It’s Never Just Hair

Book Club XL

The Book Club XL returns to Felix Meritis for a special edition on black hair. What does our hair say about who we are? And why has something as personal as the hair growing from our heads become such a political and cultural subject? Join the conversation about identity, beauty, politics and belonging.

For centuries, Black hair has been a symbol of identity, heritage, resistance and self-expression. From the cultural significance of braids and traditional African hairstyles to the politics of natural hair in today’s society, our relationship with our hair tells stories that go far beyond appearance. Drawing inspiration from Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture by Emma Dabiri, we’ll examine how hair shapes the way we see ourselves, how others perceive us, and the cultural histories we carry with us.

We’ll explore the rituals passed down through generations, the relationship between hair and identity, the influence of Eurocentric beauty standards, and the freedom to wear our hair however we choose.

Hosted by Kriticos, founder of The Book Club, the conversation brings together Gray, a hair stylist and founder of queer barber shop Kindred Kut and cultural analyst Whitney Krens. With a special performance by Gospel-House artist Calis Nyarko.
Book sales by Bijlmer Bookstore.

About The Book Club XL

The Book Club is a book club for people who haven’t necessarily read the book. Through carefully selected excerpts and thought-provoking questions, readers and non-readers come together to exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions and connect through literature.
The Book Club XL takes this concept a step further, reimagining the traditional panel discussion. Rather than having an audience simply listen to a conversation, we invite everyone to become part of it. No homework. No right or wrong answers. Just meaningful conversations inspired by literature.

Line-up

KRITICOS
Kriticos is Creator and main host of the Book Club; Kriticos is of Zambian and Tanzanian descent and has been based in Belgium most of his life. He loves discussions about love, spirituality and especially loves questioning the status quo and the systems put in place in today’s society.

GRAY
Gray (they/she) is the founder of Kindred Kuts, Amsterdam’s queer-friendly barbershop offering gender-affirming haircuts, fades and beard work for all hair textures. They built it as a safe space especially for Black and POC queer communities, where craft and culture come together through cuts, workshops and collaborations.

WHITNEY AMBIYO KRENS
Whitney (She/Her) is a cultural analyst with a background in English literature who focuses on intersectional feminism, decolonisation and emancipation. Born and partially raised in Kenya, Whitney retains strong ties to her cultural identity and blackness as a global identity.

Note: By booking this ticket, you agree to potentially be photographed during the event.

Would you like to attend this program, but don’t have the means to pay for a ticket? Send an email to info@felixmeritis.nl, we can work something out.