,781
from 10,000 to around 5.
1433
01:19:02,781 --> 01:19:05,261
Now, they want to make a deal.
1434
01:19:05,261 --> 01:19:06,828
No deal.
1435
01:19:10,745 --> 01:19:14,531
I want us to bring our own bill
to the state lawmakers.
1436
01:19:14,531 --> 01:19:17,752
Something that will free
braiders completely.
1437
01:19:17,752 --> 01:19:20,102
No license should cost
more than $25,
1438
01:19:20,102 --> 01:19:23,497
and every braider should
have to pass a basic hygiene
1439
01:19:23,497 --> 01:19:26,021
and safety test, as well
as a demonstration of skills.
1440
01:19:26,021 --> 01:19:28,719
And if you can braid,
you can teach braiding.
1441
01:19:28,719 --> 01:19:32,636
No more Wigology.
No more Cosmetology, at all.
1442
01:19:32,636 --> 01:19:35,857
The art of braiding
should be set free.
1443
01:19:35,857 --> 01:19:38,904
Yes. Yes!
1444
01:19:38,904 --> 01:19:40,949
Yeah?
Yes.
1445
01:19:40,949 --> 01:19:42,733
It's good, right?
All right.
1446
01:19:42,733 --> 01:19:45,040
It's great.
1447
01:19:45,040 --> 01:19:47,216
My friend, you married
a very fierce woman,
1448
01:19:47,216 --> 01:19:49,479
and I like her so much.
1449
01:19:49,479 --> 01:19:51,612
I like her, too.
1450
01:19:51,612 --> 01:19:53,701
Okay, let's talk
strategy, Melony.
1451
01:19:53,701 --> 01:19:56,269
You are gonna have to meet with
a lot of powerful politicians,
1452
01:19:56,269 --> 01:19:57,705
shake a lot of hands...
1453
01:19:57,705 --> 01:19:59,533
You're making a big deal
out of nothing.
1454
01:19:59,533 --> 01:20:02,405
...and change a lot
of minds before the hearing.
1455
01:20:02,405 --> 01:20:06,366
Traffic cops and
Congressmen both involve law.
1456
01:20:06,366 --> 01:20:08,847
Do they have the same training,
the same licenses?
1457
01:20:08,847 --> 01:20:11,023
No! You can't--
1458
01:20:23,513 --> 01:20:25,646
Where you going?
1459
01:20:25,646 --> 01:20:27,082
Come out with me.
1460
01:20:27,082 --> 01:20:28,127
Out?
1461
01:20:29,998 --> 01:20:31,695
Have you looked at me?
1462
01:20:31,695 --> 01:20:34,568
And there's tomorrow. No.
1463
01:20:34,568 --> 01:20:37,571
All the more reason.
Just throw on a dress,
1464
01:20:37,571 --> 01:20:39,878
keep your hair wrapped
if you like.
1465
01:20:39,878 --> 01:20:41,749
Mnh-mnh.
But please.
1466
01:20:41,749 --> 01:20:44,970
What you doing?
Mm.
1467
01:20:44,970 --> 01:20:47,189
Kevin.
Mwah. Mwah.
1468
01:20:47,189 --> 01:20:49,931
All right!
All right. All right.
1469
01:20:49,931 --> 01:20:52,542
I'm coming!
I'm coming. I'm coming.
1470
01:20:52,542 --> 01:20:54,718
Lord, I'm coming.
1471
01:20:54,718 --> 01:20:56,633
You're crazy.
1472
01:20:56,633 --> 01:20:59,071
Cover your eyes.
I'm covering them.
1473
01:20:59,071 --> 01:21:01,595
Don't peek.
Kevin, I'm not peeking.
1474
01:21:01,595 --> 01:21:02,988
All right,
there's two steps, ready?
1475
01:21:02,988 --> 01:21:04,163
Okay. Ooh. One.
1476
01:21:04,163 --> 01:21:06,382
One.
One more. Two.
1477
01:21:06,382 --> 01:21:08,645
Two. Okay.
Perfect. All right.
1478
01:21:08,645 --> 01:21:11,735
Can I open them now?
Just wait.
