Garland, TX – The National Crown Day Celebration, hosted by State Representative Rhetta A. Bowers at the Epiphany Gallery in downtown Garland, drew a full house to honor and celebrate protected hairstyles. The event provided the opportunity for attendees to reflect on the challenges faced by individuals whose natural hair and traditional hairstyles have long been subject to discrimination and bias.
The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, serves as a crucial legislative initiative aimed at combating race-based discrimination related to hair texture and protective hairstyles. This includes styles such as braids, locs, twists, and Bantu knots, which have historically faced undue scrutiny in various settings, including workplaces and schools.
National Crown Day is typically celebrated on July 3rd. It commemorates the anniversary of the first CROWN Act being signed into law in California on July 3, 2019. The day is dedicated to celebrating natural hair and raising awareness about the importance of the CROWN Act, which aims to end race-based hair discrimination.
During the celebration, Representative Bowers emphasized the necessity of the CROWN Act, explaining how it addresses systemic bias. “The CROWN Act seeks to ensure that individuals are not penalized or excluded based on their natural hair styles,” she stated. “It is critical that we promote inclusivity and respect for diverse hair textures and styles.”
The legislation has become increasingly relevant, particularly as studies have shown that a significant number of Black individuals, especially women, encounter discrimination in professional and academic environments based on their hair. Research indicates that Black women with natural hair are often perceived as less professional, and many have reported being sent home or denied job opportunities due to their hairstyles.
One of the featured speakers was Charlie “Toy C.” Jones, a dynamic author and educator, who discussed her children’s book, “My Cool Crown.” Jones shared the importance of creating narratives that celebrate natural hair and encourage children to embrace their authentic selves. “This book allows kids to be their authentic self, to show up unapologetically,” she remarked.
Jones shared a poignant story about a student who left a lasting impression on her. She recounted an incident at school where a young girl was asked to remove her hoodie, revealing unkempt hair that had been a source of insecurity for her. When another teacher instructed her to put the hoodie back on, it only deepened the child’s insecurities. Recognizing the moment as an opportunity to uplift the girl, Jones spent her planning period combing the child’s hair and reassuring her that she was beautiful just as she was. This encounter not only impacted the student but also inspired Jones to write her children’s book, “My Cool Crown,” with the goal of helping other children feel seen and valued, regardless of their hair. The cover art for “My Cool Crown” features a cartoon depiction of a young girl inspired by her godchild, while the cover for another book in her Cool Series, “Crowned to Be Cool,” is inspired by her son.
The event featured an impactful panel discussion moderated by Representative Bowers, showcasing multi-generational voices who shared their personal experiences with natural hair and the cultural significance of embracing natural hairstyles. Seated from left to right were Czaria Cole Valentine, who uses her creativity and activism to inspire change in her community; Tarnesha Nickens, a decorated veteran who has advocated for hair acceptance in the military; Tina Clark, a retired federal employee and breast cancer survivor embodying resilience and strength; and Jhordyn Robinson, an accomplished young student with a 5.6 GPA and a perfect SAT score, aspiring to become an anesthesiologist.
The panelists shared their experiences of wearing their hair naturally. Nickens reflected that before having children, she hadn’t always recognized the micro-aggressions surrounding hair, especially when people would touch her hair without permission. It was during her travels with her child, when strangers approached and touched her child’s hair, that she began to confront this behavior. Clark recalled her childhood fears of her mother getting too close to her ears while she used a hot comb, often recoiling in anticipation of being burned. For much of her life, she relied on salon treatments, which she believes contributed to thinning hair. It has only been in recent years that she has felt comfortable embracing her natural hair, attributing this transition to healthier hair overall.
The celebration concluded with a powerful spoken word performance by Derrick Walker, who captivated the audience with his poetry that celebrates Black identity and culture. Walker’s work reinforces the message of the CROWN Act, illustrating the deep-rooted connection between hair, identity, and self-acceptance.
As the event wrapped up, Representative Bowers reiterated the significance of the CROWN Act in fostering a more inclusive society. “We stand united in this movement,” she concluded. “Our hair is not just a style; it is a reflection of our identity and heritage.”
