Celebrating Diversity: A Review of My Hair Can
Review by Jennifer Smeltser
From the grid iron to the computer keyboard is a great stretch for a career move, but that is where former National Football League Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte has found himself as the author alongside his daughter, Nahla, of a new children’s book, My Hair Can.
Matt dedicated the book to his children, owing much of the inspiration for the story to his daughter, Nahla. She had an unfortunate experience with a classmate at school, who spoke negatively about her hair, causing Nahla to question her value as a person. As a protective father and a Christian, Matt chose to handle the situation in a positive manner and used that experience as a teaching opportunity for all children, especially for Nahla. His love for his children is shown with a special dedication in the book:
“This book is dedicated to my beautiful children. Always remember that your value, integrity, and purpose are rooted in Jesus Christ.” ~ Matt Forte
About the Book: My Hair Can
My Hair Can, written by Matt Forte and beautifully illustrated by Sophia Green, immediately speaks to readers before they open the cover of the book. Pictures of several children with a variety of hairstyles particular to African American people set the tone for a lyrical story that shares the versatility of hair and how people use their hair for creative expression.
Throughout the hardcover and glossy-paged book, readers are shown children with hairstyles of braided hair, curly hair, hair with beads, cornrow hair, bow-tied hair, wild hair, neat hair, and more. Whew! Hair and the number of styles one can do with it is limitless. It is a part of who we all are — no matter how long, short, curly, or straight one’s hair might be. Forte shares that the hair on our heads is a blessing from God. It allows us to share the story with others of who we are as individuals as well as tell the history of family members who came before us.
Although My Hair Can speaks a lot about hair, Forte’s real message appears to be one that encourages children to be proud of who they are as individuals, to love themselves – including their hair. God made every part of them, and one should never be ashamed of what He has created in them. One of the Bible verses Matt shares in the book is the following:
“Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book; and planned before a single one of them began.” ~ Psalm 139:16.
Along with loving themselves, children should also love the uniqueness of others. Sharing his faith and reminding children that God has made each one of us unique. He even asks the question, “Did you know you are the only you who will ever exist?” It is a sweet reminder to everyone how special we are, as God took particular care to create each one of us. So often, children need that reminder, especially when they have an experience similar to Nahla’s.
My Hair Can is an easy read. The story and the engaging pictures are ones that will be enjoyed numerous times as a family read-aloud and bedtime story. It shares a powerful message with children. We are uniquely and specially made by a great creator. As Matt encourages, “So hold your head high, kings and queens, because you can’t wear your crown looking down.”
Watch the conversation between Trish Corlew and Matt Forte!
About Matt Forte:
Matt Forte was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Following his ten-year career, Matt founded Workhorse 22 Apparel, an athleisure brand. He also continues his philanthropic work with his namesake foundation, the What’s Your Forte Foundation and is a Core Missions Catalyst for the Pro Athletes Outreach (PAO).
