Ep. 66: Let Black Folks Do What They Want With Their Hair

EQ: How is hair discrimination a not-so-subtle manifestation of racism & white supremacy? Why can’t white folks just let black folks do what they want with their hair?

Guest: Jenna Hanchard is a lifelong community storyteller who has spent her career centering and amplifying diverse voices. Jenna is the leader of Culture & Innovation at The Riveter Co, a women-run co-working and community company poised to become a modern union of working women. She is a three-time Emmy award winner and an Edward R. Murrow award recipient. She was also on the Nerd Farmer Podcast Episode 9 on covering Tacoma and TV News, and Episode 53 “Review in Shadecast”

In this episode, Jenna explains how hair discrimination is rooted in white supremacist ideologies that view hair style as choice rather than understanding the way hair styles reflect culture and history. She shares the story behind Washington state’s HB 2602 (a kind of “Crown Act” bill), led by Representative Melanie Morgan and the intentional language choices in this bill. Jenna gives concrete advice for how to disrupt hair discrimination in the work place (and schools). We hope you leave this conversation challenged and motivated to examine the policies that do/don’t exist in our school districts, our cities, and our states. Call your local legislator using the hotline 1800-562-600 “I’m calling to support HB 2602 because everyone deserves the right to wear their natural hair. Because not passing this bill would directly perpetuate systemic racism in our country.” ALSO, go sign The Crown Act petition!

Context for Hair Discrimination Legislation:

African Braiding Technique Was Created by Our Ancestors to Help Prevent Hunger During Slavery

A Brief History of Black Hair, Politics, and Discrimination

Why Women Are Fighting Back Against Hair Oppression

Women Affected by Natural Hair Discrimination

The Crown Act Website

High profile cases for hair discrimination:

Wrestler Andrew Johnson who was forced to cut his dreads in the middle of a wrestling match. Shame on that NJ Wrestling Ref, Alan Maloney for forcing it.

Dreadlocks Lawsuit

Move to pass legislation:

USA “Banning Ethnic Hairstyles ‘uploads white supremacy’

NY City to Ban Discrimination Based on Hair

Texas lawmakers want to Ban Hair Discrimination After Student’s Suspensions

Progress in WA state:

In January, Seattle Times reported that the legislator was entertaining a bill that would create a set of protected hairstyles (afros, braids, etc).

Washing Lawmaker Wants Hairstyles Protected

Pierce County Legislator has it Right: Stop Policing & judging Black People’s Hair

Current status of HB 2602

Champagne & Real Pain:

Texas lawmakers considering ban on hair discrimination

The Crown Coalition sponsored and supported by Dov

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Hope: Go watch Hair Love and watch you attitude about people's hair

Annie: learn history! Shout out to Teen Vogue for pivoting from vapid fluff to hard-hitting journalism.

Jenna: look and see where your state is--what’s passed, not passed, look at local district policies. If there isn't a bill figure out how to get one started. If there is, go and show up.