Just recently, the state of New York passed legislation that would deem illegal the act of discrimination against hairstyles that are predominantly worn by Black people (i.e. braids, twists, locs, twist outs, afros, etc.) in the workplace and/or school. In the year of our Lord 2019, this legislation JUST passed.
Kinda crazy…right?
I think every black woman has a similar story to applying for a job, getting an interview, and wondering “how should I wear my hair??”
I can admit that I have played the more “safe” route. Opting for wigs and weaves that were straight, as not to come off “too black”. Can you even imagine? That something as simple as the way my hair naturally grows would be deemed inappropriate for an interview.
It was subconscious. I gravitated towards these styles because they were less intimidating. It wouldn’t be until after I got the job and after being in the space for a few months that I would feel comfortable enough to wear my natural hair or any protective styles.
So when thinking about what I wanted to talk about to end Black History Month, I wanted to focus on topics that have impacted the way black women have had to carry themselves day to day. So here’s an ode to black hair.
I learned how to do single braids at the age of 11. I started off practicing on my Barbie dolls. And then moved on to my sister as a test subject. She was young too, so, whether the braids were nice or not didn’t matter (a plus for me). By 13, I had mastered single braiding and was taking clients (more like my cousins and aunties).
It was my side hustle in college as well. And Lord knows I needed those funds.
In college, I made the decision to go natural. I enjoyed learning about my texture and experimenting with different hairstyles. It was one of the ways I was able to fully express myself at a time where I was trying to figure out who I really was.
To this day, my hair is still a form of expression. I still like to switch up my styles and experiment. I still do single braids on myself. Life is too short to be stuck with one way of doing things and my hair is always the first that I feel 100% comfortable with changing.
All this to say, hair is such an important part of a black women’s identity. From adolescence, we are told how great our hair is, how amazing that it can be manipulated into all sorts of styles. And as we become adults and choose what to do with our hair, we take that ownership and pride to heart. It’s a part of who we are.
So, when our hairstyles are deemed inappropriate on us, but trendy and fashion forward on others, it’s a slap in the face. And that is why this NY bill is a big leap. Yes, it’s late. Yes, this should’ve happened long ago. But we’re here now.
Young girls (and boys) can go to school without the worry of being sent home for the way their hair natural grows. Adults no longer have to worry about being reprimanded or fired because of how their hair grows out of their head.
And in the words on Solange,
Our hair holds history. It tells stories. Our hair brings us together. Short, long, kinky, straight, fade, TWA, IT IS OURS.
Until next time…
Single Braids by Ashley Brown
