Do you love your natural hair? Some of the world's most inspiring black women tell us about their attitudes to, and struggles with, their crowning glory. Kinky, wavy, straight or curly, this book will help you celebrate your natural beauty, however you choose to style your hair. With an overview of the politics and history of black hair, the book explores how black hairstyles have played a part in the fight for social justice and the promotion of black culture while inspiring us to challenge outdated notions of beauty, gender and sexuality for young women and girls everywhere. The power is in our hair. And we've come to tell the world what ours can do! Interviewees include: Annika Allen, co-founder Black Magic Awards and podcaster, UK; Samantha Allen, arts activist, Singapore/UK; Doreene Blackstock, actor, UK; Sienna Brown, writer and filmmaker, Australia; Dawn Butler, Member of Parliament, UK; Sokari Douglas Camp, artist, Nigeria/UK; Deitra Farr, blues, soul and gospel singer-songwriter, from Chicago, USA; Ruthie Foster, is an American blues singer-songwriter from Texas, USA; Jamelia, singer-songwriter, broadcaster and author, UK; Judith Jacob, actor, radio presenter and fitness instructor, UK; Angie LeMar, comedian, presenter, producer, UK; Lynette Linton, artistic director theatre, UK; Nnenna Okore, artist, Australia; Anita Okunde, climate activist, Ireland; Chi Onwurah, Member of Parliament, UK; Olusola Oyeleye, writer, director and producer, UK; Djamila Ribeiro, feminist philosopher, Brazil; Vivienne Rochester, actor, UK; Kadija George Sesay, writer and curator, UK; Cleo Sylvestre, actor, singer, writer, UK; Carryl Thomas, actor, UK; Nellie Travis, blues singer, USA; Rianna Raymond-Williams, sexual health advisor and social entrepreneur, UK. Photos and illustrations throughout

Women have been at the dawn of the blues since Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey were singing about hard knocks and tough love in smoky bars. This book gives an overview of the early days of the blues and its development from the Mississippi Delta to the hometown of electric blues, Chicago, to becoming the vibrant global musical movement it is today. Features over 30 exclusive interviews with the amazing female musicians leading the Blues to new heights today. Includes selected highlights from Chicago blues photographer Jennifer Noble's extensive colour collection.