Young DC Author Creates Natural Hair Super Hero

I remember that when I was in junior high school, myself and all of the other girls around me couldn’t wait to relax our hair so that we could look like everyone else.

Now, it’s heartwarming to know that young girls of this generation are beginning to embrace their natural hair. Eight year old Natalie McGriff of Washington DC is proving this new found self acceptance (and a love for education), since she created a new comic book called “The Adventures of Moxie Girl”.

McGriff was helped by her mother Angie Nixon, who noted that she was previously uncomfortable with her natural hair, her complexion, and she didn’t like to read.

Nixon decided to help her daughter’s self esteem by making a super hero she could identify with. The main character of the comic book is named Moxie McGriff, and she has fire and ice powers that come from her grandmother’s shampoo and conditioner.

Aside from the positive imagery that this new hero provides for African American girls everywhere, it’s also a great educational tool. The comics have words that are slightly above reading level, and come with word lists and assignments to help children with their vocabulary. Natalie herself had to read more books to learn new words in order to make the stories ‘interesting’, according to her mother.

Now, Natalie has of course improved in school, but she’s also made a huge impact on other children around her. The Adventures of Moxie Girl won $15,000 in a crowdfunding contest to be produced and promoted. On a recent trip to a local Boys and Girl’s club, she was hugged and greeted by the children there.

There is finally a super hero created for the smart and beautiful curly girl, and the best part is that she’s based on and written by a little girl. This is a huge step in jump starting the self love that some sadly never find. We can’t wait to see more of Moxie McGriff’s adventures!