Hair Discrimination Leads to the Creation of The Crown Act

Black hair is considered an expression of identity and culture. Throughout history, it has carried a deep emotional significance that extends far beyond the Americas. Historically, Black hair has played a major role in the culture of ancient African civilization. It symbolizies their tribe, marital status, family background and for some social hierarchy, African hair is significant.

Did you know that, captured African women who were forced to travel to a "new land", they would hide seeds and/or rice into their braided hair? In fact, seeds of watermelon, okra, black-eyed peas, and others are just some examples of the foods we eat today, that were transported. During the time of slavery, captured Africans would wear a style called, Cornrows. It was thought to be a sign of resistance mainly because, the captured Africans and their enslaved descendants would design roadmaps in the hair to escape from slavery. For Africans and those who were captured, hair was more than just a style.

Today, Black hair is currently in the spotlight because, Black adults, children and members of the military have been discriminated against for years. The increased attention is a direct result of Blacks taking a stand against institutional racism, that results in workplace and educational discriminatory policies. Currently, there are lawmakers across the country that are working together to put legislation into place, that will prohibit race-based hair discrimination.

The CROWN Act stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair". It was created in 2019, by Dove in partnership with then State Senator Holly J. Mitchell of California to ensure protection against discrimination. This month, the US House passed legislation that would ban race-based hair discrimination in employment and against those participating in federally assisted programs, like housing and public accommodations. The Democratic led House voted 235-189 to pass the CROWN Act. Specifically, this bill seeks to protect against bias of hair texture and protective styles including locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots and Afros. The next step is that the bill is heading to the Senate for a vote but, not without a fight from the Republican party. Republicans say, Democrats should be focusing on other issues like inflation and high gas prices because, federal law already covers this kind of discrimination.

Locally in Michigan, State Representative Sarah Anthony of Lansing, is working diligently to bring attention to the need of this legislation. It is known as House Bill 4275 (2021). It is one of the most popular pieces of legislation that State Representative Anthony has introduced to date. Since being introduced over a year ago, it still has not received any action or the attention it deserves. The Telegram News had the opportunity to interview State Rep Sarah Anthony. She gave insight on the importance of having this legislation pass in the State of Michigan and what it will take.

Clifton: What is the importance of the state of Michigan supporting this Act?

State Rep Sarah Anthony: There are a variety of reasons why this is important to pass, there is a social-emotion part. We need to be inclusive altogether. You have to welcome folks and not discriminate how their hair grow out of their head. People need to feel included at all times. Particularly in educational settings, institutions should be planting seeds of positivity and embracing diversity, not constructing the mindsets of the youth, that there is something wrong about them that is genetically natural. There is an economic imperative that we are still trying to bounce back from Covid-19. We need all persons working in every sector of the workforce.

Clifton: What will it take for the State of Michigan to jump on board and pass this legislation?

State Rep Sarah Anthony: The Chair of the Judiciary Committee Representative Graham Filler, needs to give it a hearing so that those who have been affected can share their personal experiences. Currently the Chair of the Judiciary Committee, will not hold a hearing. Then it would need to pass the Senate to become a law.

Clifton: When and why did you get involved with the Crown Act?

State Rep Sarah Anthony: In 2019, I saw the successful passage of the act in California. Hair discrimination was not something new, it brought life to me sitting in the seat as a lawmaker and to push it forward. I introduced it, with no co-sponsors and stories of individuals throughout the state. Real stories are being told and because there are no legal protections, these circumstances continue to happen. When we drafted our Crown Act in Michigan, we have tied hair as a characteristic of race, so that it is under the protection of Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Hair is another piece of protection. This would ban hair discrimination in housing, education and employment. In Michigan, as we've been working at the State level, we have seen communities and municipalities at the local level working already to ban the discrimination like the Municipalities of Detroit, Flint, Lansing, East Lansing, Genesee County, Oakland County and Ingham County, just to name a few.

Across America, there are only 14 states that have passed laws on the Crown Act, there are 36 left to go.

If you or someone you know has been affected by hair discrimination and you're willing to share you experiences, please contact State Representative Sarah Anthony by email at [email protected]. Also, contact the Chair of the Judiciary Committee Rep. Graham Filler and tell him to give House Bill 4275 a hearing. Email him at [email protected]