The CROWN Act: embracing diversity.

Have you ever experienced race-based hair discrimination? I have and it is a humiliating and hurtful experience. I vividly remember being asked about changing my natural hair (afro) in the middle of a job interview. I was automatically hurt and infuriated by the question. I politely let the interviewer know that changing my hair was not something I would do for a job. I am not the only woman to experience this type of discrimination. My experience was nineteen years ago but it still has lasting effects today. Anytime I meet someone in a professional capacity, the thought of whether my hair will be perceived as professional is in the back of my mind.

It has been well documented that black and brown people experience race-based hair discrimination in the workplace, in the housing sector, and in the schools. Race-based hair discrimination is very common, and it is why I am a supporter of The CROWN Act. The CROWN Act stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair”. The CROWN Act is a law protects people against race-based hair discrimination. According to the Dove CROWN Research Study, “Black women are 1.5 times more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of their hair”. Presently, seventeen states have passed CROWN Act legislation, or similar laws that protect black and brown people against race-based hair discrimination. The Official Campaign of the CROWN Act is led by the CROWN Coalition. The CROWN Coalition is made up of Dove, National Urban League, Color Of Change, and Western Center on Law & Poverty. My organization, Rhymes and Spines is doing our part to support this legislation by spreading information to children and adults about The CROWN Act.

My organization, Rhymes and Spines has created information packets to distribute to educate more people about The CROWN Act. We have also produced a video of woman and her daughters documenting their stories of race-based hair discrimination and why they support The CROWN Act. Our information packet contains a letter for a young reader, and a letter for parents/guardians about The CROWN Act, along with a literary worksheet for young readers focusing on types of hair and how beautiful it all is, and a journal prompt for parents/guardians. Our goal is to distribute and deliver at least 1000 of these packages to families across the country to inform them about The CROWN Act and to get young readers engaged in literary activities that start a conversation about their hair.

Rhymes and Spines aims to uplift and empower our community through literacy. We truly believe that “open books open the doors of opportunity”. I write books with brown and black characters that engage, educate, and empower black and brown children. “Brown Girl, Brown Girl,” is an ode to girls everywhere. The main character, Sable is a shining example of self-love, self-determination, and self-acceptance. Sable has beautiful locs are highlighted throughout the book and these locs are often adorned with positive affirmations. The Dove CROWN Research Study also found that, “53% of Black mothers whose daughters have experienced hair discrimination, say their daughters experienced the discrimination as early as 5 years old.”

Rhymes and Spines believes representation matters. We want kids to embrace their natural beauty and prevent them from being victims of race-based hair discrimination. “It’s important to the young girls and the young boys who have to cut their hair in the middle of a wrestling match in front of everyone because some White referee says that your hair is inappropriate to engage in your match," stated Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, a co-sponsor of the bill, said, "For too long, Black girls have been discriminated against and criminalized for the hair that grows on our heads and the way we move through and show up in this world." Three things that help to pass The CROWN Act are: sign the petition, write your legislator, and tell other people about The CROWN Act. The CROWN Act has provided a petition to sign and an easy template on their website to email your legislator and ask them to sign The CROWN Act into law. You can check it out their website and join the movement at the following link https://www.thecrownact.com . I have signed the petition and emailed my legislators and so should you!!

Source:

Dove CROWN Research Study (2019) conducted by JOY Collective in the U.S. among 2000 (1000 Black and 1000 White) Women, Age 25 – 64. All data tested at 95% confidence level.