Race and Ethnicity Through Hair | Tiana Barkley | TEDxNewarkAcademy

Growing up with hair that didn't look like her peers', Tiana Barkley knows first hand the long-lasting effects hair can have on a child into their teenage years and throughout their life. Having hair that does not fit into stereotypical beauty standards can result in positive and negative judgements from both one's peers and oneself. Inspired by her Puerto Rican and African American heritage and her own experiences, Tiana speaks on how one's race and ethnicity can be explored through their hair, and she delivers a message of the importance of taking care of your hair. Hair not only serves as a first impression; it allows one to express themselves, racially and socially, as well as accept their true identities.

Tiana Barkley is a senior at Newark Academy. She is involved in many activities, including the Equity and Inclusion Team, a committee composed of faculty and students to help promote diversity in her school. She recently participated in the Student Diversity and Leadership Conference and has used her platform as a dancer to perform about social injustices. Outside of her academics, Tiana is very dedicated to her school's dance program and softball team. She has completed a two-week homestay with a family in Galicia, Spain, as well as hurricane restoration and other community service projects in New Orleans.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx