The fight for African-American rights has come full circle, as the natural hair movement recently recorded another compelling victory in Orlando, Florida. Banning discrimination on Afrocentric hairstyles such as dreadlocks and braids, the CROWN Act bill filed by Senator Randolph Bracy in December 2019 is set to conquer hearts and minds–whether through persuasion or legal battles. While there were initial concerns of possible constitutional clashes, Sen. Bracy remains committed to overcoming those issues at the pending committee stops. As progress continues nationwide, embracing Black Hair will be a glorious reminder that no triumph is ever too small to make an impact with insurmountable odds ahead!
California became the first state to pass the “CROWN Act,” last year. An acronym for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair”, the bill is meant to defend all African American students and workers who wear their hair in styles common to the Black community. Through the CROWN Act, states like California, New York and New Jersey have taken an essential step forward in empowering individuals of the Black community.
Banning discrimination based on hairstyle is a way to curb discrimination: after all, a recent study by Dove indicates that black women are changing their natural hair to fit in more than 80% of the time – a reminder that our society is still not as inclusive and accepting as it should be. While only 14 states have adopted this bill so far, it is certainly encouraging news to those who want to feel confident in wearing their hair naturally without fear of legal repercussions or social judgement.
Banning Afrocentric hairstyles seems almost out of a fairy tale, however, in the state of Florida it has become a reality. Senator Randolph Bracy filled Senate bill 566 — also known as the C.R.O.W.N Act — in order to put an end to discrimination based on hairstyles and protect Black students and workers from being punished due to their choice of hairstyle. At public premises including housing, workforce, and education. With this bill, citizens in Florida are once again able uphold the right to freedom of expression through the styles they show off.
