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Inspiration June 5, 2018
The power of dreadlocks in all spaces.
Dear Women in Corporate America With Dreadlocks,
I commend you for your courage. I remember, as a child, hearing the stories of women that were denied jobs because of the style of their hair- dreadlocks specifically. There are still the stories that come out on the news every now and then of someone being denied a civil liberty or an opportunity because they will not conform to the societal standard that dreadlocks are not professional. Where are our priorities? How is it allowed for the federal appeals court to rule that employers can ban locs in the workplace? There should not be an issue of dreadlock cultural appropriation, it should be an issue of individual appropriation.
This is a big problem because someone denying you something that you are entitled to, or have earned, is more than just about hair. It is about the right to oppress those who people in power feel are inferior. We are being banned from schools, corporate jobs, and events. What about the person that has purple and blue hair, is that socially acceptable?
I commend you because you are not relenting to your rights to yourself. It takes courage to be who you are and present yourself to a world that not only discriminates people based on their skin but their expression of true self. We need to continue to look up to women like you.
Whoopi Goldberg has known from the beginning of her career that she was different than most Hollywood stars. Dressed down in large clothing, sneakers and had a hair full of dreadlocks is Whoppi’s usual style. Knowing her unconventional as appearance, Whoopi stated in an interview for Oprah’s master class “ Look at me. This was not anyone’s idea of what a movie star looked like – ever.” Whoopi has been publicly ridiculed for years about her hair, her face, and clothing. But she did not care about conforming to the traditional standard of Hollywood. Whoopi is successful in her own right, not because she did what was expected of her but because she worked hard and stayed true to the only person she had to answer to- Whoopi Goldberg.
Not only is Ava DuVernay known for her films, she is also known for her head full of gorgeous locs. Ava talks about the care of her locs and praise of other natural women. “ When I’m on set, I let it be free. The more you let it be free the stronger it is,” she said. Ava knows the power of owning her dreadlocks and the impact it has made on women who look up to her. She is owning her glory and in doing this, she continues to encourage other women to do the same.
Tracy Chapman is a silent force to be reckoned with. She did not care to be in the spotlight throughout her career. She did not feel as though she had to behave the way that stars were expected to. Tracy Chapman remained true to herself with her growing dreads beginning in the 80s. She has never been a fond of attention and reserved her public appearances to shows- always rockin’ her locs. She remains true to her artistry people continued to love her.
Having dreadlocks as a woman is a powerful tool to have on your side. It tells the world that you are strong and that no one has to power to take your dignity away from you. A woman with dreadlocks in a powerful position or a woman with dreadlocks that a man can look up to, are leaders and confident and can speak volume to the mass of women around the country.
To the women with locs in corporate america, you inspire me to be strong and confident.
