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In The Pocket with Angela Okafor: Let’s talk about Black hair culture

April 30, 2023

This hour long episode covers Black hair culture — from its versatility to how it can be oppressed in the U.S.

A Black woman paddles while sitting in a kayak on the water. Overlayed text reads "In The Pocket" with periods after the p, o, and c to represent the abbreviation for People of Color.

Logo for the "In The Pocket podcast"

In The Pocket is a talk show showcasing Mainers of color. Each episode represents a member of the Maine community from business, the arts, or culture; the earth, wind, and fire of life.

Embracing and exploring the lived experience of the black diaspora and descendants of American slavery through conversation is its foundation. Its mission is to create space for all people of color, documented, celebrated, and shared.

This episode, meet Angela Okafor of Bangor. She is a renaissance woman with multiple businesses, from her law firm to her international market Tropical Tastes and Styles. She is groundbreaking in the work that she does to keep her community of Bangor unified and not divided.

This hour long episode covers Black hair culture — from its versatility to how it can be oppressed in the U.S.

This episode has a companion art installation, which can be seen at Mayo Street Arts from May 5 to June 25. Opening reception is May 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are Fridays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The art installation is called Afro in Utero and is a mixed media piece that furthers the discussion of Black hair culture in America. Hopefully, listeners in Maine take advantage of this immersive experience, while it lasts.

Flo Edwards

Dr. Florence S. Edwards DDS, has been a practicing dentist for over a decade including time served as a Captain in the US Army. She is a Howard University graduate and a Maine resident since childhood. Flo is an active member of her community; she serves on two Boards of Directors: Equality Maine and Third Place. "In the Pocket" grew out of her work at the University of Southern Maine's WMPG radio station, and prior to the pandemic she organized a monthly networking happy hour for Mainers of color.