CROWN Act H.R. 2116 — 117th Congress (2021-2022)
Sponsored by Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie D-NJ-12 Introduced 03/19/2021
Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2022 or the CROWN Act of 2022
This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style.
Hair is a crown of glory-Proverbs 16:31
This piece is both a personal declaration and a social statement. Inspired by the CROWN Act—a legislative movement to end race-based hair discrimination—this work confronts the historical and ongoing policing of Black hair in workplaces, schools, and society at large.
Hair is more than strands; it is heritage, identity, and expression. For generations, Black hair has been politicized, deemed “unprofessional,” or labeled as “unacceptable,” forcing many to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards to survive and succeed.
In Crown Act, I draw on the biblical truth in Proverbs 16:31: “Hair is a crown of glory.” Every curl, coil, and kink is an adornment of strength, dignity, and divine design. This piece celebrates that truth while challenging the systems that have tried to strip that glory away.
It stands as both an affirmation and a call to action: Our crowns are not to be diminished, hidden, or legislated against—they are to be honored.