About
Embold
The Embold Project is a creative, culturally-responsive, and youth-led solution to Baltimore City’s school attendance crisis
In the past 10 years, Baltimore City Public School’s chronic absenteeism rate has skyrocketed, reaching 58% in 2022, making it the highest rate in Maryland Public Schools. Naomi Boldon, founder of The Embold Project, knew from personal experience as a young girl in Baltimore City that a huge barrier that blocks students from showing up is hair and confidence.
The Embold Project has tackled this education emergency by promoting racial understanding and self-love with textured hair education, representation, and resources.
We organize free natural hair workshops, equipping girls with essential knowledge about Black hair, and how to practice self-love + empathy. We also donate hair kits for girls to access culturally relevant hair products.
Watch our short film!
Meet Naomi,
Founder of The Embold Project
Stage One: Curiosity Without Guidance (Aged 5–10)
I grew up in Baltimore City curious about my natural hair, but without the tools or education to truly understand it. At this age, that curiosity often came with confusion and frustration. I experienced teasing, limited access to hair care resources, and very few examples of what healthy, celebrated natural hair could look like. Over time, my hair began to feel less like a source of pride and more like something I had to control or change. Those feelings followed me into classrooms and social spaces—moments where confidence mattered most.
Stage Two: Learning Through Trial and Error (Aged 11–15)
As I got older, I spent my middle school and early high school years researching, experimenting, and trying to figure out what worked for my hair. Loving it did not come easily. It took patience, mistakes, and trial and error before I felt comfortable wearing my hair naturally and showing up as myself. During this stage, I began to understand how closely confidence, identity, and access to resources are connected—especially for students navigating school, peer pressure, and self-image at the same time.
Stage Three: Turning Confidence into Purpose (Aged 16)
By the time I reached my junior year of high school, I had finally developed confidence in my natural hair—and clarity about why that journey had been so difficult. I became more aware of how many students, especially in Baltimore City, are still navigating this process without support, guidance, or affirmation. Too often, something as simple as hair becomes a barrier to feeling prepared, accepted, and ready to learn.
That awareness led me to create The Embold Project at 16 years old — for my 10-year-old self and for students who deserve to feel seen long before they are forced to figure things out on their own. With the support of friends and community partners, The Embold Project provides natural hair education, culturally relevant resources, and affirmation to help students show up to school with confidence, pride, and a sense of belonging.
