Because of the rich history of silk and Black hair care, I have always thought of silk as a sacred protector.

My grandmother had a beautiful collection of silk scarfs. She coveted them for various reasons. Some were gifts from my grandfather, she loved designer pieces and ornate patterns.

I have one particular memory of the scarf tied around her head driving to the convenient store for a pack of cigarettes.

I think of my grandmother often and fondly. She was a very spirited woman and as a kid I thought all grandmothers had to be sweet and docile. Not until I was an adult could I truly appreciate her for all that she was, and wasn’t.