1479
01:21:11,735 --> 01:21:16,001
My wife, Melony Armstrong!
1480
01:21:20,701 --> 01:21:23,573
Oh, my God. Oh, my God!
1481
01:21:23,573 --> 01:21:25,575
Look at you!
1482
01:21:25,575 --> 01:21:27,012
What is going on?
1483
01:21:27,012 --> 01:21:30,015
Why is everybody here?!
1484
01:21:30,015 --> 01:21:32,191
Oh, my gosh. Mom.
1485
01:21:32,191 --> 01:21:34,193
All right, now everyone
take your seats!
1486
01:21:41,374 --> 01:21:44,116
Gonna be great.
1487
01:21:44,116 --> 01:21:47,380
My wife usually
gets the last word,
1488
01:21:47,380 --> 01:21:50,383
but tonight
is my night to speak.
1489
01:21:52,341 --> 01:21:54,300
A few years ago,
1490
01:21:54,300 --> 01:21:58,826
my wife came to me and told me
she wanted to braid hair.
1491
01:21:58,826 --> 01:22:02,786
And I told her
I thought she was crazy.
1492
01:22:02,786 --> 01:22:05,876
And she was.
1493
01:22:05,876 --> 01:22:09,097
At that time, she knew
nothing about braiding hair.
1494
01:22:09,097 --> 01:22:11,708
But the thing about my wife,
1495
01:22:11,708 --> 01:22:14,407
she never once let
the impossible stop her.
1496
01:22:14,407 --> 01:22:16,887
The improbable to her
1497
01:22:16,887 --> 01:22:20,108
just indicates
a lack of imagination.
1498
01:22:20,108 --> 01:22:22,067
I once told her
she never met a boulder
1499
01:22:22,067 --> 01:22:25,374
she couldn't smash to pebbles.
1500
01:22:25,374 --> 01:22:27,898
And I was right.
1501
01:22:27,898 --> 01:22:32,903
But tomorrow, my wife is meeting
more than a boulder.
1502
01:22:32,903 --> 01:22:35,254
Tomorrow my wife is coming up
1503
01:22:35,254 --> 01:22:38,083
against the powerful
State of Mississippi.
1504
01:22:38,083 --> 01:22:41,912
And I asked you all here
to share in a prayer of courage
1505
01:22:41,912 --> 01:22:44,611
and strength for her, my wife.
1506
01:22:44,611 --> 01:22:48,615
Because we need her to be
whole, to remain unafraid,
1507
01:22:48,615 --> 01:22:53,054
and carry her undaunted cause
straight to the lap of victory.
1508
01:22:53,054 --> 01:22:56,101
So I ask you all,
in the name of the Most High,
1509
01:22:56,101 --> 01:23:00,975
to bow your heads,
close your eyes, grasp hands,
1510
01:23:00,975 --> 01:23:05,849
go to your innermost
silent place, and pray.
1511
01:23:15,381 --> 01:23:17,513
Will I have to
say anything today?
1512
01:23:17,513 --> 01:23:19,254
You don't have to,
1513
01:23:19,254 --> 01:23:21,865
and I'll respect your decision
if you don't.
1514
01:23:21,865 --> 01:23:23,519
But...
1515
01:23:23,519 --> 01:23:27,045
But without your voice,
there's just my own.
1516
01:23:27,045 --> 01:23:30,439
You are this truth, Melony.
1517
01:23:30,439 --> 01:23:32,920
I'm just your echo.
1518
01:23:34,661 --> 01:23:38,099
Okay. I got it.
Come on.
1519
01:23:38,099 --> 01:23:40,014
You'll be great.
1520
01:23:40,014 --> 01:23:43,626
These are local
cosmetology students.
1521
01:23:43,626 --> 01:23:47,326
They were ordered to be here
or risk failing their course.
1522
01:23:47,326 --> 01:23:49,023
That seems unfair.
1523
01:23:49,023 --> 01:23:52,113
Yeah.
Welcome to politics.
1524
01:23:52,113 --> 01:23:54,681
Fortunately, your supporters
are a lot louder
1525
01:23:54,681 --> 01:23:57,205
and a lot more fierce.
