NAACP and Singleton Schreiber Champion Justice for Women of Color in Groundbreaking Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2024
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON – The NAACP has partnered with Singleton Schreiber, a leading law firm specializing in civil rights, to pursue justice for Black and other women of color exposed to toxic chemical hair relaxers (perms). These products, widely marketed to women of color, have been linked to serious health problems such as uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and uterine fibroids with one of the following procedures: hysterectomy, myomectomy, or endometrial ablation.
"The NAACP will use all its legal might to seek justice from those companies that have profited while Black women were harmed by these beauty products," said Janette McCarthy Wallace, General Counsel of the NAACP. "It remains the mission of The Association to protect Black women against predation of any form, most especially against their health and wellness."
For generations, Black women have used chemical relaxers to straighten their hair, a practice shaped by societal standards that favor Eurocentric beauty norms over natural Black hair textures. Haircare companies have aggressively marketed these harmful products to Black women and girls, often failing to disclose the associated health risks. Now, a lawsuit targeting major beauty corporations such as Soft Sheen-Carson LLC and others, seeks accountability for these companies' failure to disclose the dangers of their products. Women across the country have experienced health impacts, from scalp burns and infections to life-altering cancers, without being adequately warned.
"Our partnership with the NAACP amplifies our shared mission to protect the health and rights of Black women," said Danielle Ward Mason, Partner at Singleton Schreiber. "By holding these companies accountable, we're sending a strong message that corporations profiting at the expense of women's health will face justice."
The campaign aims to raise awareness, provide legal support to affected women, and ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. This lawsuit represents a pivotal step in addressing the exploitation of marginalized communities by powerful corporations.
For more information on this legal battle and how to join the fight, visit https://naacphairrelaxerjustice.com/.
###
About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race–based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP–LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.
About Singleton Schreiber
Singleton Schreiber is a client-centered law firm specializing in civil rights, environmental justice, mass torts/multi-district litigation, and personal injury/wrongful death. With a deep commitment to serving communities that have been marginalized and harmed, the firm has spent over a decade fighting for justice and holding powerful corporations accountable. Singleton Schreiber is also a leader in environmental litigation, advocating for those impacted by corporate negligence and environmental disasters.
