Natural hair empowering, black women say

By Sanaa’ Towers

Black hair has been uniquely significant throughout history and has symbolized survival, resistance, and celebration. Unfortunately, hair has been used as a source of oppression but, as a community African Americans have risen up and survived the test of times. In 2023, natural Black hair is empowering, and society’s perceptions of Black hair still influences how Black people are treated today. In honor of Women’s History Month, VOICE staff Sanaa Towers caught up with several students who take pride in embracing their natural hair and they also shared some great tips on hair care as well.

Janaya Williams: “As a Black woman embracing my natural hair has made me more confident. I can truly embrace who I am through the art of my hair and see the growth and progress of it. I’ve always loved wearing it out even before I loc’d it. Some hair advice I would give people with locs and natural hair in general is to just let your hair be. Your hair grows the most when you leave it alone. Oiling and keeping your hair moisturized is key. You will truly find more confidence when you embrace the natural state of your hair.”

Ah’Laya Birch: “How I feel as a Black woman embracing my hair especially during these times? I feel very great about it because at first it was pretty rough, and I was very self-conscious. There has always been a stigma about us having short and ‘unpretty hair.’ I feel positive now about my hair because it’s like me loving myself. Some tips I have would be take a breather! Have patience. Secondly, moisture, especially when it comes to detangling. Try to learn new styles that cater to natural hair. It’s not going to be easy but you will love it in the long run.”

Crown Act aims to eliminate the stigma attached to natural Black hair

The Florida Legislature is expected once again to take up the Crown Act before it ends the current session at the end of May 5.

CROWN is an acronym for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The bill failed for the third time during the 2022 session, according to published reports. Research Studies reveal that racial discrimination based on hairstyles can start as early as 5 years old. The CROWN Act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California, to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in the workplace and public schools.

While progress has been made, race-based hair discrimination remains a systemic problem in the workplace – from hiring practices to daily workplace interactions – disproportionately professional advancement impacting Black women’s employment opportunities

A 2023 workplace study commissioned by DOVE and LinkedIn found that:

• Black women’s hair is 2.5x more likely to be perceived as unprofessional.

• Approximately 2/3 of Black women (66%) change their hair for a job interview. Among them, 41% changed their hair from curly to straight.

• Black women are 54% more likely (or over 1.5x more likely) to feel like they have to wear their hair straight to a job interview to be successful.

• Black women with coily/textured hair are 2x as likely to experience microaggressions in the workplace than Black women with straighter hair.

• Over 20% of Black women 25-34 have been sent home from work because of their hair.

• Nearly half (44%) of Black women under age 34 feel pressured to have a headshot with straight hair.

• 25% of Black women believe they have been denied a job interview because of their hair, which is even higher for women under 34 (1/3).

February