The CROWN Act
By: Mikayla Crawford, Intern
“Tame” black hair became popular in the early 1900’s due to Madam C.J. Walker’s hair straightening comb. The popularization of the comb made her the first African American female to become a millionaire. The “taming” of natural black hair increased society's acceptance, yet some argue the idea that straight hair leads to better economic and social advancement. The 1960’s began the first wave of natural hair movements with “Black is Beautiful.” In the 70’s, St. Louis only had 40% of young black women that supported their natural kinks. The 2000’s set of the second natural hair movement with celebrities releasing documentaries.
Today, the “Natural Hair Movement'' is more than natural hair, it is a way to attempt a healthier lifestyle and redefine the stereotypical standard of beauty. However, Black women are 1.5 more likely to be sent home from the workplace because of hair. 80% of black women feel as if they have to change their hair from its natural state. Which has led to the CROWN Act.
CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair. The act was created in 2019 by Dove and the CROWN Coalition. It is a proposed bill that prohibits the “discrimination against persons based on traits historically associated with race, hair texture, or hairstyle.” These hairstyles include but are not limited to bantu knots, braids, locs and twists. California became the first state to pass this law and declared July 3rd national Crown day to commemorate the CROWN Act. The next states to follow their path are New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Washington, and Maryland. 23 states have introduced the CROWN Act into legislation. The CROWN Act was sent to the General Assembly of North Carolina on March 1st and is in the process of becoming a law.
