Older Black Man: How long did it take you to get your hair like that?
Me: I started growing it in 2010, and it took me until 2017-2018 for me to be really pleased with it. My hair grows super slow, and I got a couple bad haircuts, so it really did take me 10 years.
Older Black Man removes his hat to reveal he is bald.
Older Black Man: Think I have a shot at that?
Me: It’s lookin great, my friend. Couple more months and I’ll be jealous.
Older Black Man: HA
Older Black Man: Y’know, when I was your age, I had an afro.
Me: I bet it was awesome.
Older Black Man: IT WAS GLORIOUS
Older Black Man: And it was great, because at the time I lived in London. Can you imagine it? A young black man in the 70s in London attending an all-white church?
Me: I bet that was hilarious.
Older Black Man: When the collection plate came around, people would grab at my hair, pretending to grab at the plate. Like, don’t touch my hair! That’s mine.
Me: Oh, god. I bet it was a relief when you cut it all off.
Older Black Man: Maybe. Fashion trends were changing and the afro wasn’t cool anymore, so I got rid of it.
Me: Fuck that, afros are always cool.
Older Black Man: HAH. You’re somethin else, ain’t you?