– Missouri is one of the 27 U.S states that haven’t enacted laws against hair discrimination.
– Afro-textured hair discrimination which predominantly affects Black people is not accounted for in current legislation.
– Grassroots initiatives are encouraging appreciation and proper care for afro-textured hair.
Missouri’s Hair Politics
Missouri continues to linger on the list of U.S states that have yet to extend legal protection against hair discrimination. Particularly, this discrimination involves afro-textured hair, putting the Black community significantly at the crossroads of this issue. Despite being home to a vibrant and diverse populace, the Show-Me State is having issues advancing this seemingly hair-pulling piece of legislation.
Redefining the Norms
This lack of legal protection isn’t stopping Missourians from changing the narrative themselves. Numerous grassroots initiatives are bustling across the state, advocating for the acceptance of afro-textured hair in places ranging from classrooms to boardrooms. These initiatives focus not only on encouraging Black individuals to embrace their locks but equipping them with knowledge on caring for their naturally kinky, curly, and coily manes.
Community-based programs and natural hair-care courses continue to rise in popularity, offering a breath of fresh air for locals. From Kansas City to St. Louis, an increasing number of people are learning to celebrate their natural hair, redefining societal norms in hair aesthetics.
Leaning towards Inclusivity
While the legal impasse may prove disappointing for many, the grassroots hair revolution lends a glimmer of hope in combating hair discrimination. Instead of waiting for a legislative change, Missouri communities are taking it upon themselves to create an inclusive atmosphere that applauds, rather than condemns, the diverse textures of African American hair.
The Breezy Take
Though Missouri is lagging in enacting laws to protect Afro-textured haired individuals from discrimination, the fight for change is far from over. The rising number of empowering local initiatives is a solid testament to the resilience and dynamism of the Black community within the state. As we applaud these variations and natural beauty, it raises a hopeful question of when Mike Parson and the rest of the Missouri lawmakers will finally pull together and pass the necessary legal protection for something that should be a trivial matter – a person’s hairstyle preference.
Original article: https://news.stlpublicradio.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2023-08-24/missouri-has-yet-to-pass-the-crown-act-whats-at-stake