For many unaware Americans, who work and hire today,
braids and locks have stirred up, dislike and scorn for our bristles
from those responsible for hiring, and responsible for issuing our pay,
its led to excluding our hairstyles, resulting in pointless dismissals
There is no clarity still, where businesses can draw the line
regarding our cultural hairstyles, which causes for us more mistrust
As a result some fear for their jobs, and others have had to resign
because they refused to alter, took a stand because it’s unjust
Many African-Americans refrain, from wearing their cultural hairstyles
because of total confusion, or because they fear for their jobs
So for many African-Americans, to avoid the hassles and trials
decisions are made very quietly, even though they know they’ve been robed
When we wear our hairstyles at work, we’re being too "ethnic" and "black"
concerned about employer’s disapproval, we refrain from our own ethnic styles
We endure insensitive remarks, a shameful form of attack
as others state that our hairstyles, make us non promotional for a while
Some have hired attorneys, to protect their jobs in some cases.
Once this approach has been taken, its likely to help end this wrong.
The issue of natural hair styles, at work, school and public places,
will always be an issue for us, always testing our ability to be strong
Priestess Jywanza ~)O(~
2-12-02
Email Priestess Jywanza ~)O(~
Poems For Nubian Women
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