A Photo of Birungi Ives, taken by her husband, Jamie Ives

What is up with Black Women and their Hair?

The Relationship with our Hair and the Key to Diversity and Inclusion in Corporate America

Birungi Ives
Jul 29, 2017 · 7 min read

This article was originally published in Arianna Huffington’s, THRIVE Global Journal.

The relationship with my hair reflects society’s journey of self-hate, self-awareness, self-love, and re-birth!

When I was a little girl, I wanted long, bouncy, shiny, wavy, hair. I would assume, a lot of girls and probably some boys, wanted the same! According to the magazines and shampoo commercials at the time, those attributes contributed to the epitome of beautiful hair, the ultimate achievement. With that crown and glory, anything and everything was possible in life.

Hair and Corporate America

The tech and corporate world are abuzz about Diversity and Inclusion. Companies are scrambling to get their Diversity and Inclusion “house” in order. They are hiring this fully qualified Black woman for their board, and that fully qualified Black woman as a C-suite executive. Companies are holding focus groups to get feedback on how they should shape their Diversity and Inclusion efforts. Some CEOs and founders are looking to social platforms to asks their audience directly, to learn where and how to make the necessary changes to become more Diverse and Inclusive. The press is going mad over it, writing articles on the latest acts of discrimination that were swept under the rug or the lack of response from leadership at companies that clearly reflect a low representation of marginalized groups in their organizations and especially in leadership.

This may be considered a huge jump, from hair to worthiness, but it isn’t!

In regards to my hair, growing up in the United States in the late 70s, 80s, and 90s, I did not see normalized examples of Black women of all shades and all hair types celebrated for their greatness, their diverse beauty, and their intellect. I did not see examples of these women as magnificent examples of power and unwavering confidence, in positions, such as CEO or President of the country. I did not see Black women with afros standing tall next to our Forefathers in my History class text book, ready to sign the Declaration of Independence. I did not see Black women in African braids, leading the charge of scientific and medical innovation in mass media. Although, there were a lot of other marginalized groups left out of that equation and missing from those pictures, but I am telling you my story.

What did I see?

Now, do not get me wrong, there were a few featured examples of Black Female Excellence that were present in my youth, including my mother, family members and friends. However in media and school books, they were portrayed as more of the exceptions, than the rule. So, why would I risk striving for greatness, if I was not going to have the support on the way up and to stay there? Why risk having my negative thoughts proven beyond a doubt? It was safer not to strive too high or dream too big! If you know me, I would not accept that. I was not settling. I eventually sought a different context!

Context

One of the first places, where I found this context, was at college.

What do you do?

In my world, leadership in a tech or corporate organization will include Black women, with an afro crowned in a sheen of glory or braids that swing with unwavering confidence, ushering in these additions to the team and proclaiming with pride that here they will find opportunities for success for all! The new additions will believe them. Why? Because, these women are the proof of the company providing just that!

Calling all CEOs, founders, and executive leaders!

How do you create this context? Me!

Thrive Global

More than living. Thriving.

Birungi Ives

Written by

Aligning you with influential strategic partners and curating your business network to support growth and prosperity. Learn more at www.a-ligne.com

Thrive Global

More than living. Thriving.

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