There was an act of bravery in Tennessee last week when Pam Mckelvy of WC TV revealed on television her natural hair while on air for the first time. Pam revealed the cutest TWA that she had kept hidden under a smooth haired wig* in an effort to remain conservative.
Pam had been working on the news set for 15 years and this was a huge step for her, as it always is when stepping into the public eye with natural hair for the first time. Pam introduced a segment about women and their “Crowns of glory” and she discussed how chemotherapy treatments had led to her losing all of her hair.
In her reveal moment Pam, clearly very emotional thanked her co-workers for just being there for her as she went through all the things that breast cancer brings with it. When you see a moment like that you can’t help but wonder how free she must have felt as she showed off her new grown in curls and the weight that was lifted from her shoulders as she wore her own hair for the first time on the air.
It is still a huge step for women, especially those in media, to wear their hair natural, because black hair is still not considered conservative enough and in extreme cases even offensive.
Pam’s reveal is a huge step for the community because we still struggle with getting across the idea to closed minded individuals that this is the way our hair naturally grows. Pam said this on air:
I’m going natural. No more relaxers to straighten my hair.
The Memphis Anchor shared her cancer story with her viewers back in 2012 including the details of a double mastectomy and her struggles with chemotherapy. Last week she shared a message of self love and acceptance with the stories of our young girls who have been publicly ridiculed at school because of their hair. She said:
I made my choice also because I think about the message I send to young women about confidence and self-acceptance,” giving a special shout-out to 12-year-old Vanessa VanDyke, the biracial Florida student who was threatened with expulsion if she didn’t tame her “distracting” natural hair. “The times are changing, and God’s delivered me with a brand-new spirit and a head full of hair, and here it is.
Even though I mentioned that this was a huge step for the community, you can’t separate the fact that the community has had a great effect on these individuals as well. It is almost full circle because as women everywhere take a stand it becomes easier for other women everywhere to take a stand, even the ones in the public eye. Pam said:
It’s not about what’s on the outside, it’s about what’s on the inside. And I feel, on the inside, I am more radiant and beautiful than I’ve ever been.
We would like to add that natural hair kinda makes you radiant on the outside too… win win. Congratulations Pam, we hope you enjoy your new natural journey!
Romona Rochelle Gill says
She is beautiful.
Xhay Bear says
Beautiful. She looks better without the wig on
Crystal Horton says
you took the words out of my mouth.
Aleshia Miles says
YES SHE DOES!!!!!!
Christina Selena Mitchell says
Natural hair looks so much better!
Norfleet Norfleet says
Beautiful
Christina Selena Mitchell says
That wig made her look older…
Jamillah Davis says
My mom went natural as well, after going thru chemotherapy and beating breast cancer. She looks beautiful!!!
Carmanie Burney says
I LOVE IT!!!….PRAISE GOD!
Jo A. Walker-Igiehon says
Beautiful. God bless u.
Chezpere Stevens says
You look much prettier without the wig
Sáássy Mo'ñíqúé says
Shi look better without d wig
Toni McNish-Walker says
Her hair is beautiful
Evelyn Ann Willis Rowland says
She is so pretty
Norita Linda says
Why was she hiding her beautiful hair? Now that’s much better… 🙂
Lynnette Thomas says
Much younger
Roseline Vanlong Blackwell says
Good for you, I agree I like her natural hair…too cute
Fruit Punch Formerlyknownas LemonAde says
She is lovely
Margaret Harris Gladney says
Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yvonne Wilmore says
much better……….you look beautiful without the wig
Bradybunch Mccoy says
Nice I love it
Latoika Stevenson says
She’s naturally beautiful!! Her natural hair is much prettier!
