Respect The Roots
Handmade Custom Rug
I created the "Respect the Roots" rug as a bold and meaningful piece to spark conversations about hair discrimination and celebrate the beauty and significance of natural hair. This rug is part of my senior project, where I wanted to merge art and advocacy to raise awareness about the CROWN Act—a law that aims to end hair-based discrimination. Through this design, I hope to honor the cultural roots and personal stories tied to natural hairstyles while encouraging people to embrace and respect the individuality and identity they represent. It’s more than just a rug; it’s a statement about self-love, equality, and pride in our roots.
Respect The Roots Zine
I created this zine to amplify the voices of those impacted by hair discrimination and educate others about the importance of the CROWN Act. A zine felt like the perfect medium because it’s intimate and creative. Through this project, I wanted to highlight the real stories and struggles of individuals who have faced discrimination for simply embracing their natural hair, while also celebrating the cultural heritage and identity tied to these hairstyles.
The zine allowed me to combine art, storytelling, and education in a way that feels accessible and engaging. It’s not just about informing readers but also challenging harmful stereotypes, sparking meaningful conversations, and encouraging people to reflect on their biases. At its core, the zine is a celebration of self-expression, resilience, and the beauty of diversity. It’s a call to action to respect and protect everyone’s right to wear their hair however they choose, free of judgment or discrimination.
Process Book
