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Braid the Ladder

Bridging the Gap Between Safety and Belonging.

Our Hair Is Diverse. The Market Isn’t. And That’s Why We’re Paying More.

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The Origin Story of Braid the Ladder

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BraidtheLadder: Stories on Black Hair Discrimination

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Why Black Women’s Hair Attracts Criticism: 10 Truths You Need to Know

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✨ The Art of Braiding as Cognitive Patience

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For Those Who Are Done Defending Their Humanity

For Those Who Are Done Defending Their Humanity

November 30, 2025
Gov. Josh Shapiro Signs Law Prohibiting Discrimination Based On Natural Hair In Pennsylvania (video)

Gov. Josh Shapiro Signs Law Prohibiting Discrimination Based On Natural Hair In Pennsylvania (video)

November 27, 2025
Crowning The NEW Largest Afro | Guinness World Records (video)

Crowning The NEW Largest Afro | Guinness World Records (video)

November 27, 2025
Why Black Women’s Hair Attracts Criticism: 10 Truths You Need to Know

Why Black Women’s Hair Attracts Criticism: 10 Truths You Need to Know

November 27, 2025
When Respectability Turns Inward: Untangling the Conditions of “Love Yourself”

When Respectability Turns Inward: Untangling the Conditions of “Love Yourself”

November 27, 2025
A Toasty Thought About Our Hair and the First Mother

A Toasty Thought About Our Hair and the First Mother

November 21, 2025
To the Black Girls Finding Their Way: You Are Not the Burden. The Marketplace That Exploits You Is.

To the Black Girls Finding Their Way: You Are Not the Burden. The Marketplace That Exploits You Is.

November 13, 2025
Why People Say “Hair Is Hair” When It Isn’t

Why People Say “Hair Is Hair” When It Isn’t

November 13, 2025

Trending Posts

For Those Who Are Done Defending Their Humanity
2 min read

For Those Who Are Done Defending Their Humanity

Tonya GJ Prince November 30, 2025

Sometimes we find ourselves around people who leave us feeling unsettled—like we have to explain who we are over and over again, defend our intentions,...

Gov. Josh Shapiro Signs Law Prohibiting Discrimination Based On Natural Hair In Pennsylvania (video)

Gov. Josh Shapiro Signs Law Prohibiting Discrimination Based On Natural Hair In Pennsylvania (video)

Tonya GJ Prince November 27, 2025

Big win for dignity, respect, and Black beauty! 🎉 With Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature, the...

Crowning The NEW Largest Afro | Guinness World Records (video)

Crowning The NEW Largest Afro | Guinness World Records (video)

Tonya GJ Prince November 27, 2025

In a world where Black women’s hair is constantly judged, questioned, and policed, history just...

Why Black Women’s Hair Attracts Criticism: 10 Truths You Need to Know

Why Black Women’s Hair Attracts Criticism: 10 Truths You Need to Know

Tonya GJ Prince November 27, 2025

1. Hair Has Been Weaponized Against Black Women for Centuries Enslavers shaved heads to strip...

  • A woman with afro hair in a cozy setting playfully interacts with butterflies indoors.
    Black Hair - HEALING - Liberation - Survival

    For Those Who Are Done Defending Their Humanity

    November 30, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    Sometimes we find ourselves around people who leave us feeling unsettled—like we have to explain who we are over and over again, defend our intentions, or justify our worth. When every conversation turns into a debate, and when our smallest choices are questioned or criticized, it wears on the spirit.…

    Continue Reading
  • a woman with long box braids on a tennis court
    Black Hair - CROWN - HEALING - Liberation

    Gov. Josh Shapiro Signs Law Prohibiting Discrimination Based On Natural Hair In Pennsylvania (video)

    November 27, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    Big win for dignity, respect, and Black beauty! 🎉 With Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature, the CROWN Act just became law in the 28th state — a groundbreaking step forward in the fight against hair-based discrimination. This is more than legislation. It’s a statement: Black hair — in all its curls,…

    Continue Reading
  • Black Hair

    Crowning The NEW Largest Afro | Guinness World Records (video)

