Eliminating a state licensing requirement is a victory for Pa. hair braiders, micro-business owners, and Black immigrant women
The focus initially was on immigrant justice, but soon it became evident that — in addition to promoting equity for those who’ve recently arrived in the commonwealth — worker rights were at stake. What makes this victory especially meaningful is that it demonstrates that organizing and building a community-centered collective voice is critical for members of our community, especially African and Caribbean immigrants, who have a history of being civically disengaged in Philadelphia.
When workers, men and women, and immigrants organize and advocate for their rights, they win. And coming about four weeks before the 2024 general election, the news sent a message to immigrant working families and communities, reminding them that they belong, and their voices definitely matter.