Keke Palmer Explains New Tattoo, Rocks New 'Do

By Sydney Scott · Updated October 27, 2020

Yesterday, Twitter was ablaze with news of KeKe Palmer’s new ‘do and tattoo.  The actress debuted flawless locs, which add to her already cool shaved sides. She also introduced the world to her new tattoo, which boldly reads “Queen of Kush.” Palmer explained on Instagram:

“The Kingdom of Kush or Kush was an ancient African Nubian kingdom situated on the confluences of the Blue Nile, White Nile and River Atbara. (1050/1070 B.C. – 350 A.D.) but at the height of its power in about 700 B.C. the Kingdom of Kush controlled the entirety of Egypt itself with Kushite Pharaohs ruling.”

Keke Palmer to Her Haters: “I Can Take Any of the Sticks and the Stones Thrown at Me”

The Kingdom of Kush or Kush was an ancient African Nubian kingdom situated on the confluences of the Blue Nile, White Nile and River Atbara. (1050/1070 B.C. - 350 A.D.) but at the height of its power in about 700 B.C. the Kingdom of Kush controlled the entirety of Egypt itself with Kushite Pharaohs ruling. What I love most is it's history's of female rulers!! In school, we very rarely ever learn about female rules and never about African rulers. Amanirenas was one of the most famous Queens of Kush. She reigned from about 40 B.C.E. to 10 B.C.E. She is one of the most famous kandakes(means queen really but that was the title back then), because of her role leading Kushite armies against the Romans from in a war that lasted five years 😱 (27 BCE - 22 BCE). She was able to communicate a peace treaty that favoured the Kushites, granting them land and an exemption from future taxation. She has been described as brave, with one eye #MyAncestors P. S. "Egypt" is a Greek word meaning black, hence the rename when they invaded. 😳🤔😍✨👑 (shoutout to @threekingstattoo in Brooklyn ✍)

A photo posted by Laurennnn Palmer (@kekepalmer) on Jun 12, 2016 at 7:45am PDT

The actress went on to explain her fascination with Kush and its history of female rulers. Later, Palmer posted another message to Instagram, stating, “Individuality is freedom lived” u must be yourself. Pls don’t let anyone change you or make you feel ashamed for where you are going, learning or GROWING! Power to you for being confident in finding yourself. I love you! Don’t stop!” She also took to Twitter to defend her new ‘do, simply tweeting, “Y’all be trippin off errthang.”

Whether or not you like Keke’s new look, you can’t deny that her willingness to try new things and live on her own terms is pretty inspiring.

WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.