New Orleans unveils two-story hair pick to celebrate Juneteenth

A gigantic Afro hair pick, decorated with a peace sign and surmounted by a clenched Black fist, was unveiled in Lafayette Square on Friday evening.

The 28-foot-tall hair pick weighing 7,000 pounds is titled “All Power to All People,” and was created by artist Hank Willis Thomas.

A social media video shows New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell pulling away sheeting to expose the steel creation, which Cantrell described as “Breathtaking.”

The giant hair pick was released in celebration of Juneteenth – the holiday paying tribute to the last American slaves being freed.

“As Juneteenth approaches, we celebrated with an unveiling in Lafayette Sq,” Cantrell tweeted. “This sculpture is very fitting for this time & place as we celebrate the freedoms that we have gained We know that it doesn’t come without struggles, fights, and protests for 200+ years.”

Cantrell said the city is spending $7.2 million to recognize “local black and brown artists,” and their artwork would be displayed around public buildings in New Orleans.