Strand by Strand: Weaving the Stories of #CrownProud Across America
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From restraint to acts of liberation, a saga etched in every curl and coil, where beauty meets identity, and personal morphs into the political—this is the story of Black hair in America, and my own journey within it. It's a tale as rich and diverse as the countless coils and curls that grace our heads, a narrative that resonates with resilience, determination, and the indomitable spirit of Blackness.
On July 3rd, we joyously celebrated Black Hair Independence Day, also fondly referred to as Crown Act Day. With days like this one, we proudly challenge and change an untrue narrative - that Black hair is unprofessional.
There was a time I could have been perceived as unprofessional or unqualified enough to deliver a keynote because of my locs—some of my audiences still don’t believe it. But that’s not just a past reality; it’s a ‘now’ reality of today and of millions of Black Americans.
My own locs, a profound part of my identity, could have been a roadblock in my career path. The sheer absurdity of it feels like a page ripped out of a dystopian novel, yet it was our collective reality. This was a world where we had to choose between our natural beauty and work opportunities. But today, my friends, we proclaim loudly and clearly—#BlackHairISProfessional.
It was 2009, and I was in my late twenties, in awe of loc styles. I refused to chemically relax my hair any longer. Much like Halle Berry's character in "Nappily Ever After," I decided that my hair was mine and it was beautiful, which led me to invest in protective hairstyles like braids and sew-ins.
Fast forward to 2011—I allowed my hair stylist to take the scissors to my remaining chemically straightened hair, severing ties with the Eurocentric standard of beauty—long, straight hair. It was the day I fully embraced the natural. The relearning process was both enlightening and empowering, and along the way, I discovered that my curls–my texture, were all beautiful. Everything about my hair was beautiful.
Then in 2015, I decided to loc my hair. It felt like a public announcement. Unsurprisingly, this decision was greeted with a flurry of opinions and unsolicited advice from those who looked like me and those who didn’t, turning my personal choice into a communal conversation. But to me, all that mattered was my locs were mine, and they were here to stay.
If only Black Hair Independence Day had been around when I stepped into the workplace and later on stages. Then, maybe the emotional roller coaster would perhaps have been less intense. But as I look back, I recognize the lessons this journey has taught me. My hair doesn't define my qualifications or my professionalism; it simply reflects the choices I make for myself.
Today, my locs are not just hair—they are my crown, a symbol of my heritage, strength, and individuality. I proudly wear them with an immense sense of pride and joy. You'll find me passionately sharing my journey from the grandest platforms across the globe, for I am #CROWNProud. Not just on July 3rd, but every single day.
But this fight isn't just mine. It's a fight for everyone who wants to wear their natural hair without fear in the workplace. It's for those who fear their hair could cost them opportunities. The CROWN Act is for us, for all of us.
The CROWN Act
The CROWN Act, an abbreviation for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act, is a transformative piece of legislation prohibiting race-based hair discrimination. It was birthed in the state of California in 2019 and has since been enacted into law in 27 states in various forms, along with several city and county jurisdictions.
The Act is more than legislation; it's a revolution, a call to normalize Black hair in all spaces. With movements like #BlackHairIsProfessional gaining ground, we are closer than ever to a wind of change. Our hair is a vital part of our cultural identity, yet historically, it's been subjected to discrimination that bred feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness.
The CROWN Act is the bellwether of change, radiating a potent message: Your natural hair is your pride, and you should never fear discrimination because of it. This is a long-awaited message that has positively influenced countless lives. This story goes beyond me and you. It's for every individual yearning for the liberty to wear their natural hair at work without the fear of professional fallout. It's personal, yes, but it's also universal.
"Diversity is our strength," right? Our hair is an integral part of this diversity. So, let's celebrate it, flaunt it, and let it shine, no matter the setting. It's high time we declared: our hair, our rules, our independence. We are not just spectators of history; we are the architects shaping it.
So, it's time to pick up the torch. We're almost halfway to making the CROWN Act a nationwide reality. Let's band together to push for this vital legislation in all 50 states! Add your voice to the chorus demanding change; sign the CROWN Act petition today!