1526
01:23:57,205 --> 01:24:04,386
Freedom hair! Freedom hair!
1527
01:24:04,386 --> 01:24:07,607
Freedom hair! Freedom hair!
You've got this.
1528
01:24:07,607 --> 01:24:14,048
Freedom hair! Freedom hair!
1529
01:24:14,048 --> 01:24:18,226
Freedom hair! Freedom hair!
Good morning.
1530
01:24:18,226 --> 01:24:19,967
Today we will hear testimony
1531
01:24:19,967 --> 01:24:22,361
regarding proposed bills
that would change the laws
1532
01:24:22,361 --> 01:24:25,799
that apply to African
hair braiding in Mississippi.
1533
01:24:25,799 --> 01:24:28,410
Ms. Berliner,
we will first hear from you.
1534
01:24:28,410 --> 01:24:30,456
Thank you.
1535
01:24:30,456 --> 01:24:33,067
The current law denies hair
braiders like Melony Armstrong
1536
01:24:33,067 --> 01:24:36,026
their constitutional
right guaranteed
1537
01:24:36,026 --> 01:24:37,724
by the Fourteenth Amendment--
1538
01:24:37,724 --> 01:24:40,509
The right to earn a living
in their chosen field.
1539
01:24:40,509 --> 01:24:44,513
The current laws in place with
the State Board of Cosmetology
1540
01:24:44,513 --> 01:24:49,605
make it virtually impossible
for hair braiders to be trained,
1541
01:24:49,605 --> 01:24:53,653
to train others, and to obtain
a license truly relevant
1542
01:24:53,653 --> 01:24:56,090
to the work that they do.
1543
01:24:56,090 --> 01:24:58,875
The entire system of cosmetology
1544
01:24:58,875 --> 01:25:01,182
dates back to the early 1900s.
1545
01:25:01,182 --> 01:25:03,793
It doesn't make sense anymore,
1546
01:25:03,793 --> 01:25:06,970
but a lot of people
make a lot of money from it,
1547
01:25:06,970 --> 01:25:10,409
and those people make sure
that the rules don't change.
1548
01:25:10,409 --> 01:25:13,063
They don't care
about the lives destroyed
1549
01:25:13,063 --> 01:25:15,588
when thousands of women
cannot work.
1550
01:25:15,588 --> 01:25:18,460
And you might ask yourself
how this could be so.
1551
01:25:18,460 --> 01:25:22,116
But to answer, you only need
to look at Melony,
1552
01:25:22,116 --> 01:25:23,987
and then look around you.
1553
01:25:25,815 --> 01:25:29,210
There is not one person
who understands Black hair
1554
01:25:29,210 --> 01:25:32,996
or African micro braiding
at a single cosmetology school
1555
01:25:32,996 --> 01:25:34,955
in the entire state
of Mississippi.
1556
01:25:34,955 --> 01:25:36,696
Not one.
1557
01:25:36,696 --> 01:25:40,830
Yet it is into this unbending
wall of ignorance
1558
01:25:40,830 --> 01:25:42,789
that Melony Armstrong
1559
01:25:42,789 --> 01:25:46,532
and any person who wishes
to practice African braiding
1560
01:25:46,532 --> 01:25:48,795
in the traditional styles
is meant to throw themselves.
1561
01:25:48,795 --> 01:25:50,840
In return for what?
1562
01:25:50,840 --> 01:25:53,147
Nothing.
1563
01:25:53,147 --> 01:25:57,673
These archaic laws
have to change.
1564
01:25:57,673 --> 01:26:01,721
And the bill that we
are putting before you today
1565
01:26:01,721 --> 01:26:04,289
for your consideration...
1566
01:26:04,289 --> 01:26:06,900
...can fix what's broken immediately.
1567
01:26:10,077 --> 01:26:11,426
Thank you.
1568
01:26:13,515 --> 01:26:15,430
Mm, mm, mm.
1569
01:26:15,430 --> 01:26:21,306
That was, uh,
poetic and emotional,
1570
01:26:21,306 --> 01:26:26,224
but it's mere smoke and
mirrors of the real point
1571
01:26:26,224 --> 01:26:28,835
of why we're here.
