If there is one thing that this “movement” has done for me is give me courage.
As a Black woman working in corporate America AND a Human Resources professional that creates company policies, I have had internal battles about appropriate hairstyles and how to wear my own hair. For years, I kept my perm/touch-up appointments because I had to look “professional” and I never thought my hair was professional unless it was permed, straight, neat or pulled back into a ponytail.
When I facilitated new hire orientations, I explained to new hires that their clothes, hair, make-up, and perfume should not be distracting; it should not take the focus away from the services they are providing to customers/guests.
My message was simple: “If you question whether or not you should wear it…DON’T!”
Here’s the deal... because I have "sat at the table”, I know that there are preconceived notions about Black Women. Sadly, I have been on the receiving end of those comments. If I had a dollar for each time a manager came to my office and said “Hey…have you seen Keisha today? She has a new hairstyle.” And the manager patiently waits for my reaction to help them determine what their reaction should be. Despite my personal feelings about Keisha’s red box braids, I felt the obligation to protect her and other black women from being the subject of those behind closed door discussions.
I have given many unsolicited lectures on Black Women’s hair, Black women's body and how the uniform will be form fitting on Ashley because of the way she is built...but after those conversations, lectures and discussions, I ran to the beauty shop to get my perm!
But thanks to my 20 year old (who was 18 at the time)...I freed myself from the creamy crack…No Lye LOL. My own kid reminded me that I am still The HR DOC with 20 years of HR experience, 2 master’s degrees and a PhD with beautiful curly hair! It took this young courageous woman to remind me that my hair does not change my heart or my credentials and if someone is not interested in doing business with me because of my hair... move on!
When you know better you do better. Right?!?!
As I read more about discrimination based on hair and research studies finding that black women are perceived as less competent when their hair is in its natural state, I am not surprised. I am irritated. I am over it but also relieved that this subject is finally being discussed and I will continue to protect us, educate others and rock these curls when I go and "sit at the table".
