Reclaim Cultural Identity: Advocate for 'Locs' over 'Dreadlocks' in Everyday Language

The Issue

Join Us in Reclaiming Our Narrative: Sign the Petition to Honor the Term "Locs"

Dear Friends and Allies,

At Footprints in Africa, we believe that a single action can make all the difference in the lives of others and that collective actions can greatly impact the world. Through advocacy and community outreach programs, projects, campaigns, and initiatives, we are committed to fostering support that brings about real change for the greater good of those in poverty-stricken African communities.

Additionally, we are committed to fostering positive change in our local communities by championing efforts that educate others, particularly our people, about African culture, history, and traditions. With that in mind, we invite you to take action with us on an issue that transcends language – it's about respecting cultures, safeguarding heritage, and reframing narratives that have long been shaped by colonial prejudice. Join us in advocating for the culturally affirming term "locs" instead of "dreadlocks."

Why This Shift Matters

The word "dreadlocks" is rooted in colonial disdain, where African hair was unfairly labeled "dreadful." This harmful narrative disregards the natural style's rich heritage and spiritual significance. By contrast, the term "locs" carries no such baggage. It is a term that celebrates cultural pride, strength, and connection to history - values embraced by communities across the globe. Language is power, and by shifting away from oppressive terminology, we reclaim that power for future generations.

How You Can Be Part of the Movement

We are petitioning to encourage individuals, organizations, and businesses to embrace "locs" as the appropriate and respectful term. By signing, you are joining a movement for:

  • Cultural Empowerment: Uplifting a term that recognizes and celebrates the legacy of locs.
  • Systemic Change: Challenging linguistic biases to create a more inclusive and respectful world.
  • Conscious Awareness: Highlighting language's critical role in shaping identity and cultural integrity.

Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/LocsOverDreadlocks

Your Signature Makes an Impact

This isn’t just about a hairstyle; it's about rewriting the narrative. Every signature amplifies the call for more inclusive language and signals that we will no longer accept terms that undermine cultural dignity.

Ways to Get Involved

  • Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/LocsOverDreadlocks
  • Amplify the Message: Share this with your networks and be part of the ripple effect.
  • Stay Connected: Subscribe to our website and follow us on all social platforms for updates on this and other impactful initiatives.
  1. Footprints in Africa https://www.footprintsinafrica.org/
  2. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FootprintsInAfrica2020
  3. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/footprints_in_africa/      
  4. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/footprints-in-africa
  5. Twitter https://twitter.com/FootprintsinAf1

Together, we can transform not only the conversation but also the culture. Thank you for standing with us to advance respect, equity, and celebration of cultural identity.

In solidarity,
Tammy Darmel Moore
Founder & CEO, Footprints in Africa

P.S. - Please don’t send any funds intended for Footprints in Africa through the petition link, doing so goes to change.org and not us.

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The Issue

Join Us in Reclaiming Our Narrative: Sign the Petition to Honor the Term "Locs"

Dear Friends and Allies,

At Footprints in Africa, we believe that a single action can make all the difference in the lives of others and that collective actions can greatly impact the world. Through advocacy and community outreach programs, projects, campaigns, and initiatives, we are committed to fostering support that brings about real change for the greater good of those in poverty-stricken African communities.

Additionally, we are committed to fostering positive change in our local communities by championing efforts that educate others, particularly our people, about African culture, history, and traditions. With that in mind, we invite you to take action with us on an issue that transcends language – it's about respecting cultures, safeguarding heritage, and reframing narratives that have long been shaped by colonial prejudice. Join us in advocating for the culturally affirming term "locs" instead of "dreadlocks."

Why This Shift Matters

The word "dreadlocks" is rooted in colonial disdain, where African hair was unfairly labeled "dreadful." This harmful narrative disregards the natural style's rich heritage and spiritual significance. By contrast, the term "locs" carries no such baggage. It is a term that celebrates cultural pride, strength, and connection to history - values embraced by communities across the globe. Language is power, and by shifting away from oppressive terminology, we reclaim that power for future generations.

How You Can Be Part of the Movement

We are petitioning to encourage individuals, organizations, and businesses to embrace "locs" as the appropriate and respectful term. By signing, you are joining a movement for:

  • Cultural Empowerment: Uplifting a term that recognizes and celebrates the legacy of locs.
  • Systemic Change: Challenging linguistic biases to create a more inclusive and respectful world.
  • Conscious Awareness: Highlighting language's critical role in shaping identity and cultural integrity.

Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/LocsOverDreadlocks

Your Signature Makes an Impact

This isn’t just about a hairstyle; it's about rewriting the narrative. Every signature amplifies the call for more inclusive language and signals that we will no longer accept terms that undermine cultural dignity.

Ways to Get Involved

  • Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/LocsOverDreadlocks
  • Amplify the Message: Share this with your networks and be part of the ripple effect.
  • Stay Connected: Subscribe to our website and follow us on all social platforms for updates on this and other impactful initiatives.
  1. Footprints in Africa https://www.footprintsinafrica.org/
  2. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FootprintsInAfrica2020
  3. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/footprints_in_africa/      
  4. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/footprints-in-africa
  5. Twitter https://twitter.com/FootprintsinAf1

Together, we can transform not only the conversation but also the culture. Thank you for standing with us to advance respect, equity, and celebration of cultural identity.

In solidarity,
Tammy Darmel Moore
Founder & CEO, Footprints in Africa

P.S. - Please don’t send any funds intended for Footprints in Africa through the petition link, doing so goes to change.org and not us.

Supporter Voices

Petition updates