They Were Told Their Hair Wasn’t Presentable. Now They’re Proving Otherwise

"I really like my natural hair," said Sol, a pageant participant.

"We're wearing our roots with pride," said Naiby, a hairstylist and entrepreneur.

"Pride in my roots and my identity," said Rafael, a model.

"This is the 4th edition of Lo Llevamos Rizo, a natural Afro hair contest with different styles, loose, braided, cuts, and locks," said Annia Liz de Armas, director of Lo Llevamos Rizo.

"It's the only one of its kind in our country. It's our moment to tell the world that beauty can be Afrocentric too," de Armas said.

"For three years, I've run my own business, Definiciones con Nai, promoting Afro aesthetics and pride in our roots," said Naiby Pardo, entrepreneur.

"We have to embrace our natural hair, its texture and traits, even when it's not defined, as long as it's healthy," Pardo said.

"I chose natural hair and cut it with Lo Llevamos Rizo. I've followed them ever since, attending almost every event. I'm a regular customer," said Soanny Alayo, a contest participant.

"A natural blonde," said the pageant's master of ceremonies.

"Lo Llevamos Rizo began as a beauty contest. Today, it's a Cuban business celebrating natural Afro hair," de Armas said.

"It's not easy because we're changing a mindset we've learned for years, that Black and mixed-race hair and bodies aren't beautiful, professional, or presentable," she continued.

"I wore it natural as a child, but after 15, keratin was trending, so I started straightening my hair," Alayo said.

"My daughter has always worn her hair natural. Always curly," she added.

"Their fathers' families are Black, but they believe Black hair should be braided, in buns or tied back," Pardo said.

"What people say affects me. Sometimes I feel insecure about my hair. But when I'm with my mom, I feel confident," said Alia Meralla, Naiby's daughter.

"We're living through an extremely difficult time, perhaps the hardest in our country's history," de Armas said.

"Here in Cuba, we can't directly access the supplies we need. We depend on imports for our supplies and raw materials for our products, and struggle to secure financing for events like this," she continued.

"Running my business, it's hard to get some products I need for styling. Power and water shortages limit my services, like washing hair," Pardo said.

"The best part is our community of Cuban stylists. If one can't do it, we recommend another," she added.

"A space like this matters because it brings together more and more people," said Rafael Meléndez, model.

"Give spaces like this a chance," de Armas said.

"Embrace your Blackness, your natural hair, your African roots. It's our history, our legacy to the world," she concluded.