whats the big deal with Hampton University?
29 replies
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10623 views
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Started by giniacuty_757
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May 2006
Whats all this craziness about Hampton University having a beef with Essence Magazine editor?
May issue I have Jada Pinkett Smith is on the cover (in a hott **** dress too omg who designed it?)
Well N.E. way
Im reading it and I just came across the editors letter..... The Bold and the Beautiful.
The letter opens up at first discussing an issue dealing with a mother and her 7 year old little girl in Memphis Tennessee. The argument was discussing the fact that her daughter couldnt participate in the ballet recital unless she cut her locks (dreadlocks) off. Supposedly the little girl's instructor informed her that if she didnt cut them off she would have to sit and watch the recital and couldnt participate in the recital. The mother had to back-and-forth with lawsuit threats, and an old-fashioned Black-mother ways (wHY my child cant dance cuz her hair!) The instructor finally caved in and allowed the little girl to perform.
The mother told her young daughter that you dont always have to have a Eurocentric look to fit into society.
where does Hampton fall at in this? ..........
All of a sudden the Editor talks about and "I Quote"
"If you need any further proof that we still have issues when it comes to our hair,
"consider the controversy that was brewing at Hampton University just as we went to press.
In a misguided effort to better prepare students to enter corporate America, the university recently mandated that students in the five-year M.B.A program would not be allowed to wear hairstyles that administrators consider "extreme"
"No dreadlocks, No long braids, and No cornrows NO way!"
THE EDITOR ALSO SAYS
"As a proud alum of this historically Black college and a graduate of its business school,
"I was stunned to hear of the university's stance on this issue. " I worry how this policy will affect the self-image of our young women and men.
"Our hair , and the myriad (different, various) ways we choose to wear it, is a statement of pride, a refelction of our creativity and individuality. And isn't that what college is supposed to be about? HBCU's especially
"Without a doubt, our hair has been a racially charged issue since "WE" (the black people of USA) hit these shores.
"Thats why it so concerns us here at Essence to see one of our own beloved institutions call anyone's personal expression of beauty into question.
I dont have locks or braids but I soo agree with everything she said.
You hair does not determine if you can do the qualitfications of the job
Corporate America (WHite AMerica u ask me) Im not racist I just hate to see my people having to FAKe or not be who they are. All because certain power, hungry biggots? NOPE I refuse to and I can't believe Hampton University out of all is making this a requirement?
Why are they so strict? I have plenty of people family included that are alumni and current students. I havent yet asked but I wonder how they feel about this.
Hampton University needs to lighten up I'm kind of glad Im going to CAU instead of HU now that I know where they stand people should be allowed to be themselves. I myself cant get locks but if I could I would have them they are unique and I think when their clean and long or short theyare pretty.
Plenty of people have made it with locks and braids. Susan Taylor the Editorial director one of romodels wears those Cornrows with that HUGE FOREHEAD! Niki Giovani, Alice Walker, Cousin JEff AKA Jeff Torres, Edmond Ashaw, Vanessa Williams, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Kim fields, and lots of other have locks and braids. All are doing good what is that u have to proove?
Why do they have to proove to Corporate America anything?
This is crazy to me I have love for all HBCU's but Hampton maybe u all should re think this
I could see if they had mullets or mohawks whic some are cute (if cut right) No bizarre wild George Clinton colors so whats the big deal?
I hope they rethink this they dont want to come off as a snobbish school they are a wonderful institution with great values.
I'm glad my sister graduated before she locked her hair lol
Hampton University, should know that this could and will effect not only on the students but their reputation as a HBCU.
#11
Reply
Soundcheck 1898 wrote:i can understand both sides to be honest, at least when it comes to a man's perspective. When it comes to men i don't think its more of a race thing than it is an issue of uniformity. In my experiences even white folk are discouraged from having long hair and usually keep it short and neat. I'm not discounting the race card completely but i think its more about that "professional" look which arguably has eurocentric roots still making it a race thing but on the surface it really isn't (this making any sense lol).

