Recently, the New York City's human rights commission stated that people have the right to wear their hair in its natural state which includes: Locs, Cornrows, Twists, Braids, Bantu Knots, Fades, Afros, and any other hairstyle in an uncut or untrimmed manner. 

 

For years, people of color has been unjustly discriminated against due to the texture or style of their hair. The New York City Commission on Human Rights will now consider such bias as racial discrimination.

The law applies to every New York City resident, but it's overall focus is to specifically rectify the ill-treatment of black people.

The main objective is to give legal recourse to individuals who have been demoted, harassed, punished threatened, or terminated because of the texture or style of their hair. The punishment can lead up to $250,000 in penalties on institutions that are found in violation of these guidelines. In this episode, we breakdown the importance of implementing a law that protects individuals of such discrimination. 

I talk about my own professional experience applying for a job as a 911 Operator back in 2002.  After completing an arduous hiring process, I was told I had to cut my locs due to a 'Hair Policy' implemented on my start date. I went through several steps to seek legal recourse all to no avail. This begs the question, who will hold potential offenders accountable for their actions when such situations arise?

Even to this day I find myself attempting to wear my natural hair in a manner I think my employer will deem appropriate. There is a desire to attain the proverbial "professional" look in order not to offend and seem less threatening in the workplace.

 

Workforce upward mobility is predicated on perception not performance. It's based off of personal preference. Most individuals in our society possess predilections of comfort and convenience. It is more convenient to hire a person who looks like you because it brings a certain level of comfort. safe and comfortable. That sense of comfort can easily be misconstrue for competency. 

"New York City’s human rights commission is one of the most progressive in the nation; it recognizes many more areas of discrimination than federal law, including in employment, housing, pregnancy and marital status. Its legal enforcement bureau can conduct investigations, and has the ability to subpoena witnesses and prosecute violations."

   

Unfortunately, racist stereotypes that are perpetuated in the workplace when it comes to black people is a microcosm of the greater world we live in. The "good hair, bad hair" narrative has a long lasting adverse effect that has seeped into many different aspects of society. It's still very much a conversation that needs to be conducted in the work environment and on a wider scale. 

Lastly, we discuss the plight many Americans face on a daily basis when it comes to the workforce. Many are consumed with feelings of frustration, resentment, anger, regret not to mention depression, anxiety and a number of other conditions that affects our emotional, mental and physical state. We talk a lot about prison reform, but when will job reform become a part of this nation's ongoing discourse? We spend a bulk of our time either at work or on work related activities which leaves us little time for our families or ourselves. 

I would like to take this time to tell our listeners to stay positive and don't get discourage or distraught. Optimism is key while taking the necessary steps to improve your current work situation. I know it's easier said than done, but positive self-talk works in ways you would not believe. 

Thank you so much for joining us today.

Enjoy!

REM (Raw Emotions Manifested)