The South Bethlehem Historical Society celebrated Black History Month by discussing African American Hair Sunday, Feb. 13.

Esther Lee, SBHS program chairwoman, with members of the SBHS and the public, gathered in the cafeteria at Broughal MS for a program that included explaining barbering African American hair. Guest speaker Andrew Jones, from G and A Christian Barber Shop, 12th and Tilghman streets, Allentown, trimmed the volunteer’s hair and shared information about retail products available in stock. Two members of the audience volunteered for the barbering aspect.

Keke Mathis, owner of KeKe’s retail shop at 711 East 4th Street, Bethlehem, explained and showed wigs and samples of some items from her establishment.

The history of Madam C. J. Walker, who instituted the hair care for African American hair, was read in part by M. Rayah Levy.

Madam C. J. Walker was born in 1867 and lived a devastatingly difficult life in the emerging Jim Crow South after the end of reconstruction in the late 19 century. But she resolved early in life to help herself and black people by being generous any way she could with what little she had, no matter the circumstances. Ultimately, Walker became known as “the first self-made female millionaire” in the United States. She worked to give to black people – particularly black women – some of what Jim Crow had taken away from them.

Prayer was offered by Deacon Donald Elliott and SBVHS President Maureen Dresen greeted attendees. Refreshments were provided by Barbara Traupman and Ruth Ann Kaspern.

Contributed article