TED Talks Daily No. You cannot touch my hair! | Mena Fombo
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Jun 16, 2023 Unwanted hair touching is more than a nuisance; it's an invasion of personal space, especially for Black women and girls. Activist Mena Fombo reveals the emotional toll of this issue through her campaign against 'hair attacks.' She discusses the historical roots of this disrespectful behavior, drawing parallels to past injustices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, educating others, and fostering a culture of respect for individual autonomy and cultural diversity.
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Campaign Origins
- Mena Fombo launched the "No You Cannot Touch My Hair" campaign after experiencing frequent unwanted hair touching.
- A survey revealed that this is a common issue, especially for Black women and girls.
Persistent Issue
- Unwanted hair touching is a persistent issue, especially for Black women and girls, unlike temporary experiences like pregnancy.
- This campaign focuses on those for whom unwanted hair touching is a recurring problem due to their race.
Early Activism
- As a child, Mena Fombo was asked to play Mary in a school play alongside a white baby Jesus.
- She refused to smile in protest, marking the start of her activism.