Why was hair important in African history?

Hair played a significant role in the culture of ancient African civilizations. It symbolized one’s family background, social status, spirituality, tribe, and marital status. As early as the 15th century, different tribes used hair to show one’s social hierarchy.

Is it legal to discriminate based on hair?

Because of awareness to the issue, California passed the Crown Act in July 2019, becoming the first U.S. state to prohibit discrimination against workers and students based on their natural hair. California’s passage of the bill has led many other states to consider similar bills banning hair discrimination and a bill …

What is discrimination based on hair color called?

It is race-based hair discrimination because these rules discriminate against people of specific race because that natural hairstyles are traditionally associated with black.

Why are braids important in black culture?

In many African tribes, braided hairstyles were a unique way to identify each tribe. Braid patterns and hairstyles were an indication of a person’s tribe, age, marital status, wealth, power, and religion. Braiding was and is a social art.

Why do Black people braid their hair?

Erembe headdresses signified new mothers and married women. In Yoruba culture, people braided their hair to send messages to the gods. As the most elevated part of the body, hair was considered a portal for spirits to pass through to the soul.

When did hair discrimination start?

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Atlantic slave trade saw Black Africans forcibly transported from Sub-Saharan Africa to North America and, upon their arrival in the New World, their heads would be shaved in effort to erase their culture, as many Africans used hairstyles to signify their tribal identity, marital …

Can a job discriminate against hair?

The law, which became effective on January 1, 2020, clarifies that the prohibitions against race discrimination in the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the California Education Code include traits that are historically associated with race, such as hair texture and natural, protective hairstyles.

Can a job discriminate against hair color?

California is the first US state to ban employers from discriminating against employees or applicants because of their hair texture and “protective” hairstyles like braids, locks, twists, cornrows and Afros.

Can my employer dictate my hair color?

So the answer to, “Can companies tell employees not to dye their hair with bright colors?” is a yes. As is often the case, though, there are a few things to consider before doing so. Employers generally have the right to set guidelines with respect to professional appearance.

What is the spiritual meaning of braids?

the Oneness of thought
In Native American tradition, hair is a signifier of one’s spiritual practice. Combing represents the alignment of thought; braiding is the Oneness of thought, and tieing is the securing of thought. Flowing strands of hair are considered individually weak, but when joined in braids they demonstrate strength in unity.