Tiajuana Sterling says
She is beautiful!!! Congrats on Survival,My Sister in Cancer…God Bless You and Now Live Life Again…
Kali Mahogany Price says
Her hair looks good better than the wig
Cassandra Richey says
Congrats natural hair looks better
Markeva Snead says
Strong black woman #loveit
Pamela Green Cooper Muhammad says
she looks a lot better with her natural hair. you look loke the queen your suppose to look like. funny how trying thngs in our lives smetmes produces a new you.
Phrederica Holloway-Jordan says
The hair isn’t important, I am just praying for her health.
Kasi Foster says
Looks beautiful! Congrats to her. She should proudly rock her locks!
Marie Camille says
I second that Xhay Bear
Cherrese Johnson says
Her natural hair is beautiful
Jacquelyn Jackson says
You look so Beautiful..
Anissa Blumberg says
She looks younger and better without the wig
Tysha Adams says
Shes beautiful, shes my favorite anchor
Geneva J Mask says
You are still beautiful, natural beauty ditch the wig.
Camella Rose Hearts says
I like her without the wig
Karisha Finallydoinme Williams says
She beautiful with out the wig honestly!
Ruth Guzman says
Her natural hair looks sooooo much better! Congratulations on kicking cancers ass! My aunt beat breast cancer too!
Enid K. Hill says
Amen & Hallelujah!
Jennifer Richie says
Congratulations on beating cancer.
Janet Poole Craft says
You are beautiful
Pastors Carl Zenita Guillory says
you are beauitful
Alexis Brightharp says
Even more beautiful natural
Shay Gabbie says
She is prettier without the wig!
Heaven's Angel says
God bless you and congrats..
Daisy Morales says
I love her natural hair!!! Looks much better without tha wig!!!
Grace Young says
Her hair looks better than the wig. Beautiful.
Priscilla Latrice Jones says
Love her! She’s from my city and my favorite news station! Pamela McKelvy Hamner you are making news honey!!!!
Serresa Rider says
Beautiful….get back cancer…that devil is a liar
Rosenorma Green says
You look good with the style! Keep it! You look younger.
Jasmine Davis says
Yay!!! Love you Pam!!!
Monique Wilson says
Her texture is cute and coily curly…. it looks fine to me….. you go girl
Daiquiri A. Holland says
She actually looks better without the wig.
Princess Jem says
She looks great without the wig! : )
Joyvaundra Bester says
Good for her!
Jessica Flanigan says
It looks good! 🙂
Marquette Mcneal says
Inspirational
Maria Hart says
She looks much better!
Carla King says
Good for her she look better without the wig
Kimberly Blades says
Natural look is better.
Shemika McClatcher Smith says
Congrats on kicking cancers butt. Your natural is beautiful.
Tracey Mccray-Grant says
You’re beautiful inside and out. Give God the glory.
Nadine Brown says
God Bless You!!!
Terry Norman says
Awww ):
Bornagainhooligan Onlytobequeenagain Womble says
Very pretty
Terry Norman says
*tears*
Shannie Blake says
Sweet heart you are beautiful god is good all the time
La-Keesha Bean says
She looks awesome! Congrats on her victory beating cancer too!
Madeline Jackson says
Looks much younger without the wig. Love those beautiful curls!
Sonya Rice says
Rock that natural girl!!! God bless you .
Lamariya Hamilton says
U go girl #inmymartainlawerancevoice
Marla Shepard says
She looks younger without that wig. I hope she remains happy and healthy.
Deborah Wilson says
I like her hair <3
Marcia Ivette Velez-Soria says
I love her hair no need for wig
Yawanda Mccord says
Blessed !!!!
Rhonda Shorts says
Pretty hair , looks great dont worry about it. Just cut all my hair off to go natural . Dont hv cancer tho ,made me feel empowered . Its not about my hair it was about who I want myself to be with out my hang ups or anyone elses trips . I m more confident than ever. Be who you , accept yourself first then others will grow to like or love the real you.;-)
Lynn Watson says
She has Beautiful Hair…Looks Good!!!