1572
01:26:28,835 --> 01:26:32,273
You don't keep a clean aesthetic
by letting folks run wild.
1573
01:26:32,273 --> 01:26:35,624
If somebody touches
your hair or your skin,
1574
01:26:35,624 --> 01:26:37,626
they need to be regulated.
1575
01:26:37,626 --> 01:26:41,456
If anybody touches my hair
or my wife's hair,
1576
01:26:41,456 --> 01:26:45,112
I would want to know
that they are clean,
1577
01:26:45,112 --> 01:26:48,115
licensed, and accountable.
1578
01:26:48,115 --> 01:26:49,725
We wouldn't want
some bum off the street
1579
01:26:49,725 --> 01:26:50,987
washing our hair,
now, would we?
1580
01:26:50,987 --> 01:26:51,988
Mr. Chairman?
1581
01:26:51,988 --> 01:26:54,556
Please stick to the point.
1582
01:26:54,556 --> 01:26:56,341
I think I've made my point.
1583
01:26:56,341 --> 01:26:58,560
Now, Ms. Berliner,
1584
01:26:58,560 --> 01:27:00,519
do you have
anything further to add?
1585
01:27:00,519 --> 01:27:02,260
No. Thank you, Senator Holland.
1586
01:27:03,870 --> 01:27:05,741
I want to talk.
1587
01:27:05,741 --> 01:27:07,830
My client would like to speak.
1588
01:27:16,535 --> 01:27:19,494
My name is Melony Armstrong.
1589
01:27:19,494 --> 01:27:23,324
I'm not a lawyer
or a politician.
1590
01:27:23,324 --> 01:27:25,761
I became a braider
1591
01:27:25,761 --> 01:27:30,113
as a way to touch and heal
Black women's souls.
1592
01:27:30,113 --> 01:27:35,728
I wanted to restore to us
a clear and unfiltered vision
1593
01:27:35,728 --> 01:27:39,209
of our own grace and beauty.
1594
01:27:39,209 --> 01:27:43,518
I was tired of us only seeing
ourselves through a hot combed,
1595
01:27:43,518 --> 01:27:46,042
fried, and chemically
treated lens.
1596
01:27:46,042 --> 01:27:50,264
We deserve a chance
to just be who we are.
1597
01:27:52,832 --> 01:27:56,096
Braiding can give Black women
a leg up in their self-esteem
1598
01:27:56,096 --> 01:27:58,533
and a footing in the workplace,
1599
01:27:58,533 --> 01:28:02,494
and it's exactly
that financial opportunity
1600
01:28:02,494 --> 01:28:06,454
that the Cosmetology Board
wants to suppress.
1601
01:28:06,454 --> 01:28:09,457
They don't want
to teach hair braiding.
1602
01:28:09,457 --> 01:28:12,242
They don't want anything
to do with us.
1603
01:28:12,242 --> 01:28:15,158
They just want to take
our time and money
1604
01:28:15,158 --> 01:28:17,117
and give us nothing in return.
1605
01:28:17,117 --> 01:28:18,640
Right.
1606
01:28:18,640 --> 01:28:21,164
The bill that
I'm urging you to pass
1607
01:28:21,164 --> 01:28:23,950
will put an end to that.
1608
01:28:23,950 --> 01:28:26,779
When I first started
this journey,
1609
01:28:26,779 --> 01:28:29,129
I didn't know how to braid.
1610
01:28:29,129 --> 01:28:30,478
Now?
1611
01:28:40,706 --> 01:28:43,839
I am the voice of any Black
woman in Mississippi
1612
01:28:43,839 --> 01:28:47,800
or in the world that wants
to create this for a living.
1613
01:28:47,800 --> 01:28:49,323
Yes.
Yes.
1614
01:28:49,323 --> 01:28:51,978
To the State of Mississippi
in general,
1615
01:28:51,978 --> 01:28:54,720
and to the Mississippi Board
of Cosmetology
1616
01:28:54,720 --> 01:28:58,854
specifically, I say,
let my people braid.
1617
01:28:58,854 --> 01:29:00,552
Yes.
1618
01:29:02,423 --> 01:29:03,729
Thank you.
