We are the Diversified Workplace -- Can't We All Just Get Along?

Hello, Natural Professional Community.  

The first topic I'd like to address is:  We are the Diversified Workplace -- Can't We All Just Get Along?  I found an interesting article which sparked me to do some research on Naturals in the workplace.  Here's one: http://bglhonline.com/2011/05/professional-roll-call-natural-hair-at-work/

Whether you wear an Afro, a TWA, (otherwise known as an, after the big chop Teeny, Weenie Afro), twists, coils, or locs (sisterlocs or other kinds of locs), isn't the real point here, is whether or not whatever you wear (along with the rest of you) well groomed at work?  That, I believe is the key.  How you wear your naturalness on the job, in an interview, or at a business meeting.  What is the statement (if any) are you attempting to make as a natural in a professional world.  I'd like to quote a portion of an article I read about being a professional

"A professional is passionate, motivated, and punctual. A professional respects the respectable, but admires the inspirational. A professional is a seeker of knowledge but also a teacher. A professional is disciplined, has the highest standards, and is engaged in the constant pursuit of un-attainable perfection. A professional is restless and never satisfied, always evaluating and re-evaluating where they’ve come and finding ways to do what they are doing better now, today, moment to moment.

I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.  -- Leonardo da Vinci, artist, d. 1519, last words;

Resource article: http://envoc.com/2010/12/professional/

Over the years, as more and more Black men and women (who are primarily the ones leading the change) have chosen to forego relaxers and the mainstream methods of traditional hair care for a more naturally-based alternative; wearing our natural texture has come to the forefront. and because it has, it raises questions regarding exactly what IS acceptable in an increasingly diverse workplace. With The Civil Rights Act of 1964 being enacted, The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission policy is very clear regarding race and color discrimination in the workplace regarding appearance and grooming.  For the sake of space, here is the link to that policy: http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/race-color.html#VIIB5  Please pay particular attention to the appearance and grooming section, particularly as it pertains to hair. (I am sure you will find it very enlightening.)

With these EEOC policies in place, Human Resources departments around the world are continually faced with the need to redefine what is "acceptable" and "unacceptable" in business dress standards in the workplace, and accomplish this without discriminating against Blacks and other minorities in an increasingly diversified workforce. At the same time, there needs to be guidance and information that defines and upholds standards of excellence in image development for naturals conducting business in a global economy.  What is your take on this issue?

Do you feel that being natural compromises your professional presence at work? If so, why?  What challenges if any, have you observed and encountered as either a transitioning natural, or a newly natural where you work or do business?  When you became a natural, you still possess the experience, passion and expertise that you had before you made the transition, right?  Has anything changed since you've made the big reveal at work or in your place of business?  Are you a business owner or a manager with naturals employed at your place of business?  How IS that working for you?  If it isn't working, what challenges are you experiencing?  What are some of the "no-nos" you have observed in naturals that you would like to bring to the blog for discussion? What would you like to see happen as this movement continues?  (We must accept the fact that the embracing of our natural state of the diversification of hair texture is something that is too culturally important to be just a trend.) Let's blog about it, here. And please spread the word.  


I believe what is missing is re-education of what exactly is "natural" and what are the appropriate grooming practices available for those in the business world to present a mature and well put together professional image, so that you can continue to present yourself in the best light, even as a natural. 

I'd like to know your thoughts on this matter. Don't be shamed, and please, don't be shy.  We're in this to win it for everyone.

Stay natural!

The Natural Professional