Gina Marone says
I love the short hair it actually make her look younger. High ✋ to you for beating breast cancer
Petrina Metivier says
She looked beautiful both ways, she is a beautiful lady and that’s the beauty of choice. she can go both ways.
Frankye Campbell says
Amen!!!!
Sonya Soward says
agreed much younger too
Trina Johnson says
Amen! You look ten years younger without the wig
Cynthia Watson Dunlap says
Beautiful !!!
Eugenia Oliphant says
Part of the story not told some of the chemicals we use in our hair also contribute to cancers we get. Been natural 3 years recovering from narrow miss with cancer of the parathyroid. My natural hair is imperative to self acceptance and inner peace. I love myself and the God who made me and I am justified by him. Congratulations Sister!
Mia Kendricks says
Looks better without the wig!
Gmomma Carla Godfrey says
your still beautifull and bless you, congrats
Shon Go says
Amazing
Barbee David says
she looks younger too.
Sharon Davis says
God Bless
Stephanie Wright says
You still Beautiful!!! Matter of The fact I love the natural look.. She even look much younger with out the wig…. You Go Girl!!! GOD Sure Has Blessed You!!!
Nita Lopez says
God is good
Meshea BetterknownasSugar Bryant says
That was the first thing that came to my mind!!!
Teya Pirtle says
Your natural hair really compliments yur beautiful color
Toynette G. LeDay says
It’s beautiful!
Linique Valery says
I this she so pretty without wig. No offense I thought that was Sisley Tyson
Pamela Traeye says
She looks better w/the natural… ROCK IT SISTAH!!
Marjorie Barrett says
YOU ARE STILL BEAUTIFUL, and your hair looks great , don’t worry about what people say ,keep your head held high , you ARE a strong WOMAN, BE you
Shirley Fey says
So happy you embraced your real beauty. That beauty has always been there, just waiting to come out. You are blessed, because God healed you, now come as you are beautiful and natural. I wish you the best.
Barbara Thomas-Johnson says
Awesome
Kim Smith says
Congrats on WINNING the battle and u look years younger with the natural hair! No more wigs
Cookie ImdaBoss says
You go girl!!!
Sasheika Stewart says
She looks so much better which her natural hair. #survivor
Brenda Raleigh Rockingham says
Amen your looking good be blessed!
Bobbie Lee Williamson says
Heard about this on KLOVE 98.3. You’re absolutely beautiful! WAY TO GO 🙂
Jan Monty says
I love her hair
Micheal Justice says
The only thing you need pretty lady is a smile on your beautiful face.
Joseph Green says
KEEP PRAYING!! YOU ARE BLESSED!! AMEN!!
Veronica Marshall says
She looks better with natural hair
Janet Peterson says
Yes, Stephanie Wright that is so true”!!
Brenda Graham says
Looks better & much younger. You rock!
Pearl Moses says
BLESSINGS, BEAUTIFUL. STAY PRAYED UP.
Tiante' Preston says
I honestly like the natural look better!
Shardae Hailey says
Better without the wig
Yavohnà Rosè Fudge says
Why did she hide it shes beautiful ♡♥♡
Jenise Watts says
yes she do
Keera Middleton says
It looks nice. Glad she’s doing better.
Cynthia Y. Jones says
Natural curly hair style compliments you better than the wig….Do You! To God be the Glory!! Blessings
Mary Lou says
She has beautiful hair texture and hairlines, wow!
Tonya Martin says
Yep, look better w/o the wig
Javonna Pam Daughter says
She looks younger with her natural
Monica Faulkner Wiseman says
She looks real nice with the natural!! Love it
Desiree Whitney says
Beautiful women. .
Ernest Brown says
Ain’t god good
Venita Morgan says
You look good!!!
Charisse Alexandria Hall says
It’s gorgeous
Alexandrea Chery says
Gorgeous
Edith Webb says
Very natural I like
Tyesha Jones says
The natural look is pretty.. The wig makes you look much, much older……
Blessedfrom Above says
Her hair is very pretty…she looks better but I understand!!!!!
