“They were trying really hard to be like the Beyoncés of the world, the Shakiras of the world,” she said. “They were willing to put in clip-ins and to the level where it damaged their scalp,” said Professor O’Brien-Richardson.
Topic
hair discrimination
Dr. Patti: Hair and Health Among African American Women
Many African American women encounter distinct historical and sociocultural challenges that impede their engagement in physical activity and mental health services because their providers are often culturally uninformed about the significance of Black hair.
Celebrating National Crown Day, addressing hair discrimination on the job
It’s an exhausting experience that often makes people question whether to wear their hair naturally. Statistics show Black women are 80% more likely than white women to feel the need to change their hair to fit in at the office, according to 2019 research by JOY...
Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair
Academics, students and activists met to discuss the CROWN Act and the discrimination that Black women and men encounter because of their hair.
Advocate and mentor: Patti O’Brien-Richardson helps Black and Brown students succeed
The Cooperman College Scholars initiative identifies talented students in Essex County, N and provides last-dollar scholarships, mentoring, and support systems to promote college completion.
Advocate and Educator: From the CROWN Act to the Classroom
A discussion of the connection between hair discrimination and racial discrimination with Associate Teaching Professor Patti O’Brien-Richardson