1619
01:29:10,779 --> 01:29:13,434
This woman is not
who she says she is.
1620
01:29:13,434 --> 01:29:16,045
She's not even from Mississippi.
1621
01:29:16,045 --> 01:29:19,092
Melony Armstrong
is a college dropout.
1622
01:29:19,092 --> 01:29:22,704
She has been cited for
employing unregistered workers.
1623
01:29:22,704 --> 01:29:24,489
She's not even qualified
to touch a dog's hair.
1624
01:29:24,489 --> 01:29:26,012
Mr. Chairman, that--
1625
01:29:26,012 --> 01:29:28,014
Mr. Billings, your vitriol
is disappointing
1626
01:29:28,014 --> 01:29:29,668
and an embarrassment
to this state.
1627
01:29:29,668 --> 01:29:31,409
The Board should be ashamed
of itself
1628
01:29:31,409 --> 01:29:33,106
for allowing these tactics,
1629
01:29:33,106 --> 01:29:35,021
which are unseemly
in any legislative hearing.
1630
01:29:35,021 --> 01:29:37,632
Now if you are done, sir,
please be seated.
1631
01:29:39,678 --> 01:29:43,377
Now, hair braiding should
have never been an issue
1632
01:29:43,377 --> 01:29:45,597
to come before
this legislative body.
1633
01:29:45,597 --> 01:29:48,687
It is clearly
a cultural art form.
1634
01:29:50,732 --> 01:29:52,908
And if it can be a means
of financial support, too,
1635
01:29:52,908 --> 01:29:54,344
well, so much the better.
1636
01:29:54,344 --> 01:29:56,477
Mr. Chairman, please--
Mr. Billings.
1637
01:29:56,477 --> 01:29:59,393
You can inform the Mississippi
State Board of Cosmetology
1638
01:29:59,393 --> 01:30:00,742
that I'm not
recommending their bill
1639
01:30:00,742 --> 01:30:02,831
for further regulation
moves forward.
1640
01:30:02,831 --> 01:30:05,051
However, I strongly advise
1641
01:30:05,051 --> 01:30:07,967
that Ms. Armstrong's bill
to remove hair braiding
1642
01:30:07,967 --> 01:30:10,883
from any jurisdiction the
Cosmetology Board holds now
1643
01:30:10,883 --> 01:30:12,624
or may ever hold in the future,
1644
01:30:12,624 --> 01:30:15,540
be approved by
the State House and Senate
1645
01:30:15,540 --> 01:30:17,846
and signed into law
by the governor.
1646
01:30:17,846 --> 01:30:19,892
Yes. Yes!
1647
01:30:19,892 --> 01:30:21,023
All right!
1648
01:30:22,677 --> 01:30:24,113
Thank you.
1649
01:30:25,941 --> 01:30:28,117
You did it.
1650
01:30:32,470 --> 01:30:37,910
♪ The sun is comin' up again ♪
1651
01:30:40,739 --> 01:30:46,005
♪ These winds of change
Are blowin' in ♪
1652
01:30:46,005 --> 01:30:50,226
♪ And I know ♪
1653
01:30:50,226 --> 01:30:52,794
♪ Yes, I know ♪
1654
01:30:52,794 --> 01:30:54,404
Wow.
1655
01:30:54,404 --> 01:30:56,494
♪ It feels like freedom ♪
1656
01:30:56,494 --> 01:30:58,060
All right, all right.
1657
01:31:01,020 --> 01:31:05,677
"My hair defies gravity."
1658
01:31:05,677 --> 01:31:07,853
"She is rebellious
and will never lay down
1659
01:31:07,853 --> 01:31:10,769
unless she wants to."
1660
01:31:10,769 --> 01:31:13,293
"She is soft as a sponge..."
Yes.
1661
01:31:13,293 --> 01:31:15,338
"...and brutal as a Brillo pad."
1662
01:31:17,471 --> 01:31:20,430
"She can go from lyin' down
to Lion King
1663
01:31:20,430 --> 01:31:22,432
with just three drops of rain!
1664
01:31:24,217 --> 01:31:27,002
My hair takes no prisoners."
1665
01:31:28,656 --> 01:31:31,050
"My hair hides
infinite secrets."
