What is the goal of the Pick Progress project?
Pick Progress is a photo project focused on sharing stories of black individuals. An afro has been described as a crown laden with politics and societal pressures. The project has two main goals:
1. To highlight individuals who are underrepresented in the greater American narrative.
2. To create unique customized combs — pieces of art — that represent, encourage, and celebrate the Black identity.
Why afro-picks (afro-combs)?
The afro-pick has been a haircare tool used by Black individuals for over 6,000 years. Socially, it is more than just a styling tool; it is at the intersection of all Black cultures. It is a conversation piece representing natural Black beauty. It is also a powerful symbol of Black pride and empowerment (i.e., the Black fist hair pick). By highlighting this essential and incredible haircare tool, we’re bringing awareness to black people’s problems in their communities and nationally in a unique and connective way. In other words, we’re highlighting real word problems with ‘style.’
Why 31 Days?
It’s symbolic. Black history cannot and should not be contained to the 28 or 29 days of celebration in February. Starting the project the day before and ending the day after February is a little nod to the fact that Black history is relevant all year long.
Do the colors of the picks have any significant meaning?
The colors were inspired by Kente cloth, a type of interwoven cloth strips made by the Akan ethnic group of Ghana. The color of Kente cloth holds a special significance. I selected colors that would correspond with each phrase on the pick.
Black: Maturity and strength. Blue: Peacefulness, harmony, and love. Fuchsia: Femininity, calmness, sweetness, and healing. Green: Planting and growth. Gold/Yellow: Royalty, wealth and glory. Red: Passion, bloodshed, and death
Why are the picks defined as either word, quote, and slang?
I selected words, quotes, campaign slogans, movie titles, song lyrics, slang words, and other linguistic motifs to represent elements of Black Culture. To make it easier to search through the project, I decided each pick could fit into one of three categories: words, quotes, and slang.
Words – Formal concepts popularized and used by the majority of individuals.
Slang – Informal words and phrases (e.g., hashtags) that are typically restricted to a particular context or group of people.
Quotes – Words and phrases that have direct sources of origin. Credit is typically given to a particular person.
Why did you choose these particular phrases for the picks?
At the start of this project, I knew I wouldn’t be able to cover all of Black culture and history; there are too many powerful and poignant quotes, words, and phrases from our community. These words and phrases are meant to speak to the vibrancy and volume of Black culture at large.
Many iconic and influential phrases did not make this list. I wanted to balance the list evenly (from past to present, from trending to historical, from well-known to obscure). I wasn’t trying to be controversial; I wanted each comb to be different and dynamic. However, I did try to pick some phrases that empowered and recognized a variety of subgroups or subcategories in Black culture (e.g., Black women, the Black LGBTQ+ community, and Black beauty).
How did you choose the individuals featured in the project?
First, I wanted this project to represent the many shades of Blackness. I’m not only talking about depicting different skin tones but also about showcasing various perspectives, experiences, and opinions regarding being Black. In mainstream arenas, we typically look at prominent figures as the people’s voice. However, the public gets more clarity about topics like Black culture when we spotlight a diverse group of individuals. As spectators, we get the privilege of listening to voices different from ours and comparing their experiences to ours. For Pick Progress, I wanted to give any and every Black person an opportunity to stand on the soapbox. So, I contacted Black people I knew (my friends and family), networked to spread the word, pasted posters on social media, and cold-called individuals to see if they would be interested in contributing. Within the time constraints, I tried to give anyone and everyone a chance to speak their truth.
Additionally, I wanted to ensure the project was inclusive to all Black individuals and groups. While I’ve requested and attempted to include narratives from all groups, I know there’s always room to improve diversity and inclusion. We need everyone to contribute to the conversation. So, I hope 50 new projects bloom from Pick Progress to push the conversation forward in areas not yet reached.
Why is this project important to you?
The current racial tension in the United States continues to re-ignite the urgency for minority narratives and representation. The Pick Progress Project is both a challenge for myself and a way to give back to my culture and hometown. When I was in graduate school, my only focus was to get good grades so I could get a good job and hopefully have a better life. But then, I saw news stories about minorities dying or being abused based on preconceived notions. At that moment, I realized that no education or professional title could shield me from hatred and prejudice. Regardless of where life takes me or how long I live on this Earth, I want to be a part of the progress and action to make this world a better place for all of us.
How did you get your idea for this project?
I love afro-picks. Whether I’m sportin’ them in my hair or rockin’ them in my back pocket, picks are dynamic tools that elevate my life. For years, I’ve dreamed of picks having more style and swagger. I thought, “What if picks could be more unique?” Months passed, and my dream kept nagging me. So, I eventually decided to teach myself the skills necessary to make more unique afro-picks. After some time and some training, I designed 31 amazing picks. The process of creating each afro-pick made me think about my community and my culture. I quickly realized these picks could be more than a vanity dream. These picks could be a source to celebrate Black culture. Thus, I set about creating the Pick Progress project.
I was also inspired by Helena Price Hambrecht’s Techies and The Pussy Project, as well as Quotes on Shit by Jessica Walsh and Timothy Goodman.