Gloria Martin-Booker says
She’s much prettier and looks so much younger without the wig.
Tiama Candyraindownonu Johnson says
Love it..such a shame that we have to explain what god birth us with especially during such a trying time…I applaud Her
Christy Jackson says
natural hair makes her look younger
Charlesetta Greene Jossell says
Yep better w/o wig.
Toni Settles says
She’s such a beautiful lady!
Octavia Franklin says
Extremely inspirational.
Patricia Opel Jaye says
God bless you.
Latonya Brown says
she looks better with her natural curl!
Meredith Mitchell Williams says
Se really does!
Susan Holliday-Mealer says
I thinks she looks better without the wig….
JazzShantel Lipscomb says
Her hair is beautiful!
Aleta Brown says
She looks good natural she should keep it like that!! 🙂
Arlene Rainville Hess says
Congrats!!
Kimberly Freeman Burks says
U r not ur hair!!#i hate cancer!!
Ella Jenkins says
JUST BEAUTIFUL!!!! NATURAL LOOKS BETTER.
Sharon Pride says
Just glad Pam for you and all women and get healthier & healthier. Praise god. Hair is so pretty too.
Carol Denison says
Yes!!!
Antoinette Barker says
Beautiful,survivor !!
Patricia Cobb-Smith says
You go girl ..
Peggy Autrey says
Where is Drew and trammel?
Veronica Perry White says
Beautiful!!!!
Terisa Hill says
Why…
Keshia Mallett says
New you is awesome!
Ameenya German says
She’s Beautiful and so is her hair. 🙂
Emily Bowden says
God Bless you!! She is beautiful!
Kelly Walsh says
Much better!!!
Jacqueline Martin says
I prefer her without the wig. Beautiful.
Juanita Shamily- Young says
You look younger.good with you new look.
Nicole Caldwell says
but i like her natural hair a lot better
Shelly Clarke says
Looks better without that wig….the wig makes her look older
Michelle Walker-Anthony says
She looks better without the wig
April M Mosley says
Her natural hair looks good
J Rochelle Cooper says
You look so much younger without the wig… you’re beautiful
Divine Murray says
The natural looks great!
Lawanda Holmes says
Love the natural!!!!
Carla Chambers says
U GO GIRL!!!
Evette L Giddins says
She look very nice and younger with the natural style .
Wendy D. Adams says
Your hair looks great.. It’s only hair… The worst part is over.. And you rocking that short look girl!!
Tahiera Monique Brown says
She’s gorgeous.
Joyce Ingram says
Your natural hair is just absolutely Gorgeous.
Margie Johnson says
Looks great and more youthful
Vickie Lomax says
You look beautiful with your short natural hair, may God continue to bless you and keep you healthy and strong my dear!
Shalonda Lee Hood says
Her natural is beautiful, the wig is a no.
LaTosha Sweetenburg says
N still SHE IS BEAUTIFUL. . BLACKNESS
Richard E Smith says
Looking good!!!
Coralia Odio says
Looks younger
Michele Babcock says
Love her hair..
Paula Landry says
STILL BEAUTIFUL
Charlotte Oliver says
Her natural is much more beautiful than a wig!
Sonya says
This is my cousin and she is BEAUTIFUL with long hair, short hair, a wig, weave, natural or bald. We had just buried my older sister who passed away from cancer 2 months before Pam was diagnosed. To see how she fought, her faith and her courage makes me so, so, so proud of her. I am in awe at her courage and the fact that she has been so open in what she’s dealing with. Thank you sincerely for all the prayers and the support for her and other cancer survivors and those who are battling the disease now. We must NEVER stop looking for a cure to this disease and have faith that we will have many more “survivors” until we do!