1666
01:31:32,660 --> 01:31:38,231
"Sometimes I feel
she is magical.
1667
01:31:38,231 --> 01:31:41,016
And sometimes I feel
she is possessed."
1668
01:31:43,062 --> 01:31:45,107
"She looks like
she can be controlled.
1669
01:31:45,107 --> 01:31:46,761
But she can't."
1670
01:31:46,761 --> 01:31:49,024
No.
No, no, no.
1671
01:31:49,024 --> 01:31:51,984
"Gel, hairspray, goo,
and prayers are useless."
1672
01:31:53,420 --> 01:31:55,640
"She is silent except
1673
01:31:55,640 --> 01:31:59,600
when a flat iron
makes her hiss.
1674
01:31:59,600 --> 01:32:02,385
My hair has attitude."
1675
01:32:02,385 --> 01:32:03,604
Yeah!
Yes.
1676
01:32:03,604 --> 01:32:06,085
"She is born to be wild!"
1677
01:32:08,304 --> 01:32:10,785
Freedom Hair at last!
1678
01:32:10,785 --> 01:32:13,396
Yes!
1679
01:32:13,396 --> 01:32:16,443
Freedom Hair!
Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair!
1680
01:32:16,443 --> 01:32:19,533
Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair!
♪ And my sisters ♪
1681
01:32:19,533 --> 01:32:22,057
Freedom Hair!
♪ And my brothers ♪
1682
01:32:22,057 --> 01:32:27,454
Freedom Hair! Freedom Hair!
1683
01:32:27,454 --> 01:32:32,633
♪ I see 'em comin' together ♪
1684
01:32:32,633 --> 01:32:35,549
♪ And, oh ♪
1685
01:32:35,549 --> 01:32:39,771
♪ Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, yeah ♪
1686
01:32:39,771 --> 01:32:45,080
♪ Said it feels like freedom ♪
1687
01:32:45,080 --> 01:32:49,345
♪ Are you ready now?
Yes, I'm ready now ♪
1688
01:32:49,345 --> 01:32:53,349
♪ For a change to come ♪
1689
01:32:53,349 --> 01:32:57,440
♪ Feet, don't fail me now
'Cause I'm ready now ♪
1690
01:32:57,440 --> 01:33:01,140
♪ To move on ♪
1691
01:33:01,140 --> 01:33:05,318
♪ Are you ready now?
Yes, I'm ready now ♪
1692
01:33:05,318 --> 01:33:09,496
♪ For a change to come ♪
1693
01:33:09,496 --> 01:33:13,282
♪ Feet, don't fail me now
'Cause I'm ready now ♪
1694
01:33:13,282 --> 01:33:17,460
♪ To move on ♪
1695
01:33:17,460 --> 01:33:22,074
♪ Freedom ♪
1696
01:33:22,074 --> 01:33:26,121
♪ Freedom ♪
♪ Whoo-hoo ♪
1697
01:33:26,121 --> 01:33:30,560
♪ Freedom ♪
♪ Whoo-hoo-ooh ♪
1698
01:33:30,560 --> 01:33:34,739
♪ Freedom ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
1699
01:33:34,739 --> 01:33:40,875
♪ Freedom ♪
1700
01:33:42,442 --> 01:33:44,618
♪ Freedom ♪
1701
01:33:44,618 --> 01:33:46,489
♪ I might not be here ♪
1702
01:33:46,489 --> 01:33:48,143
♪ Freedom ♪
1703
01:33:48,143 --> 01:33:51,581
♪ You know I'm free ♪
1704
01:34:11,384 --> 01:34:14,474
♪ Put my feet
Under cold water ♪
1705
01:34:14,474 --> 01:34:17,216
♪ Whenever I get home ♪
1706
01:34:17,216 --> 01:34:20,567
♪ And I tell myself
That I did it all better ♪
1707
01:34:20,567 --> 01:34:23,657
♪ Than I might have done ♪
1708
01:34:23,657 --> 01:34:26,747
♪ I came up
Like a paper daughter ♪
1709
01:34:26,747 --> 01:34:29,663
