From History Makers to People Breaking Down Barriers, These Are Examples of Black Excellence

Iyani Hughes, an on-air reporter, started Curly Girls On because she wanted to combat the stereotype that natural hair is “unprofessional.” Hughes said that after facing hair discrimination of her own as a Black woman in corporate America, she wanted to create a place of encouragement for on-air reporters who choose to wear their naturally.

“I choose to wear my hair natural on-air to honor my natural beauty with authenticity. Representation matters in all capacities, the journey, the acceptance, and the celebration,” one member of the group wrote.

Hughes is just one of many Black people who feel hair has been an issue in the workplace. It’s a common trend seen in headlines and, more recently, court cases.

The fight to end hair discrimination in the workplace is a national one Hughes and many others are fighting.

Many leaders are hoping to see The Crown passed in all 50 states. The Crown Act is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, including the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of a person’s hair texture or protective hairstyles, including braids, locs, twists, or Bantu knots.