The Embold Project aspires to combat Black girls’ chronic school absenteeism caused by a lack of education, resources, representation, and confidence surrounding their natural hair. The idea that Black hair is “un-tamed,” “nappy,” “unprofessional,” “unfeminine,” or “wild” has been an apparent motif throughout the world that unfortunately finds its way into the minds of young Black girls—heavily from the school atmosphere.

In a study from Arizona State University, “[A] large number of Black girls reported verbal teasing or bullying because of their hair, starting in preschool or kindergarten. The prevalence of verbal teasing or bullying was dwarfed by touching girls’ hair without permission. Touching of hair without permission was reported by 78 percent of 10-year-olds, 50 percent of 11-year-olds, 81 percent of 12-year-olds, 65 percent of 13-year-olds, and 70 percent of 14-year-olds” (The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education).

These negative experiences and harassment related to natural hair can deplete a girl’s confidence in their natural being. When students feel incomplete wearing their natural hair, they commonly miss school.

Sharicca Boldon, who served as a community school coordinator at Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School from 2013 to 2019, was responsible for connecting the school to community resources and assessing the school’s needs and identifying available support, recalls a time when a student nearly left school because of her appearance. She states, “S. was a middle school student and she came to school without her hair being styled. She did not want to stay in school or go to class; she just wanted to go home. So, the social worker and I assembled some items to do her hair. We worked together to ensure that she felt good about herself and felt confident returning to class. As a community school coordinator, I used to keep an inventory of items that students may need on hand such as uniforms, socks, underwear, school supplies, etc. My experience with S. helped me realize that it might be helpful to have hair care items for students who might need it as well.” This is an issue that flows over into high school. Burnett Morsell, a social worker for Baltimore City College High School described her experiences dealing with students who miss school due to hygienic conditions. “Sometimes when [the student’s] hair “isn’t right” [they] simply do not go to school or [their] appointment is during school hours. She later states, “Most [Black young ladies] wear wigs and weaves –not their natural hair itself. It has become more acceptable now, but this is something that is taught.”

By providing free and accessible education and resources for natural hair—similar to what Mrs. Boldon thoughtfully organized—we hope to foster greater self-esteem among Black girls to increase school attendance. We also hope to offer another notion that Black hair is complete in its natural state – not only as wigs and added hair.

The Embold Project is seeking to host workshops at youth organizations and schools for Black students to learn about their hair, instilling confidence at a young age. We are designing engaging and educational activities that will inspire youth to unapologetically showcase their curly crowns. Planned activities include: an open dialogue about the versatility, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair, demonstrations, and practicing simple and easy hairstyles on curly-haired mannequin dolls.

At the end of the session, the girls will receive a free natural hair kit to complement the creativity and energy that they will be infusing into new hairstyles and hair care routines. Our goal is to create 250 natural hair kits. It will include miniature shampoos, conditioners, creams, oils, a brush, comb, and a silk pillowcase.

Another part of the mission is to partner with a local hair salon to incentivize excellent school attendance records: if students are present for X% of the semester, they will be eligible for a free natural hair experience at a salon.

To reach these goals, we are actively fostering relationships with mission-aligned organizations, companies, and individuals to raise awareness about The Embold Project, such as Knotty by Nature at Johns Hopkins University, Afros of Morgan State University, University of Maryland’s network of barbers and hairstylists, and Towson University's Naturalistas—all clubs at Baltimore universities focused on embracing Black hair. Furthermore, we have gained the support of City Councilwoman Phylicia PorterPorter helped launch the Child Health Equity Act – “a bold step toward making sure kids have access to medical, dental, vision, mental health, and family planning services right in their schools” in April 2025. The councilwoman has expressed interest in integrating The Embold Project into her school-based health initiatives.