Becoming a CROWN ACTivist

What is the CROWN Act?

The CROWN Act, which stands for “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination. This piece of legislation addresses the denial of employment, housing, and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots. Seven states have passed it (our team testified in support of it at 3 state senates) and there are 43 more to go!

Workshop Learning Objectives:

Participants in this workshop will analyze the impact of systemic oppression through hair discrimination and develop strategies to advocate for addressing hair discrimination in their communities.

Participants will be able to...

1) Describe the enslavement/colonial foundations and present day manifestations of hair discrimination

2) Discuss the unique educational needs for confronting hair bias in school

3) Identify legal resources for combating hair discrimination in the workplace

4) Apply a healing framework to mental health needs through case studies

References

Mbilishaka, A., Clemons, K., Hudlin, M., Warner, C. & Jones, D. (2020). Don’t Get It Twisted: Untangling the Psychology of Hair Discrimination Within Black Communities. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/ort0000468 

Mbilishaka, A. & Apugo, D. (2020). Brushed aside: African American women’s narratives of hair bias in school. Race Ethnicity and Education. DOI: 10.1080/13613324.2020.1718075