Comptroller Stringer, Assemblymembers Fall, Joyner, and Richardson Call for Appointment of African Hair Braider to State Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee
Comptroller and Assemblymembers pen joint letter to New York Secretary of State Rosado calling for the appointment of an African hair braider to the Board due to a lack of natural hair braiders on the committee
Letter notes that African immigrant women often face language access barriers, arduous regulatory hurdles, and costly fines as part of licensing and training to become hair stylists
Stringer calls on the State to promote cultural awareness and make government more responsive to African immigrant communities’ needs
(New York, NY) – New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer and Assemblymembers Charles D. Fall, Latoya Joyner, and Diana Richardson sent a joint letter to New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado calling on the State to immediately appoint an African hair braider to the New York State Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee — a statewide body that sets policies on licensing and training requirements for hair stylists. In the letter, Comptroller Stringer and his elected colleagues noted the lack of adequate representation of a natural hair braider on the Committee, resulting in a disconnect with immigrant communities and communities of color, particularly African immigrant women hair stylists who oftentimes experience language barriers, lack of guidance on regulations, and imposition of costly fines. In the joint letter Comptroller Stringer and the state legislators argue that the Committee’s lack of diversity results in discriminatory policies that unfairly target black and immigrant hair stylists.
“In New York City, our immigrant communities contribute to not only our cultural richness but our economic vitality. And that’s why diversity shouldn’t just be a buzzword, but a commitment enshrined in all aspects of government,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “African hair braiders across the city come from all walks of life, and their voices should be heard by our State government in employment, licensing, and registration. We should widen the circle of opportunity to include these hair stylists and support them learning their trade, excelling in their field, and advancing their businesses and careers. Government must act now to meet the needs of every community — in every language and neighborhood.”
The joint letter called for the State to promote policies and practices that are well-informed, culturally appropriate and inclusive of all immigrant communities employed in the diverse hair styling industry.
“As a strong proponent of ensuring equal access and opportunity regardless of race and hair texture, I am proud to have voted in favor of New York becoming the second state to outlaw discrimination based on natural hairstyles. We must work to continue supporting and empowering our diverse communities by ensuring government is making decisions for and by the people it serves. The 61st district of Staten Island has a flourishing multicultural community with dozens of small natural hair businesses, as such, I wholeheartedly stand with Comptroller Stringer and my colleagues in the Assembly on this effort to create a more inclusive hair industry. Appointing an African hair braider to the New York State Appearance Enhancement Advisory Board is a small but monumental step in promoting culturally diverse business practices that will help small businesses succeed,” said Assemblyman Charles D. Fall.
“Our state government needs to do everything in our power to lift up immigrant communities and communities of color and promote their contributions to our economy. I’m proud to stand with the Comptroller and Assemblymembers Fall and Joyner in calling on the Department of State to appoint a Natural Hair Braider to this important committee to support entrepreneurs operating as natural hairstylists,” said Assemblymember Diana Richardson.
To read the elected officials’ letter to the New York Department of State, click here.
###