The House of Representatives Passed a Bill That Could Put Natural Hair Discrimination to an End
Black women have continuously been discriminated against because of their natural hair and prevented from education and job opportunities; this is where the overdue CROWN Act comes in.
The CROWN Act was first created in 2019 by DOVE and the CROWN coalition. This act was made to ensure the protection of black women who are discriminated against because of their natural hair. Representatives Cedric Richmond, Barbara Lee, Marcia Fudge, and Ayanna Pressley introduced the bill to the House of Representatives where it eventually passed.
Today the House passed @RepRichmond @RepMarciaFudge, @RepPressley & my bill to prohibit natural hair discrimination. No one should feel forced to change their natural hair. I’ve been rocking my crown for decades & everybody should feel empowered to rock theirs too. #CROWNAct pic.twitter.com/8axju7iBVY
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) September 22, 2020
Black women have been dealing with discrimination for centuries. This has avoided them from finding opportunities in education, their career, and schooling. Black women are almost two times more likely to be sent home from work because their hair is seen as an “unprofessional” look. Representative Katherine Clark said, “discrimination against Black hair is racist. It stops equality in school and the workplace”.
The people’s House just passed the #CROWNAct. I’m proud to have introduced this legislation and thank my colleagues @RepBarbaraLee @RepMarciaFudge @RepPressley for their contributions to this bill and for wearing their own crowns with pride and dignity. pic.twitter.com/NE89Ws65eH
— Rep Cedric Richmond (@RepRichmond) September 21, 2020
Representative Cedric Richmond shared the exciting news with his followers on twitter. Along with the other representatives supporting the act, they took it to Twitter to make it known that there is a petition to sign if we want to see more change.
There are only seven states who have passed this legislation; there are still 43 to go. Before this bill is handed off to the president, 51 out of the 100 United States Representatives will have to pass this legislation.
Women and beauty promoter, Tai Beauchamp, set up a conversation with Esi Eggleston Bracey and Marc Morial on National CROWN Day. This day was made to celebrate the independence of Black hair. These three discussed corporate responsibilities, celebrated their success, and gave their viewers personal stories of their own hair discrimination.
We are excited to see this bill pass through the House but it is only the first step in ending natural hair discrimination. You can help make a change by visiting the official CROWN Act website, learning more about the bill, and signing the petition.