    November 27, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    In a world where Black women’s hair is constantly judged, questioned, and policed, history just got a little bigger — literally. In New York City, Jessica Martinez has claimed the Guinness World Record for the largest afro (female), stepping into a legacy of beauty, pride, and cultural power. Her hair…

    Continue Reading
  • A captivating aerial shot of six diverse women lying together, exuding unity and elegance.
    Black Hair - CROWN - Liberation

    Why Black Women’s Hair Attracts Criticism: 10 Truths You Need to Know

    November 27, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    1. Hair Has Been Weaponized Against Black Women for Centuries Enslavers shaved heads to strip identity. Later, Eurocentric beauty standards declared kinky hair “unruly,” “dirty,” or “unprofessional.”When an entire group’s humanity has been challenged through appearance, hair becomes a site of continued attack. 2. Hair Is One of the Most…

    Continue Reading
  • Blurred person with 'Enough' written on palm, expressing empowerment and resilience.
    Black Hair - Harm - HEALING - Liberation - Support - Survival

    When Respectability Turns Inward: Untangling the Conditions of “Love Yourself”

    November 27, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    There is a particular kind of pressure that Black women know too well — not just from the world outside, but from voices within our own circles. It is the scrutiny of our hair. The commentary. The uninvited opinions. The micro-investigations disguised as care. We talk a lot about “loving…

    Continue Reading
  • Black Hair - HEALING - Liberation - Survival

    A Toasty Thought About Our Hair and the First Mother

    November 21, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    When science reminds us that the earliest mother of all living people was a Black woman, it isn’t just a fact in a textbook. It’s a soft, glowing ember for our hearts… and for our hair. Because her hair—our hair—was the first crown humanity ever knew. Her coils caught the…

    Continue Reading
  • Governor Baker signs CROWN Act into law
    Black Hair - CROWN - HEALING - Support

    To the Black Girls Finding Their Way: You Are Not the Burden. The Marketplace That Exploits You Is.

    November 13, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    Black girls deserve softness.Black girls deserve ease.Black girls deserve care that doesn’t come with a penalty attached. But when it comes to hair care, the world often hands us the opposite. You’re told your routine is “too much.”Your products are “too expensive.”Your hair care is “too complicated.”Your needs are “extra.”…

    Continue Reading
  • Black Hair - CROWN - Harm - HEALING - Liberation - Support - Survival

    Why People Say “Hair Is Hair” When It Isn’t

    November 13, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    1. It’s an attempt to avoid admitting difference. Many people feel uncomfortable acknowledging that Black women need a different kind of care.Different products.Different techniques.Different knowledge. Saying “hair is hair” allows them to avoid that discomfort. It’s an escape hatch from responsibility. 2. It’s a denial of cultural and biological diversity.…

    Continue Reading
  • Black Hair - Liberation - Support - Survival

    Our Hair Is Diverse. The Market Isn’t. And That’s Why We’re Paying More.

    November 13, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    1. People who listen to Black women understand hair diversity. Black women have said for generations: People who believe Black women learn very quickly that: True understanding comes from listening, not guessing. 2. Most non-Black women were socialized to see their own hair as the default. If your entire life…

    Continue Reading
  • Black Hair - Body Safety - HEALING - Support

    Why Black Hair Care Costs More — And Why “Just Use Other Products” Is Not the Answer

    November 13, 2025 - By Tonya GJ Prince

    There is a quiet tax on Black womanhood.You see it every time you try to moisturize your hair, protect your curls, or simply walk out the door with confidence. People love telling Black women: “Just use the cheaper products.”“Those other brands work fine.”“You don’t need all that.” But here’s the…

    Continue Reading
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  • For Those Who Are Done Defending Their Humanity
  • Gov. Josh Shapiro Signs Law Prohibiting Discrimination Based On Natural Hair In Pennsylvania (video)
  • Crowning The NEW Largest Afro | Guinness World Records (video)
  • Why Black Women’s Hair Attracts Criticism: 10 Truths You Need to Know
  • When Respectability Turns Inward: Untangling the Conditions of “Love Yourself”

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