On July 3, we celebrate National Crown Day! It’s a big day honoring empowerment and embracing the natural and beautiful tresses that grow from our scalps as Black people.
The day was built by Dove in support of the CROWN Act, which is a law signed in multiple states to protect folks from race-based discrimination at a job or school.
The day and the campaign around is founded and led by Dove, the National Urban League, Color Of Change, and Western Center on Law & Poverty.
What is the Crown Act?
The CROWN Act is legislation in process, based on supporting the “crown” of our heads – that is, the hair that grows from it. The word “crown” actually serves two purposes – the crown we referenced and an acronym, which stands for: “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.”
Last September, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed the H.R.5309 bill — 116th Congress (2019-2020) after its original introduction in December of 2019.
Titled “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2020 or the CROWN Act of 2020”, “this bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment.
Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style.
The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws.”
- Referenced from Congress.gov
While passed by the House, as of today, the Senate has yet to pass the bill keeping it from becoming an official federal law.
On the state level however, multiple states have passed legislation against race-based hair discriminations following the Crown Act. With Nevada’s governor, Steve Sisolak’s signing this month, we’re up to twelve states that have made this powerful decision. California was the first to do so in 2019, followed by New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Washington, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, New Mexico and Nebraska.
What does this mean?
The working law is working to protect people of color in workplaces – whether job(s) or school – from discrimination.
According to the official website, the CROWN Act is a law that “prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.”
How do you celebrate Crown Day?
Be who you are! Rock your natural tresses proudly and boldly.
You can also slide through the Crown Act website and enjoy a day full of events! For #PassTheCrown, the day’s branded hashtag, here are some campaign sponsored events:
- At 10:30 am EST, join @thecrownact and certified personal fitness trainer, @ashleyjoi for a workout on Instagram Live.
- At 7 pm EST, stream the first-ever CROWN Awards honoring Black women for their contribution to community, culture and advancing the legacy of Black beauty. Hosted by Tai Beauchamp, the show will feature Tabitha Brown, Tashare Parker, Tina Lifford, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Michaela Angela Davis, Brittany Packnett Cunnigham, Maya Penn, Zaza and more. Learn more here!
- After the award show, head back to IG for the Afterparty with @OlivaDope and @DJSophiaRocks.
Other ways to get involved?
How will you celebrate Crown Day? Let us know!
