Nappy, but Qualified!

Collegiate Curls of Winthrop and the Winthrop University Association of Black Journalists held a professionalism event on Oct. 17, 2018 to discuss the controversy of natural hair in the workplace.

Even with the recent light of the natural hair movement, many black men and women often feel as if they have to hide or mask their hair in order to be seen as “professional” or still have troubled and uncomfortable feelings while at work. Some view natural hair as “unprofessional,” “unsuitable,” or “inappropriate.” This event allowed attendees to learn about those stigmas, how to combat those stereotypes, and how to embrace their naturalness.

The event included four panelists:

• DeVonté Walker, Outreach Coordinator at Children’s Attention Home in Charlotte, NC

• Shayna Foxworth, Student and Young Alumni Program Coordinator at Winthrop University

• Nathaniel Frederick, Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Winthrop University

• Dre Robinson, Owner of Good Hair Barber Lounge

in Rock Hill, SC

The panelists discussed questions such as “have you ever experienced hair discrimination in the workplace, if so how did you handle it?,” “have you ever asked or told someone to change their hair and why?,” or “what are some ‘go-to’ hairstyles for the workplace?”

Foxworth said that you must “walk in with confidence” and own your hair, both in and out of the workplace. You must be proud of your hair and not allow stereotypes to speak for you. Frederick suggested that you should “form your community and be confident” in yourself. Robinson said that one must be “mindful” and be able to “maneuver around” discrimination.

After the panelists spoke and discussed the controversial topics, the audience and the panel participated in a game. Five models, Brie-Ann Holley, Jada Givens, Jameel Creech, Kareem Wilson, and Demi Quinones, wore professional (or partly professional) outfits and if the outfit in its entirety was professional, you held up a green card. If you thought the outfit was unprofessional, you held up red card. This game opened up a discussion and a lesson for opinions on what is and is not professional and what should be worn in the workplace.

Nappy But Qualified allowed a space to speak about discrimination, society, and professionalism. Have you ever faced discrimination in the workplace? How did you react to it? Would you stand up for a peer or coworker if they were being discriminated against? Let us know your thoughts below!

Collegiate Curls of Winthrop member Hallie Brown recorded and covered the event as well. Watch her video here!