More Than Hair: Kenesma D. John on Identity and Belonging

from Feminist Book Club: The Podcast · host www.feministbookclub.com

Marlena is joined by Dr. Kenesma D. John to talk about her novel Hair Diaries: My Hair Evolution, a reflective and visually rich exploration of hair, identity, and Black girlhood. In this spoiler-free conversation, they discuss what inspired John to use hair as the lens for the story, the blend of autobiography and fiction, and her choice to tell Charisma's journey through reflections and illustrated images. Together, they unpack how hair becomes deeply emotional and political, touching on colorism, community, and intergenerational exchange. Books mentioned: Hair Diaries: My Hair Evolution by Kenesma D. John, Ph.D. Support and follow our host and guest! Follow Dr. Kenesma D. John: Instagram // Website Follow Marlena: Instagram // Blog Check out our online community here! This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people. Original music by Amarissa Learn more about Feminist Book Club on our website, sign up for our emails, shop our Bookshop.org recommendations, and follow us on Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest.

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This episode was published on February 16, 2026.

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