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6/1/10

City Girl: Meet Rahkua

Where are you from? What race are you?

I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi (proud southern girl!) I guess I classify myself as African American...

Can you tell us about the culture of Jackson?

That's kind of a difficult question to answer because I'm not really sure if there is really a way to describe the "culture" of Jackson...I guess I'll say that its basically "traditionally southern"....You will always be greeted by smiles and hospitality...even if feigned. The different parts of the city are very separate: there's the "good" part of town, mostly populated by whites and where most of the reputable businesses are located and then there's of course "the hood", mostly populated by blacks and where the businesses have long started to decline. As far as city life there is not much to do...I guess you can go to the club and the movies, or bowling or something, but its mostly really...chill. There are a few "cultured" spots to visit like "Seven" for instance if you into the poetry/laid back and natural scene.


What made you go natural and what inspired you to have locs in the back of your head & loose natural hair in the front?

I've had locs all my life. My parents have them. My four younger siblings have them....The one of my older sisters who had them cut them when she graduated from highschool. It is a real burden to bear sometimes because of the low acceptance level of them among the African American community who have been striving for the "fried, dyed, and laid to the side" look of straightened hair for centuries. Thus you have to have a strong resolve and connection with yourself and with God in order not to be swayed by the mainstream...whatever that may be...from hair to lifestyle. The "loose" hair in the front...which I also wear natural - no chemicals/straightening - sort of just happened. When the front started to grow out instead of twisting it back into locs I just allowed it to grow and eventually started wearing it in twists and braids since it wouldn't exactly lay back when I pulled it into a pony, lol. As I got older and more comfortable in my skin and with my look I was confident enough to wear different styles with it...experiment a little bit. I even wear it out sometimes, not twisted or braided or "tamed" at all...though I must say it is much more accepted in cities farther north and also was in France where i just finished a semester abroad. I learn new things about my hair and what I can do to/with it everyday.





What are your plans for life?

I have aspired to become an actress/singer since I was in fourth grade; thus, I work toward that goal everyday and attend New York University as a Drama major to hone my skills. I'm also very much into Fashion and I do a bit of modeling so we'll see where that will lead as well.



Leave us with some words of wisdom:

My main point of advice is basically to strive for greatness in everything that you do and allow God, not the naysayers around you determine your success. There are going to be many obstacles put in place to deter you from your dreams but as long as you have a clear picture of who you are and what purpose has been set for you, there is NOTHING and NO ONE that can keep you from achieving those aspirations.

2 comments:

  1. Great interview, shes really interesting.

    Never seen locs in the back only. Very original and unique lady.

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  2. Rahkua is a exceptional young woman who has SOOO much ahead of her. This interview was GREAT sneak peak into her very interesting life. I know God will continue to Bless her and will continue to use her to build His Kingdom...

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