The natural hair community is always winning in my book.
From the versatile styles, textures, and trends, the options are endless.
Although a lot of women and men have been inspired to go natural, it is not well-received by most of society.
There are COUNTLESS stories of young black girls and boys who have been sent home from grade school because of their hairstyles.
Some women have experienced discrimination at their place of employment.
In addition, men have also faced discrimination based on their hairstyle of choice.
At the end of 2018, a video went viral of a black high school wrestler from New Jersey being forced to cut off his dreadlocks before a wrestling match or forfeit.
SHAMEFUL. These are just a few examples of what black people in particular have dealt with in regard to wearing their natural hair.
The Expression
I am not sure of the reason why each individual has decided to go natural, but personally I wanted to stop straightening my hair.
Here are a few pictures from the days that my hair had been heat trained.
The desire to refrain from the use of excessive heat on my hair was just the start.
As I continued to learn about the upkeep of natural hair from YouTube and various natural hair blogs, my desire grew strong enough that I finally decided to start transitioning.
I began my journey in March 2018. Now nearly 2 years after making the switch, I’ve never felt more satisfied.
My natural hair is now part of who I’ve become, hence the name of the blog!
It is one important form of how I express myself.
My hair is high in density so I decided to wear an Afro puff to really serve up some thickness.
Check me out below! 😁
If I desire to put it away as a protective style, then voila.
I love simple and cute styles.
It’s definitely a learning experience, but so rewarding when it’s all said and done.
California Passes the Crown Act
As previously mentioned, natural hair is not embraced by most of society.
In fact, people are looked down upon for wearing what is considered by societal standards, kinky “unkempt” hair.
It seems that all the stories of discrimination at work and school for wearing natural styles have gone unnoticed or completely swept under the rug – until now.
The Crown Act, which stands for “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair” was introduced by Holly Mitchell- State Senator of Los Angeles.
The proposal was approved by the State Senate in April 2019.
Ms. Mitchell also wears her natural hair and is personally impacted by the new bill put in place.
She had been constantly stopped on the streets or informed in writing from parents of children whom had been singled out in school due to their texture or hairstyle.
Hair has also been linked to race in society, therefore discrimination against hair based off of one’s race is considered racial discrimination.
I personally have not been discriminated against at the workplace due to my kinky curly hair, but I am so grateful for this ban.
The Representation
So what does this mean for the natural hair community? Forward progress!
In my opinion, I believe that the ban will reach many more states and encourage lawmakers to create bills nationwide.
In fact, New York passed an amendment to ban natural hair discrimination, making it the second state to enforce protection for our crowns.
I’ve also learned that my home state of New Jersey may become the third state to ban hair discrimination!
It means that all of you beautiful and handsome naturals out there as well as myself can show up to an interview with a TWA or super Afro.
It means that our children can go to school wearing dreadlocks, cornrows, Afro puffs etc without being forced to leave for the day or in an extreme instance, expelled.
It means that an individual will not be disgustingly forced to cut off his or her hair in front of an audience in order to avoid forfeiture in a competition.
It kills the pressure to conform to corporate standards – straightened hair, side part under for most women and low, clean cuts for most men.
This ban is lawfully a game changer. Although realistically, I do feel that there is still a long road ahead for genuine acceptance of natural hair throughout society.
We will likely continue to get frowned upon for having kinky hair. Some of us may receive verbal backlash for our hair choices, even from family members.
The Takeaway
Learning about the ban against natural hair discrimination teaches a powerful lesson.
Always stay true to YOU, no matter what the norm or standard appears to be.
We have earned the ban because we have continued to embrace being natural. I’ve learned that I cannot live my life for anyone else but myself.
My career path, belief system and the way that I wear MY hair is my choice, and mine alone!
Embrace with Grace
As mentioned earlier, I feel that the CROWN Act is an amazing start to protect naturals from discrimination.
We may be protected in some states lawfully, but natural hair will likely never be accepted by all of society.
Of course, we all know that is simply the way of the world – to each his or her own.
The beauty in this ban is whether it is socially accepted or not, you and I have the right to wear our hair just the way that it beautifully grows from the root.
NO ONE can shame us for doing so. I encourage anyone who is on the fence about going natural to just go for it.
Embrace your CROWN!
What are your thoughts of the Act? Do share down below!