Gabrielle Union inspires revival of #BlackHairChallenge after being 'told hairstyle changes were too black' for America's Got Talent
'Our hair is beautiful and so are we,' Twitter user states
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gabrielle Union has inspired the revival of the #BlackHairChallenge on Twitter after the actor was reportedly told her changing hairstyles were “too black” for America’s Got Talent.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Union and fellow judge Julianne Hough were to leave the NBC talent show, having starred on it for one season.
It was recently reported that both women were subjected to “excessive notes on their physical appearance” throughout their tenure on the show, with Union being informed that her rotating hairstyles were “too black” for the audience.
Several social media users expressed outrage over the alleged comments, and decided to demonstrate their solidarity with Union by taking part in the #BlackHairChallenge.
The challenge involves individuals using the hashtag and sharing up to four pictures of themselves with different hairstyles to highlight and celebrate the versatility of black hair.
“You can change your hair every damn day if you want. Solidarity with Gabrielle Union and the beautiful #blackhairchallenge gracing my feed,” one person tweeted.
“My hair can be a different texture/length on any given day depending on what I decide to do with it. Same chick. Diff day. Still doing my job.”
“Our hair is beautiful and so are we. Nobody should ever be denied opportunity because of their hair,” another Twitter user wrote.
“Lots of love to my black women and men out there doing their best.”
Union expressed her gratitude for the support she received, saying that she feels “humbled”.
“So many tears, so much gratitude. THANK YOU!,” the Think Like A Man actor stated.
“Just when you feel lost, adrift, alone... you got me up off the ground. Humbled and thankful forever.”
The #BlackHairChallenge was revived by female empowerment platform Melanin Mamis, which first started the challenge two years ago.
The challenge was originally created in 2017 after pictures emerged of Michelle Obama wearing her natural hair while on holiday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments