In light of a discussion that started on this blog a few posts ago, I would like to ask any folks who live in Maine who are either non-white or who hail from working class or even more humbler roots to consider doing a guest post here at Black Girl in Maine.
One of the reasons I started this blog last year was because as I like to joke it was cheaper than therapy but also I was interested in connecting with others….in the past year, I regularly get emails from folks particularly people of color who are either contemplating a move to Maine or folks who recently moved here who are in a daze…
Maine has this amazing reputation outside of New England of being a place of lighthouses, lobsters and leisure. Yet those of us who make are home know there is so much more to our state, but at the same time its a place where there can be a lot of ugliness if you are not white or poor. I will say that the first 2.5 years here were the hardest in my life, the only reason I stayed is because my position back in Chicago had been filled and I had no place to go back to, otherwise we would have left most likely.
Anyway I know there are a few folks who lurk here on a regular basis and I would encourage you to share your stories about Maine. Oddly enough BGIM started off as a predominiantly Black blog but it seems my demographics are shifting and because of that I think there is great potential fo a dialogue that can be beneficial for all.
Just happened on your blog. Thank goodness!!! 🙂 We are a colorful family on the seacoast of NH. My daughters are Ethiopian and we parents are Caucasian. I’m really looking forward to following your blog and commenting as the parent of a blended family.
Hello, I am considering taking a job in Bar Harbor. I am wondering if times have changed and maybe there is now a black barber in the Bangor area?
I’ve grown up here in Maine and in one of the richest whitest towns. I went through a lot of struggles because my brothers and I were the only black kids in the town. People refuse to believe that racism still exists, especially around here, but I have had my fair share of being called racial slurs. I now have a son who is more white than black and i’m having a hard time finding a school for him where there’s a good mix in diversity.
I’m moving to Lewiston from NC in a month and want to know if you can help be fine a good hair salon. I’ve visit there many times I thought I would try living there. I just need someone who knows how to press hair. When I say press I don’t mean load a sista hair with greas and fry it like Sunday dinner…lol my mom gave me lesson about everything in life, she just left out the hair styling part..lol
I am considering a job in Portland, Maine and wear a short, natural cut. Are there any barbers there that can maintain my “do” and know how to fade vs. bald me????
Greetings, I am an african american female my daughter and I have moved to manine in June of this year…and it is very unique in its on way! We really have enjoyed our stay thus far, we have met sooooo many people who are kind out going caring and much more! We currently are worshiping at Word of Life Christian center and we LOVE IT!!! I have had people stare at me but the majority admires me…not because I am black, but they hear my story about how I came to Maine and how far I have traveled and are amazed at the goodness of God! I really am grateful to be here in this season of my life…however I do have some frustrations with hair salons, nail shops and getting my eyebrows waxed! I have not found good service yet…my daughter and I are natural..so we can get over it..anyway I look forward to meeting all kinds of folks and especially other african americans to hear there story.
Blessings upon,
Ms.Cher’ron
If you don’t find Maine accommodating then really the jokes on you! You wont find a bigger collection of naive ,liberal dimwits anywhere in the US. Oh, the lengths Mainers will go for “Diversity”.
Yeah, Bob…because sooooo many white people have had that experience, right? And blacks have soooo many advantages in a country where whites hold the vast majority of wealth and power. Advantages like getting turned down for apartments when landlords see they have brown skin…or not getting hired for jobs because of that…or getting hard prison terms when whites tend to get suspended sentences for the same crimes…or suffering unemployment rates twice as high as whites and wanting to work…I could go on, but I’m not sure you’d care.
Yeah. So much better for blacks.
No need for a red carpet, Bob.
But it would be nice if they didn’t get so many doors slammed in their faces.
Sorry for your experiences in life that were hurtful. I really am. But they don’t change the reality of life as faced by non-whites (particularly blacks and Latinos/Hispanics). Just like the isolated cases of wives who beat their husbands doesn’t change the fact that the vast majority of domestic violence is against women. It isn’t right if you had bad experiences growing up among blacks that you didn’t deserve.
But do please try to keep some perspective.
I have to laugh when I read about Black people talking about the reaction they get from White people. You should consider the reaction White people get when they are in majority Black populated areas. That is how I grew up. I would rather be Black and live amongst Whites than White and live amongst Blacks. Have you been mugged? Stop your complaining. What do you want, a red carpet rolled out for you?
Im a born and raised black Mainer residing in 99% white Caribou… Im used to it here and the racism that tends to thrive in back woods small towns actually wasn’t so bad here. My only problem is lack of black hair care products and knowledgeable beauticians… Im currently trying to locate someone who can micro-braid extensions into my hair and it seems like Im going to have to make the 8 hour drive to Boston just to get my hair done! If anyone can savd me from this I would LOVE the feedback… Thanks!
Lydia, try Blended Beauty in Westbrook, see Trish. I am pretty sure she does micro-braids, I have been going to her for the past year and she does good work.