5 Things / natural hair is beautiful
I really love it when laws change to protect or better include underrepresented folks. Inclusive public policies can be downright revolutionary.
The CROWN Act is one such revolutionary policy. In fact, it's antiracist. This week, Colorado became the 7th U.S. State to implement the CROWN Act. This law protects folks from natural hair discrimination in employment, public accommodations, education, housing, and even advertising.
I've never faced natural hair discrimination but it's a real stress faced every day by Black folks. I can't imagine how stressful it must be to choose between showing up authentically or showing up in a way that may be perceived as more "professional."
And the fact that this new law doesn't impact me just shows my privilege. So much privilege.
We can't rely on governments to pass this kind of legislation (17 states recently didn't), but we should do more to reduce the burden that the white assumption of "professionalism" places on Black employees.
What if we did more to give ALL employees permission to be authentically themselves? It shouldn't be revolutionary, but it is.
Here are some other things that inspired me this week:
Target doubled its selection of adaptive Halloween costumes for kids with disabilities and added adult sizing. The costumes include features such as wheelchair-friendly fits, abdominal access, and tag-less designs. This matters because no one should be excluded from having Halloween fun, and thoughtful, inclusive design like this brings increased customer loyalty.
HP requires its external law firm partners to meet diversity criteria, now a contractual condition. They withheld partial payments until firms performed to the new diversity metrics. 95% of their firms are now compliant. This matters because many organizations need that extra nudge (in this case external pressure from a big client) to make diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments.
Lowe's created a small business pitch competition for diverse founders. Businesses can apply and receive mentorship from Lowe's and partner Daymond John. Up to 375 businesses can even earn shelf space at the store. This matters because this opportunity creates great access and equity for diverse founders who may lack influential networks
Bank of America made a bunch of massive antiracist commitments recently, totaling 1 billion dollars over 4 years. Not only did they already provide $25 million in grants to Black colleges and universities, but they've recently made significant investments in three Black-owned banks. This matters because those initiatives can reduce the racial wealth gap created by centuries of systemic racism.
Is there something I shared today that you can be inspired to implement within your own organization? I would love to brainstorm with you. Reply to set up a time to talk.
Thanks for all you do to build an inclusive world-
Photograph by Eloise Ambursley