Global telecommunications company Edelman has announced the adoption of the Halo code, the UK’s first Black Hair code, across its EMEA network. This code is specifically designed to protect employees who come to work with natural or protective hairstyles related to their racial, ethnic, or cultural identity. Hair discrimination remains an ongoing issue, with a recent Dove LinkedIn survey revealing that 54% of Black women feel they have to wear their hair straight for a job interview to be successful It has been shown that
Halo Code was developed by the Halo Collective, founded by young Black organizers from the Advocacy Academy with the goal of creating a future free of hair discrimination and inequality. Halo Collective founder Kaisha-Wade Speed recently joined Edelman London’s summer internship program through the 10k Black Interns Foundation, introducing the business to the Social Justice Foundation.
Edelman is proud to have worked on several groundbreaking campaigns that address hair inequality. Edelman helped found the Crown Coalition, which Dove co-founded with several professional associations, to make hair discrimination illegal in the United States. Crown Law.
This partnership, which involved organizations such as the National Urban League, resulted in the passage of Crown Acts in 27 U.S. states, ensuring legal protection for natural hair.
Building on this, Edelman UK recently partnered with Dove on the award-winning ‘Code My Crown’ campaign. This initiative focuses on increasing authentic representation of Black hairstyles in video games, resulting in the world’s first guide for developers on coding hair styles and textures that protect Black people. , players can now express themselves authentically in the digital space.
Morenike Onajobi, EMEA Senior Business Partner and Head of DEI said: As we continue to diversify our workforce and continue to win awards for great projects, it is essential that we replace judgment with curiosity and truly embrace what we learn from our work. Especially when it comes to creating an inclusive environment where everyone actually belongs. ”
At a recent EMEA-wide event commemorating the adoption of the Halo Code, Edelman spoke with academic and author Emma Dabiri, known for her best-selling works Don’t Touch My Hair and What White People Can Do Next. We have partnered with them to further deepen our understanding of our employees.
Katie Evans, Global Client Lead at Unilever, said: We encourage all organizations to adopt the Halo Code to create a future free of hair discrimination and promote an inclusive environment. ”
Learn more about Halo codes and how to sign up.
