My name is LaDajana Burks. I’m 23 years old and a graduate at Wilberforce University. I have a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I recently joined a new organization which I love called Black Women United! I love being a black woman and one day I hope to inspire many other young African American girls to achieve their dreams and love themselves. I want to own a community center for girls that will be founded on Christian principles. My relationship with God is extremely important to me and because of Him, I am.
How long have you been natural?
I transitioned for a year and then decided to chop off my relaxed ends on October 26, 2013. I got my hair cut by a Caucasian woman. She cut off what felt like half of my hair; I shed a few tears that day. She did not understand; she thought I hated my hair, but she was wrong. I was so emotional and that’s very unusual for me. I felt like I was me. My relaxed ends were a weight holding my hair down from springing up into it true curly form. I always admired curly hair.
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper& why?
My cousin Mercedes had the longest curly hair. It was beautiful. We always wanted to switch hair. She wanted my straight hair and I wanted her curly hair. I hated perms, but my mom would get my aunt to do them. I think I had my first one when I was about 5, maybe younger. I would cry whenever I got them.
During my sophomore year in college I tried to go natural. I transitioned for 7 months but then gave up. I hate that I gave up because I know my hair would be so much longer by now. At the time, I was wearing sew-ins and I was worried that my hair would not blend in well. The stylist at the salon burnt my scalp so bad. I had to get a prescribed ointment from my doctor. Thank God my hair didn’t fall out. I did have a little bald spot but my hair was so thick, you could barely notice it (another blessing of African American hair).
The next year during my junior year of college I met one of my best friends, Rhesa. She’s my sister from another mister. She was natural! I was so excited. Rhesa always flat ironed her hair, but she showed me the versatility of natural hair. She showed me that if I wanted a sew-in I did not have to get a relaxer. She motivated me a lot. I love when God sends great people into my life. He will send people who aren’t there for just a season but for life. I’m grateful for her. Then I found out my childhood best friend Shanelle was secretly natural. She always wears her hair pressed. I inspired her to rock her natural hair out.
Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I’m so happy I went natural. I don’t regret it at all. I always get complimented on my hair, but I do receive the occasional request to touch my hair though.
