Black hair
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Beyoncé is once again paying homage to her roots in a big way, this time she’s honoring the craft that helped her mother pave her way–cosmetology.
Through her Cécred x BeyGOOD Student Scholarships initiative, Beyoncé will contribute $500,000 to five Black hair and beauty schools, including the Franklin Institute. The owner of the Franklin Institute, Ron Jemison Jr., shared how honored he feels to be chosen as the exclusive cosmetology school scholarship partner for Beyoncé’s hometown.
Jemison also highlighted the special connection with Ms. Tina, Beyoncé’s renowned mother and stylist, who got her cosmetology license from the Franklin Institute back in the 80s. This recognition holds particular significance as the institute celebrates a century of service and excellence in training the Houston community. Other schools include Beaver Beauty Academy in Atlanta, Trenz Beauty Academy in Chicago, Universal College of Beauty in Los Angeles, and Janas Cosmetology Academy in New Jersey.
The scholarships were previously announced in February, the same day the superstar debuted her highly-anticipated haircare line, Cécred. Beyoncé told Essence magazine at the time of the launch, that she grew up watching her mother work as a hairstylist. It was in her mother’s salon, Beyoncé said, that she realized she wanted to be a performer.
“So much of the fabric of who I am came from her salon,” Beyoncé said.
The scholarship is intended to assist with tuition fees and other educational expenses, recipients are required to maintain satisfactory academic performances and provide periodic updates on their educational progress and experiences as part of the program. The selection process involves a review of applications by a committee comprised of representatives from BeyGood and participating trade schools, focusing on the eligibility criteria, academic merit, and demonstrated financial need.
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Puerto Rico is looking to better support citizens with natural hair. Officials are looking to pass a bill to end discrimination against popular Black hairstyles.
As spotted on Blavity the Island of Enchantment is apparently facing some serious issues regarding hair texture. In January Sen. Ana Irma Rivera Lassén and Sen. Rafael Bernabe proposed a bill that would protect Puerto Ricans who wear natural hairstyles from discrimination relating to employment, housing and education. The filing includes “tight coils or curls, locs, bonded braids, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and afros” as applicable styles protected under the bill.
On Jan. 23 the two officials heard testimony from several citizens who claimed they suffered economically due to their hair. “I’m 23 years old, and I’m tired of this problem,” said Julia Llanos Bultrón, an educator who has cornrows. “I’m very disappointed with a system that pushes us to change the hair with which we’re born.” Mother Lorraine León Ramírez tells NBC News that her youngest son, who wears an afro, that he was banned from two schools until he cut his hair. “It was one of the worst experiences we’ve had as a family,” she added.
While the bill has received support from students, activists and more others question why hair needs explicit protection. The 2020 Census reports that over three million people live in Puerto Rico many of them who are of African descent.
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