The Crown Act

Less than two weeks ago the House passed the Crown Act, which would ban hair related discrimination.

The measure passed in a vote of 235-189 along party lines. It was introduced by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J. 

Crown stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. The act prohibits "discrimination based on an individual's texture or style of hair." The bill is now set to go to the Senate.

The legislation states that "routinely, people of African descent are deprived of educational and employment opportunities" for wearing their hair in natural or protective hairstyles such as locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, or Afros.

Research in 2020 from Michigan State University and Duke University reveals just how prevalent this type of discrimination is. Still today, Black women with natural hair are often seen as less professional and less competent and are less likely to be referred for job interviews.

To help us get more insight on this topic we sat down with author, Brianna Laren.

Brianna Laren is a writer, filmmaker, and mom of two. Born in Maryland and raised in Washington D.C., Brianna has been writing poems, plays, and stories since childhood.

 Her most recent book, Edge Control for the Soul was number one on Essence Magazine’s 21 books We Can’t Wait To Read in 2021. Brianna’s books have been described as love letters to black women serving as a reminder that we are more than enough. She is living out her purpose of creating stories, characters, & content that positively impact the lives of others.

•Why do you think hair discrimination is still an issue in 2022?

Brianna: I believe that hair discrimination is still an issue because society is still threatened by black people loving themselves just they way we are and not assimilating to social norms aka European beauty standards.

How do you feel about the Crown act?

Brianna: I feel that the Crown Act is a beautiful step towards protecting black people against discrimination for choosing to wear their natural hair. However, I don’t think legislation alone will fix those biases because it has to be proven that the person was denied employment due to their hair, which may be hard to do. I think that through education and empowerment in the black community about embracing the beauty of our hair will lead to more people rocking braids, locs, bantu knots or their natural curls. That pride in our hair and our culture will mean that more of us will show up with those styles making it harder to discriminate against.

•A 2019 study conducted by the Joy collective found that 80% of Black women said they believed they had to alter their natural hair to gain acceptance in the office. What are you thoughts on that? Have you ever been a part of that number?

Brianna: I have tamed my curls many times before a job interview because I thought it was more palatable for the interviewer. I remember wearing my hair curly once to a particular job and people wanted to touch my hair or ask what I did to get it that way, some coworkers claimed they didn’t recognize me with my hair like that and another said, “Oh that’s nice but I like your hair better straight.” I never wore my hair curly to that job again because it drew too much attention.

•You’ve written several poems that many see as love letters to black women. Many of them speak to these topics discussed today. Why is it so important to you to continue to pour positivity into black women?

Brianna: It is important to pour positivity into black women because we are often praised for being strong and handling so much adversity when really we want to be seen as human. We forget how amazing we are because we are celebrated for what we can do for others or how much we can carry without breaking and I want black women to know we are more than that. Our worth is not determined by how much pain we can take or how much disrespect we can withstand. We are beautiful, worthy, gentle, intelligent, nurturing, and phenomenal just because and we don’t have to prove that to anyone.

•If you could say one thing to every young black girl in the world today, as it relates to their hair, what would you say?

Brianna: No matter how you choose to wear your hair, take pride in it. I don’t care if you long silky hair, tight curls, braids, or you shave it bald, always hold your head up high.

•Tell us about your newest project.

Brianna: My newest project is the Save Your Edges Workbook. It is a safe space to detangle your trauma, learn your triggers, and create a plan to heal, grow, and reach your goals! With over 200 pages, it’s divided into Self Love, Mental Health, and Dreams & Goals.

Readers can connect with Brianna Laren here