Yaguama Meadows says
You are A Natural Beauty 🙂 God Is Good
Tracy Campbell says
God bless her. . Be thankful because it makes room for more
Veronica Wicks says
She looks more beautiful without the wig 🙂
Janet Dixon-Alston says
Natural is always beautiful
Cindy Rhodes says
U r truly beautiful!!
Cassandra Perkins says
Burn the wigs, you don’t appear to have been sick a day in your life-looks like you’ve had a makeover-which you have-Praise Him! Let your natural beauty shine.
Anita Taylor says
Love it. .
Willie Mae Belser says
Yesss!!!
Carolyn Ricks says
Thank God for His healing power. She is still beautiful
Terrie Hughes says
Ms. Pam is such a natural beauty….I love the hair, not everyone can ROCK that, but you got it gurl!!! Stay healthy and GOD Bless!!!
Assefa J Stone says
Step into your beauty, congratulations on your win
Kenyatta Williams says
Kicking cancer’s butt n looking good doing. Love the natural. Be you
Janea Naynay Baldwin says
She looks better with her natural hair
Judy Ann BloomMinott says
So proud of you. Big step Pam!
Danielle Jackson says
Congratulations and beautiful!!!!!!! Very inspirational!!
Lioness OfJudah Jackson says
She looks younger without the wig
Rhonda Billings says
I agree
Corinne Sanders says
Praise God! Isn’t she lovely?
Angela Ferguson says
She didn’t need the wig anyway!
Cheryl Woods says
Looks Beautiful .
Gabriella McKinney Marshall says
Love it!!
Kristiana Bridges says
Natural hair looks beautiful! She looks younger 🙂
Sandra Dunbar says
I know just what you are talking about. I webt thru the same thing dealing with my breast cancer i can say today I’m. Cancer free was diagnosed 2012. September 9th on my birthday always had long corse hair thru my treatments all ny glory which is my hair felted out but i told everyone i will never put chemicals in my hair again tiday i wear my hair natural love it and I’m looking just like my mother.
Vee Smith says
she look better with her real hair.
Carol Chambliss says
God is so good
Dee Simmons says
Oh that’s just wonderful! I wish you the very best in beating such a powerful illness. You look wonderl!
Geraldine Clifton says
Looks Great! Congrats!
Ilinda MzCookie Williams says
Pam I love your natural hair. You look so beautiful. Throw that wig away you don’t need it.
Shirley Richards says
Her natural hair looks beautiful.
Charlotteblessdnappydiva Small says
She looks gorgeous with her natural hair!
Cb Sampson says
She looks great
Ugo Sherry says
This made me smile and cry.
Shaneese McKinney Melton says
You look beautiful!! Embrace it and i’m so Happy for your victory
Alethia Anderson Daniels says
And it looks good, you go girl
Cece White says
I like the natural better.
Fulani Yira says
Good for her.
LaVeta Hatten says
She more beautiful natural
Yolanda Barksdale says
Love her hair without the wig
Jacquelyn Hearn-Bell says
Love it!!! Love her!!
Angela Wilson says
Ur beautifully made ♡♡♡♡
JoAnn Jones says
God bless you!!!!
Charming Princess Zalb says
hair is wonderfull
Latasha Odum says
I Luv it Pam!! Lookin gud hunnie! U dont need no wig.
Sandra Larue High-Brown says
Beautiful !!
Octavia SoSultry AndFancy says
Flawless!!!
Mike Green says
I wish women would stop doing this. Pulling their weaves and wigs off on tv. Sheryl Underwood does it all the time. Geesh. She looks better without that funky wig.
Vella MsVee Laws-Bell says
She’s very pretty!! Congrats!!
Stephanie Duckett says
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
Stephanie Duckett says
Beatiful n more ways that one!!!!!!!
Keisha C Hunter says
I prefer her natural look
Louisa A Davis-Dobbins says
Praise Jesus, sister!
