6 minute read
Madam C.J. Walker
– Charlene, 37
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"With microaggressions and microinequities in the workplace, I feel strangled and die a little bit every single day." – JP, 40
Overall insensitivity, lack of understanding, and misunderstanding. Being the "only one" in work environments is a constant reminder of being the "other." There may be cultural or gender norms or customs that the rest of the team does not understand. These will range from project personality stereotypes, comments about and touching hair, or understanding diverse lived experiences.
"A Black man was murdered by the police, and my white peers just moved through life like absolutely nothing happened. Meanwhile, I'm fighting back tears to move through meetings." – Qwen, 42
– Charlotte 37
"The stress of being a Black man in corporate America means we can't have the full range of emotions. We can only be happy, never angry." – Bernard, 57
HOW DOES A LACK OF DIVERSITY AFFECT OUR LIVES
Whether we like it or not, we live in a world run by technology, money, and media, and no matter how much we try to escape it, we are influenced in one way or another. We are constantly being sold something: images, narratives, and what to feel, all of which affect or guide us in some way or another. And for technology, money, and media to have such an impact on the world, if the hands that construct and run these industries are not
diverse, it can have a deleterious effect on society.
Technology
Everything from the products to the software that creates the technology can have life or death consequences for people of color. Smartwatches, motion sensors, and autonomous vehicles have been inconsistent in
recognizing people with darker skin tones, which can cause a minor annoyance to have deadly consequences in the case of a self-driving car. As the documentary Coded Bias explored, artificial intelligence has an inherent bias issue that has threatened civil liberties and
personal freedom.
Money
Advertising, over the last several years, large brands such as Gucci, Prada, H&M, and Pepsi have all come under intense fire for racist or racially insensitive advertising. After massive social media backlash, these companies all had to issue public apologies for their insensitivity and missteps, and some companies saw a noticeable decrease in revenue and brand image.
Media
A famous phrase is "representation matters," which matters because how people see themselves on TV or online can impact how they view themselves and what they believe is possible. Sometimes acting as its system of checks and balances, the same social media where
problematic statements are made will call out and hold people accountable for those same statements. Social media and independent journalists and bloggers played a significant role in maintaining this ecosystem that evaluates and critiques concepts like cultural appropriation, systemic racism, and privilege, among a myriad of other topics.
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES
Although our society has experienced a communal storm, the sun that broke through the clouds was beautiful. As a country, we witnessed a grand reckoning with parts of our troubled past that still linger today, we accepted them, and we made incredible strides to address them. Never
have we seen our most prominent companies, celebrities, brands, and community members take such firm stances against injustice and offered sincere support.
More than just talk, there is a lot of action. Harvard Business Review reported: • More than 1,600 CEOs have signed onto the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Pledge. • 40% of companies discussed diversity and inclusion in their Q2 2020 earnings calls versus only 4% the same quarter a year prior. • The number of HR leaders identifying DEI efforts as a top priority was 1.8 times higher in 2020 than in 2019 (Gartner research). • There has been an almost 800% increase in
job postings for dedicated diversity recruiters (Gartner analysis).
Everything may not be perfect, but we are in a position unlike any other time in history. More people supported social justice and equality causes, more people recognize them as real, and more people are willing to do the internal and external work to help our society become fairer and just. A few bumps in the road are always expected before the smooth stride that is sure to come.
Resources
https://recruitinginnovation.com/blog/diversity-in-tech/
https://money.cnn.com/2015/01/29/news/economy/mcdonalds-ceodiversity/
https://fortune.com/2017/06/07/fortune-500-diversity/
https://fortune.com/2016/06/06/women-ceos-fortune-500-2016/
https://womenintheworkplace.com/
https://hbr.org/2021/05/how-to-measure-inclusion-in-the-workplace
AN EVOLUTION OF NATURAL HAIR CARE THEN AND NOW
Natural hair has always been an important part of black culture and history. It was in the early 2000s and later in around 2010 that black hair was celebrated and the natural hair movement boomed. But it was during the time of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s that wearing afro hair was a way of reconnecting to black roots and displaying the natural beauty that generations of black people have been forced to suppress.
The conversations around natural hair both within the
black community and in society have not been easy. However, individuals such as Madam C.J. Walker have
made an important impact on black beauty and blackowned businesses, providing afro hair products during the worst of the Jim Crow era and becoming the first black American woman to be a self-made millionaire.
The representation and acceptance of afro hair are still growing. As more people of color become empowered by their natural hair, an interesting journey has been carved through time as it paves the way for a better future.
MADAM C.J. WALKER AND THE NATURAL HAIR BOOM
Madam C.J. Walker, a political and social activist during the 1800s had an incredible influence on the world
of black hair care. Working as a laundress, Walker experienced hair loss due to the harsh environment and lack of appropriate afro hair care products. The solution for many women was to hide their hair damage with head wraps. But Walker embarked on a journey to find her own cure, recognizing the mark that such attire would have on her already tainted status as a black woman.
Walker’s hair system completely transformed the world of beauty for black women. Finally, there was a range of products that were designed to help afro hair to flourish. Her pomades, creams and hot combs sent sales through the roof and eventually, the business developed its own beauty school, factory, laboratory, and team of representatives named Beauty Culturists.
Of course, the story of natural hair acceptance is not linear. Undoubtedly, Madam C.J. Walker’s work g
has paved the way for change, and it seems today’s attitude towards natural hair has come full circle.
Moving away from chemicals and unhealthy hair habits that fit into Eurocentric beauty standards, the accessibility of good products and love of natural hair mirrors the important changes that Madam C.J. Walker and many others contributed to the natural hair movement.
JOINING TODAY’S NATURAL HAIR MOVEMENT
The natural hair community has come on leaps and bounds. With black men and women unravelling the negativity associated with black hair and replacing it with power and self-love and embracing all that is natural has inspired people worldwide. Today’s shelves are full of high-quality products for all hair types and social media has played an important role in educating everyone about caring for natural hair and the important ties it has to black culture, history, and power. Whether you have kinks, curls, or coils there’s no better time to embrace your natural beauty.
Here are some top natural hair tips:
PURCHASE AFRO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Despite there being many more hair care options you still need to be mindful of the ingredients being used. In true Madam Walker style, stick to natural ingredients that will benefit your hair from the inside out instead of harmful parabens, sulfates and more.g
