CRESTSprogram

Black women and girls receive a wide variety of messages about their hair in terms of length, texture, and color, for example. This occurs in the home, school, and societal settings. The extent to which these messages are positive or negative has been demonstrated to have profound effects on the identity, self-esteem, mood, and behaviors of Black women and girls. These effects can indirectly impact their mental and physical health, finances, and interpersonal relationships. In this training, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West provide an overview of research on the race-based trauma that Black women and girls experience related to their hair. In addition, the presenters identify culture-centered, trauma-informed interventions to be used by educators, parents, partners, and mental health professionals to promote resilience and emotional well-being.