The Commission on Black Girls supports 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. In Columbus, the Crown Act legislation was championed by COBG founder Councilmember Priscilla Tyson along with Councilmember Shayla Favor. The law became effective on January 16, 2021 and is intended to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles by extending statutory protection to hair texture and protective styles such as braids, locs, and twists. These protections apply to employment, housing, and public accommodations.
The Crown Act is important because racial inequities concerning hair have led to discrimination. Especially, in employment and school settings where hair may overshadow work or academic performance; and lead to adverse consequences such as termination or dismissal.
Please Contact Us if Your Youth Group or School is Interested in Participating in Crown Act Programming
In a continuous effort to support the Crown Act, The Commission on Black Girls is committed to empowering Black girls by finding their voice through advocacy, in 2023 the Commission celebrated the passage of the CROWN Act in Columbus through an extravagant event for our girls and will be launching the new programming centered on the principles represented in the CROWN Act based on the My Hair My CROWN, Dove Self-Esteem project curriculum. It is crucial through this programming to explore appearance pressures, stereotypes, cultural biases, family norms, individuality, and creative self-expression.
Through this new programming, The Commission on Black Girls seeks to bring small groups of girls together in person or virtually. If you, your program, or someone you know would be interested in getting the My Hair My Crown curriculum to your girls, please get in touch with us!
Contact Information
Sherry Jones, Community Relations Coordinator
Email: shjones@columbus.gov Phone: 614-645-2221