So I did something that I have never done in my life before. That is wear an afro out in public. It's not like I do not like natural hair but weaves and extensions are low maintenance and with my busy life that is what I need.
Within this week I had a job interview. I was so excited to have this interview not only because of the extra coins but because I truly believed in the message of this company. But after my initial thoughts what followed wasn't so positive.
Would my afro be accepted? Would they think that I am not capable of doing my job because of my hair? Would I be cancelled out before I open my mouth? See before this afro my hair has always been in a state of privilege. It's what employers deem as suitable or correct. See anything that embraces our natural hair is looked as unkempt, laziness, and wrong. According to the “Good Hair Study” conducted by Perception Institute they found that there is still bias around black women and their natural hair. And that the most bias is seen in white women who have never been in contact with black women with natural hair. They look at natural hair as “less attractive” and “not suitable for work”.
With this in the back of my mind I made the decision to wear my straight black wig with blonde highlights to the interview. But as it came closer to my interview time I felt that I wasn't being true to myself because I was in a sense disowning who I was.
To my interview I ended up wearing my fro. I was so happy and I know I had an amazing interview. Though I wore my fro I don't want to be congratulated because of that. When congratulating me we are telling black women who add extensions, wear straight wigs, straighten their beautiful hair, unravel their dreads, take down their braids that they are wrong. But how can my beautiful black sisters be wrong because they are trying to provide for their families, take care of their house, or fund school?
I do have to admit that I made that decision from a place of privilege. If I didn't get the job my pockets would be ok. I live with my parents so I know I would not be homeless or hungry. But that is not the reality of black women all across the world.
To be honest... I really do not know how to close this blog post. Bias amongst natural hair is still real and prevalent. But I do believe that more conversations on this topic would help my sisters feel like they aren't the only one as well as spread more awareness on natural hair in the work place.
Thanks for reading bestfriend!
Crystal Adamma
*PS: This Afro is a WIG! To be the first ones to know the exact details on this wig or other hair that I recommend subscribe to my hair guide email list at https://www.crystaladamma.com .