Gabrielle Union & Keke Palmer Talk About Natural Hair Discrimination

Gabrielle Union, KeKe Palmer, Marsai Martin and Uzo Aduba talked about their Black hair experiences in 'I've Been Told'

Actresses like Gabrielle Union, Keke Palmer, Marsai Martin, and Uzo Aduba have all joined forces to create a very candid Public Service Announcement about the blatant and all-too-common forms of bias and hair discrimination against Black women. These experiences are so common that the State of California has governed against workplace discrimination against natural hairstyles.

Further proof that such bias is as American as apple pie when it comes to Black women's natural hairstyles.

In tandem with Glamour‘s September cover story, the beautiful crew of Black female celebrities have released a new PSA entitled, “I’VE BEEN TOLD.”

The clip features anecdotes from six Black women who without flinching highlight all the painful stigmas they’ve faced related to their hair being vilified.

Which Of These MicroAgressions Have YOU Heard?

The video begins with each actor recalling some of the all too common microaggressions Black women face when it comes to their appearance, particularly when they dare to show up in their natural state.

“I’ve been told it’s too big,” shared Union.

“I’ve been asked, ‘Is it real?'” added Aduba.

“I’ve been told it blocks people’s view,” said Palmer.

The ladies then went on to read just a half a dozen of the countless anonymous stories submitted to Glamour by Black women across the United States.

The cover story also highlights the CROWN Act, which was enacted in 2019 to protect against discrimination on race-based hairstyles. It also extends to statutory protection regarding both hair texture and the “protective styles” commonly worn by Black women in the workplace and public schools such as braids, locs, twists and knots.

“The relationship between Black women and their hair is unique, powerful, and extraordinary,” explained journalist Ashley Alese Edwards, who guest-edited this special September issue.

“Yet for too long, Black hair has been the subject of unwarranted scrutiny and controversy. I’m so glad Glamour recognized the importance of the issue and lent me their platform to create this package to amplify the message that our hair is beautiful, complex, professional, and not up for debate.”