A recent study shows that hair discrimination still remains a widespread issue for Black women in the workplace and that Black women’s hairstyles are two-and-a-half times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional.
CROWN’s Workplace Research Study also found that approximately two-thirds of Black women (66%) change their hair for a job interview and 41% of those women felt compelled to change their hair from curly to straight. Black women are also 54% more likely to feel like they have to wear their hair straight to a job interview to be successful.
Is hair bias affecting Black women at work? Award-winning comedian and musician Rita Brent joins Karen Hunter to discuss.
About Rita Brent
Rita Brent is an award-winning comedian, musician, and military veteran. She grew up in Jackson, MS where she played music in Baptist churches alongside her mother and singer-pianist, Angela. She credits her mother for single-handedly cultivating her talents and preparing her for the entertainment business. By 18, she joined the Army National Guard where she served as a drummer in the 41st Army Band, ending her time in service as a sergeant. She began her radio broadcasting career at WJSU 88.5 FM as a student at THEE Jackson State University from which she graduated, and later spent six years at Mississippi Public Broadcasting as a host and producer. In 2013, she made a big leap into standup comedy. 9 years later, she has appeared on Comedy Central, truTV, Epix TV, LOL Network, Circle TV, CNN, and more. She tours as an opening act with her mentors, Rickey Smiley and Cedric the Entertainer. She wrote for the 73rd Primetime EMMY Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, The People’s Choice Awards, and Stand Out: An LGBTQ Celebration on Netflix. In 2023, she became a first-time Writers Guild Awards Nominee in two categories.
