Tangled Roots follows Kentucky State Representative Attica Scott as she fights to pass a bill that would ban black hair discrimination statewide. Against a national backdrop of similar bills being proposed, heard, and passed across the country, as well as countless examples of black men and women being fired, expelled, and maligned for their hair, Representative Scott aims to dismantle a system of discrimination against black people who are penalized for something seemingly innocuous — their hair. In a state legislature where she is currently the only black woman and the first to be elected in 20 years, she faces an uphill battle in combatting a larger system of discrimination and racism that has been entrenched in the state – and the country – for centuries. “Tangled Roots” examines both the history and consequences of black hair discrimination, as well as the urgent need to eradicate it. 

Followed by a Q&A with KY Rep. Attica Scott and Tangled Roots filmmakers Samantha Knowles.