The AFL-CIO headquarters was filled with love, laughter, and support on Friday June 24th, as a spirited crowd welcomed a panel to “Please Don’t Touch My Hair: A Conversation on Black Hair in the Workplace.” This event, hosted by the department of Civil, Human and Women’s Rights, focused on how and why black people still face enormous levels of discrimination on the job due to their hair, and what can be done to change it. With passion and humor, panelists gave advice on self-confidence and self-care, as well as guidance on confronting and changing hostile workplaces. But, to quote Panelist Michele Jawando from the Center for American Progress, “we are just starting the conversation, this is not the period.” - Christian Berk
- photo: panelists and attendees take group photo shouting "black hair matters."
- photo: panelists and attendees take group photo shouting "black hair matters."