Bronx author’s ‘Pelo Mato No Existe,’ celebrating all hair types, turned into 13-part TV series

Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Tuesday, and of one Bronx woman is breaking down stereotypes and honoring her Hispanic heritage.

News 12 Staff

Sep 16, 2020, 11:53 AM

Updated 1,487 days ago

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Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off Tuesday, and of one Bronx woman is breaking down stereotypes and honoring her Hispanic heritage.
Sulma Arzu Brown dispells the stereotype of bad hair in her book “Pelo Mato No Existe.”
“Pelo malo is a term that has been used to bring down the self-esteem of many beautiful people of color,” says Arzu Brown.
Arzu Brown took the stereotype head-on by writing the book after a babysitter used the term to describe her then 3-year old daughter's hair texture.
“I wrote the book because I had a story and along the way I heard so many stories of individuals that dealt with the term and beyond,” says Arzu Brown.
What started as children's book now has turned into a 13-part series, which debuts locally on first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
“It’s actually called Deque Latino, it will premiere tonight on BronxNet on beginning of Spanish Heritage Month on BronxNet television and Facebook Live. We are so excited with all the cast members,” says Arzu Brown.
The cast include local Bronx artists, as well as some professional young talent from Broadway and
Nick Jr.
Arzu Brown, who describes herself as a proud Afro-Latino Garifuna author from the Bronx, says she's excited to highlight her culture community through her creative works.
“It's about uplifting one another and never bring each other down,” says Arzu Brown.