I Love My Hair: The Weaponizing of Black Girls Hair by Educators in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

The study explored the experiences and perceptions of Black girls as conveyed through the narratives of their parents. In particular, this study focused on racial microaggressions in early childhood education (preschool through third grade). The study employed narratives written by 44 parents of Black children. Ultimately, their narratives demonstrated that Black hair was viewed as a marker of second-class citizenship and as an indicator of defilement. The individuals communicating these microaggressions ranged from educators to other children in the classroom. Negative messages about Black hair are particularly concerning in early childhood education, especially given the important role early learning has on children’s formative development. Implications for early childhood educators are extended.