Day 39: The Politicization of Black Hair—A Fight for Acceptance and equality

For centuries, Black hair has been deeply politicized, with Black people facing discrimination simply for wearing their natural curls, afros, braids, locs, and other protective styles. From schools to workplaces, natural Black hair has been labeled as "unprofessional," "unkempt," or even "distracting"—a clear example of racial bias and systemic discrimination.

Examples of Black Hair Discrimination
⚠️ Workplace Bias – Black employees have been denied jobs, promotions, or even fired for wearing natural styles like locs or afros. In 2010, Chastity Jones lost a job offer because her locs were deemed "messy."
⚠️ School Punishments – Black students have been suspended or forced to cut their hair to meet dress codes. In 2018, a New Jersey wrestler was forced to cut his locs or forfeit his match.
⚠️ Military Regulations – Until 2017, the U.S. military banned certain natural hairstyles, disproportionately affecting Black service members.

The CROWN Act: Fighting for Hair Freedom
The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) is a law designed to ban race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and schools.
✔️ First passed in California in 2019
✔️ Has been adopted in 20+ states and counting
✔️ Faces resistance at the federal level, despite overwhelming evidence of hair discrimination

Why This Matters
Black hair is not unprofessional—it is beautiful, powerful, and cultural. The fight for hair acceptance is part of the larger struggle for racial justice. Discrimination against Black hair is discrimination against Black people.

How You Can Help
💬 Spread awareness about hair discrimination
📝 Advocate for the CROWN Act in your state
📢 Call out anti-Black hair policies in schools & workplaces

Black hair is not just hair—it’s identity, culture, and history. It deserves to be celebrated, not policed.