Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

By Mark McConville

 

YOUNG black girls are being urged to embrace Afro-style hair in all its glory in after a series of empowering portraits depicted their stunning beauty.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

 

The incredible images show the children dressed to impress with their afro hair being styled in a variety of ways.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

 

The striking shots include a girl with a white/grey afro, multiple girls with jewellery in their hair and intricate designs to make them stand out.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

The amazing photo series, AfroArt, was created by Atlanta-based photographers Regis and Kahran Bethencourt to empower children of colour.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

 

“We really hope that viewers of the series will see the beauty and versatility of afro hair and we hope that girls around the world will be inspired to love their unique differences and beauty within,” said the duo.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

 

“Seeing the look on the girls’ faces when they saw their hair in the afro styles was the most memorable part.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

 

“It was the first time for many of them seeing their hair styled in that way, so it was a nice surprise for them.”

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

 

They worked with children from all over America for this series and in each location they created a different theme, using clothing pieces and accessories to match. They had a range of themes, including Steampunk and Baroque era.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

 

The photographers wanted to create this series because they want children of colour to see positive images that look like them in the media. They feel that the lack of diversity often plays into the stereotypes that they are not ‘good enough’ and creates low self-esteem in kids.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt / Universal Features / mediadrumworld.com

 

For more information see www.mediadrumworld.com