Deborah Carroll-Patterson says
Beautiful sans wig. GOD bless :-)you are beautiful from the inside out 🙂
Chevon C. Jones says
You look nice
Tiffany Bolling says
She look beautiful
La Tonia Anderson says
She’s more beautiful with her natural hair.
Inetha Brown says
Either look she’s Beautiful, because she’s alive.
Wanda Collins says
Beautiful. Bless
Apl Brilliance says
She look so much younger and even prettier than before. Very lovely.
Gwendolyn Gray says
SHE LOOKS GOOD, THROW THAT WIG IN THE TRASH
China Ashleigh says
Her natural hair looks so good! Rock those curls hunny!!!
Devonia Fleming says
I love it!
Lorraine Dawson says
I like it better than the wig
Jolynn Mitchell says
She looks prettier and younger without the wig, to me.
Yolanda Moore says
Beautifully black and natural.
Lillie M Mensah says
She looks better in the natural
Elise Burton says
Ur hair is beautiful, beautiful texture
Yolimond Panther says
I like YOUR hair looks beautiful… natural hair, dont care <3
Sonya Singleton says
Natural looks good on you
Anori Stevens says
Wow she looks better with her own hair thank you Lord for healing her
T.c. Fuller says
You are beautiful both ways. God is still with you during this time.
Charissa Judah Praise says
I love the natural hair style. She looks a lot younger without the wig. Very courageous of her to reveal that side of her, when she is not use to being seen on television with her beautiful natural locks.
Matisha Kelly says
Beautiful!
Blake Hershey'kisses Hester says
Very beautiful. Keep the wig off!!!! Please
Msz. Thickailous No Doubt says
LOVE THE LOOK, AN IT MAKES YOU LOOK YOUNGER =). Welcome to team All Natural =).
Gail L McGinnis says
She looks better without the wig. Congrats on beating the cancer.
Belindah Evance says
Glory. she is beautiful.
DeOndra Miles says
She is so beautiful without that wig and she looks younger.
Lakiasha Wilson says
That looks bomb, better than before.
Tracey M. Cruz says
Love the Natural look on her .. Beautiful .. God Bless !!
Leiyina' Brooklyn says
marvellous
Laura Mae Porter says
She Is So Beautiful In Her On Hair.
Marsha Phillip says
TRUE
Margaret Sherrill says
Good look
Mary Bell says
THAT IS AMAZING . MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP HER. IN THE NAME OF JESUS.
Vicki Burkeen says
Blessed
Keri Toodle says
So proud of her… good 4 her! Keep fighting that nasty cancer!
Arianna Marin says
Yes because black hair the way it grows out of your head is just so offensive, and rebellious.
Debbie Brewer says
Love your hair is beautiful and natural
Yamirah Saleem says
She look beautiful with her natural hair
Nana Platner says
SO PRETTY
Gaylynn Romine Clements says
Love your new hairdo!
Monique Wheeler says
You look beautiful. I also just beat breast cancer this year and I am going with my natural hair
Thelma Emanuel says
Sorry that last post was from Monique mom I was on her page by mistake. But I did beat breast cancer this year and I am going natural.
Stacey Foster says
You’re beautiful. Lose the wigs your natural beauty is perfect!
Joane Smith says
I yhink its cute on you.
Joane Smith says
Meant to say think.
Yolanda Brownsugar Wilson says
She looks better natural.
Donna Chesser says
Trust her natural is beautiful. How did America ever came to think the opposite of black hair. Hummm.
Aletha Faye Robinson Turner says
Embrace your natural hair. Its what we were born with. What God intended us to have. Love it!
Pearl Hazlett says
Praise God
Shalandra Shalandra says
Even more beautiful and younger looking natural
Anita Deale-Gray says
She looks younger…2 me
Debra Gober-Dorsey says
Awesome,and God bless!!!
Siboniso Ndlovu says
She is stunning and I praise God for full recovery.