♪ Fallen with
The afterthought ♪
1710
01:34:29,663 --> 01:34:35,364
♪ And the tender mercy that I
Was after came hard won ♪
1711
01:34:35,364 --> 01:34:37,540
♪ Hard won ♪
1712
01:34:49,117 --> 01:34:52,773
♪ Oh, how I've tried ♪
1713
01:34:52,773 --> 01:34:56,603
♪ Keeping you in my mind ♪
1714
01:35:01,390 --> 01:35:04,742
♪ And I've done my time ♪
1715
01:35:04,742 --> 01:35:08,746
♪ Lying awake at night ♪
1716
01:35:12,662 --> 01:35:16,797
♪ But, oh ♪
1717
01:35:19,495 --> 01:35:23,369
♪ Those lonely times are done ♪
1718
01:35:25,066 --> 01:35:30,289
♪ And, oh ♪
1719
01:35:30,289 --> 01:35:32,987
♪ It was hard won ♪
1720
01:35:36,643 --> 01:35:39,167
♪ Hard won ♪
1721
01:35:43,345 --> 01:35:46,740
♪ Found myself
In a strange new land ♪
1722
01:35:46,740 --> 01:35:49,395
♪ Without a hand to hold ♪
1723
01:35:49,395 --> 01:35:51,223
♪ And I was mad at God ♪
1724
01:35:51,223 --> 01:35:56,141
♪ For leaving me standing
In bitter sun ♪
1725
01:35:56,141 --> 01:36:01,973
♪ But I kept hanging on
To the very end of my rope ♪
1726
01:36:01,973 --> 01:36:07,369
♪ When sitting down all right
With myself came hard won ♪
1727
01:36:07,369 --> 01:36:09,850
♪ Hard won ♪
1728
01:36:21,383 --> 01:36:25,126
♪ Oh, how I've tried ♪
1729
01:36:25,126 --> 01:36:28,695
♪ Keeping you in my mind ♪
1730
01:36:33,526 --> 01:36:37,312
♪ And I've done my time ♪
1731
01:36:37,312 --> 01:36:41,012
♪ Lying awake at night ♪
1732
01:36:44,842 --> 01:36:49,107
♪ But, oh ♪
1733
01:36:51,718 --> 01:36:57,028
♪ Those lonely times are done ♪
1734
01:36:57,028 --> 01:37:02,294
♪ And, oh ♪
1735
01:37:02,294 --> 01:37:05,036
♪ It was hard won ♪
1736
01:37:09,214 --> 01:37:10,911
♪ Hard won ♪
1737
01:37:16,003 --> 01:37:18,919
♪ I was up
On the Third Street Bridge ♪
1738
01:37:18,919 --> 01:37:22,183
♪ The night you got my letter ♪
1739
01:37:22,183 --> 01:37:27,928
♪ I was singing out in Virginia
When you found someone ♪
1740
01:37:27,928 --> 01:37:33,934
♪ I had to lay your memory down
On the altar of my anger ♪
1741
01:37:33,934 --> 01:37:39,940
♪ And the peace of mind that I
Finally found came hard won ♪
1742
01:37:39,940 --> 01:37:42,595
♪ Hard won ♪
1743
01:37:53,649 --> 01:37:57,392
♪ Oh, how I've tried ♪
1744
01:37:57,392 --> 01:38:01,048
♪ Keeping you in my mind ♪
1745
01:38:06,010 --> 01:38:09,665
♪ And I've done my time ♪
1746
01:38:09,665 --> 01:38:13,365
♪ Lying awake at night ♪
1747
01:38:17,586 --> 01:38:21,634
♪ But, oh ♪
1748
01:38:24,115 --> 01:38:29,250
♪ Those lonely times are done ♪
1749
01:38:29,250 --> 01:38:35,300
♪ And I know, oh ♪
1750
01:38:35,300 --> 01:38:41,175
♪ Yeah, I know
I know, I know ♪
1751
01:38:41,175 --> 01:38:46,746
♪ Yeah, I know, oh ♪
1752
01:38:46,746 --> 01:38:49,836
♪ It was hard won ♪
1753
01:38:53,796 --> 01:38:55,973
♪ Hard won ♪
118556
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