"I am not my hair, I am not your expectation" with Joy Ofodu

We are excited to bring you our first Tech Me As I Am newsletter and introduction to the release of our very first podcast episode which is set to drop Sunday, March 19th.

As you may have seen in recent posts Dove & LinkedIn came together in an effort to model the importance of Black hair being professional. We are here today to further amplify that partnership and highlight the importance of embracing black hair. For many years, black hair has been stigmatized and labeled as unprofessional, which has caused frustration and difficulties for people with natural black hair in the workplace. However, it is time for a shift in this narrative.

As we celebrate the neighboring months of Black History Month and Women's History Month, we want to emphasize the importance of the intersectionality of being a Black woman in work spaces by embracing and celebrating natural black hair in the workplace. It is important to recognize that black hair is diverse and unique, and it deserves to be appreciated and respected just like any other hair type. From afros, buzzed bald cuts, twists, braids, locks, and so much more, natural black hair styles are a symbol of pride and cultural identity.

Unfortunately, black hair has been scrutinized and criticized in many professional settings, where it has been deemed as unprofessional or unkept. This has led to many black individuals feeling the need to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards by chemically straightening or covering our hair with wigs or weaves, which can be damaging to our hair and self-esteem.

Thus ultimately, leading us to struggle with our identities, attaching ourselves to external value standards (this can be seen in a numerous amount of things outside of our hair), and cause us to either try to hide ourselves and be less vulnerable to the public eye. This issue not only affects our physical appearance but also our mental health and wellbeing.

But, yet throughout all of this we are a resilient community who has found a way transform the pain and hurt into beauty and pride, we have been able to manage turning something so debilitating into something so dynamic and versatile.

That being all said....

It is time for a change. Black hair should be accepted and celebrated in all its forms, including in professional settings. In fact, many companies have recently started to implement inclusive hair policies, which allow employees to wear their natural hair in the workplace. This stemming from legislature coming from The Crown Act, the Crown Act seeks to eliminate the stigmatization of natural black hair in schools and workplaces. It recognizes that natural hairstyles are a vital part of Black culture and identity, and they should not be used as a basis for discrimination.

This is a step in the right direction towards creating equitable and inclusive environments for everyone to have the ability to thrive as their best selves. Because at the end of the day our hair does not determine the quality of ones work.

Hair doesn't send emails, it doesn't problem solve, and it definitely doesn't make organizations any less profitable.

Until next time, lets keep it real & lets be courageous ???

Check out the snippet above to Sunday's podcast episode with myself and Joy Ofodu as we discuss this topic in more detail. See you on Spotify.