The US Army Reversed Its Natural Hair Restrictions!
Just five months after the Army released a controversial update to Army Regulation 670-1, which severely restricted the hairstyles of women with natural locks, the Pentagon is backpedaling. The Washington Post reports that the department has reversed its natural-hairstyling restrictions.
Within days of the announcement, the backlash was felt on social media, in the Congressional Black Caucus, and in the Army itself. Politicians, soldiers, and everyday women (with or without natural hair) were up in arms over the regulations. More than 17,500 people signed a White House petition, penned by Sgt. Jasmine Jacobs, urging the Army to be more racially inclusive with regard to hairstyles.
“I actually got two sides of the spectrum when it came to response,” Jacobs said. “There were a great deal of people who were supportive, but there were a lot of people who felt like I should comply or get the hell out of the Army. But, the majority of responses were positive.” Jacobs worked as a sounding board for Representative Hank Johnson, the man who pushed to get the regulations revised, until a statement was released in April claiming the Pentagon would do just that.
While there is no official word on why, exactly, the Pentagon went ahead and reversed the decision, we think it’s safe to say the negative response had something to do with it. According to a letter from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, each branch of the military “reviewed its hairstyle policies to ensure standards are fair and respectful while also meeting our military requirements. These reviews were informed by a panel of military personnel of mixed demographics reflective of our diverse force.”
“I’m definitely excited that our voices are being heard and that people are taking this seriously,” Jacobs says. But, she stresses that this isn’t the end of the dialogue. “They basically reverted the regulations back to what they were before and deleted some offensive language. They claimed they made revisions, but they just went back to the way things were.” Jacobs claims there is still room for improvement in the modern-day military. She cites the recent decision by the Coast Guard earlier this year to authorize dreadlocks, noting that these styles can be neatly kept and maintained. “Instead of deleting words that are insults, I’d like people to be informed about what locks are and how they can be well maintained,” Jacobs says.
We’re happy the Army saw the error of its ways and decided to alter its course. Like Jacobs says, it’s a step in the right direction. Our wish is that the Army’s change of heart will continue to evolve within all branches of the military. We also hope it will influence other areas where women with natural hair can sometimes be treated unfairly for embracing their texture — like schools and the work place. Once we educate ourselves enough to recognize how diverse hair can be, we can stop these insensitive slip-ups from happening altogether. (The Washington Post)
Not everyone can be a winner. Detroit native and hip-hop sensation 42 Dugg is back with a fiery new single, Win Wit Us. The track, a precursor to his highly anticipated album 4eva Us, Neva Them, showcases Dugg’s signature style and lyrical prowess. In the brand new single, produced by FLEXONTHEBEAT, TyMaz, and Marshak, Dugg calls out those who try to ride his wave without putting in the work, cementing his stance in the rap game. The release is accompanied by an official music video directed by Counter Point, where Dugg and his crew dominate the streets and clubs of Detroit, visually reinforcing his message of loyalty and resilience. Dugg raps in the hard-hitting track:
All of sudden they wanna win wit us / But ain’t spin with us.
Dugg previously teased this new era of his music with a trailer featuring Hill Harper, further building anticipation among his fans. “Win Wit Us” follows a series of recent hits including Wock N Red, SpinDatBac, and Go Again. Earlier this year, Dugg made a triumphant return to the stage with a sold-out “Welcome Home” show at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, featuring appearances by superstars like Meek Mill, Yo Gotti, Lil Baby, and more. Notably, the event saw Dugg unite Detroit’s rival hip-hop factions, Doughboyz Cashout and Team Eastside, in a historic move to end the city’s East-West beef. Fans can expect even more groundbreaking music from Dugg as he gears up for his upcoming album. Don’t miss out on the latest single available for streaming here and watch the music video below. Link up with 42 Dugg on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Indianapolis’ own Reckless Rhymacide has just released his latest track, “It’s Yo Birthday,” produced by the renowned Whodunit Beats. This fresh spin on the classic “Happy Birthday” song brings a catchy vibe, making it a perfect fit for nightclub atmospheres and adult birthday parties. With its catchy beats and modern twist, the track is set to become a staple for birthday celebrations everywhere, offering a new, exciting way to mark the occasion.
Reckless Rhymacide’s “It’s Yo Birthday” showcases his unique flair for blending contemporary sounds with familiar themes, ensuring the song resonates with a wide audience. Whodunit Beats’ production enhances the track with deep, rhythmic basslines and sleek instrumentation, creating an immersive experience that draws listeners in. As the song gains traction, it’s poised to redefine how birthdays are celebrated, combining tradition with a fresh, energetic sound that captures the essence of today’s music scene.
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