The CROWN Act Is 5 Years Old—Here’s What Still Needs to Be Done

California made history in 2019, becoming the first state to outlaw racial discrimination based on natural hairstyles via the bill SB 188 that passed in a unanimous vote by California’s state assembly on June 27, 2019. Also known as the CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), this law instantly made headlines, as there were questions about why it was necessary. However, for Black people, the need for this type of legislation isn’t a surprise as Black hair has always been political, and wearing hair in natural styles like afros, locs, and braids has often been deemed unkempt or unprofessional.

Since the CROWN Act’s passing in Califonia, the law is now on the books in 26 states. But there’s still an ongoing battle to get this legislation adopted nationwide. In May 2024, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) led a group of 84 lawmakers in sponsoring the reintroduction of the CROWN Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, as it was previously passed in the House in 2019 and 2022. Still, her efforts were blocked in the Senate.

While the Democrats fight to bring this bill back to the floor for federal legislation, Dove recently hosted its annual CROWN Awards, celebrating the progress made and notable Black women whose talents and leadership help advance the legacy of Black beauty. The event honored changemakers like Los Angeles County Supervisor and former California State Senator Holly J. Mitchell, who spearheaded the CROWN Act, with support from Dove, the National Urban League, Color of Change, and the Western Center on Law & Poverty—all members of the CROWN Coalition.

The Importance of The CROWN Act

Five years later, Mitchell tells Byrdie there is still a need to stand up to and end hair discrimination. Her words aren’t just talking points. There are well-documented occurrences, like the case of 18-year-old high school student Darryl George, who faced multiple suspensions (and was eventually referred to an alternative school) at the start of the 2023-24 school year because his school said the length of George’s natural locs—which fell below his eyebrows and ear lobes—violated the district’s dress code for male students. A Texas judge later ruled the school could restrict the length of male students’ natural hair. 

“As a Black woman who has always had my hair loc’d since I was elected to office, I’ve seen firsthand the wide range of conversations on Black hair,” Mitchell says. “However, despite the undeniable need for the CROWN Act, I am inspired by the reaffirming images and conversations celebrating Black hair’s diversity, beauty, and cultural impact. These positive conversations are not new; Black women have long embraced our natural beauty and culture; what is new is the reach these conversations are having in allowing more people to be part of the CROWN Act Coalition.”

Mitchell says she has a clear vision for the future of this legislation. “My vision for the future is for the CROWN Act to be enshrined as a federal law, a goal I believe we will achieve,” she shares. She envisions a world where Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair is not just a concept but a tangible reality for the countless individuals protected by the CROWN Act.

Additionally, Mitchell says that the CROWN Act becoming a national law also means progress and protection for future generations. “I want it to mean that they won’t know what it is like to be sent home from school or denied opportunities to advance at work because of how they choose to style their hair,” she shares.

The Impact of The CROWN Coalition and Dove Partnership

For Mitchell, it’s also critical to have partners equally devoted to helping amplify the importance of The CROWN Act, praising Dove as one of the law’s key supporters. “Having Dove lead by example on what investing in an equitable and inclusive workforce and world looks like has helped expand the impact of the CROWN Act Coalition and reinforced the fact that this is a global movement,” she points out.

Each year, The CROWN Coalition and Dove’s annual CROWN Awards serve as another prime opportunity to support Black hair independence and the people who richly contribute to our culture, community, and the advancement of Black beauty. “As we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the inaugural signing of the CROWN Act in California, it’s even more important that we continue to celebrate the many people whose work, advocacy, and legacy shape culture and help this movement grow and flourish,” senior brand manager, engagement and social impact at Dove Lauren Baker says.

The theme of this year’s event was #CROWNLove, which served as a reminder that by highlighting and loving the unique beauty of our hair as a community, there can be continued fostering of beauty inclusivity. In addition to Mitchell, honorees included Emmy Award-winning actress and activist Uzo Aduba; the voice of Gracie’s Corner Graceyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth, founder of Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium LaTosha Brown, and founder and CEO of Culture Brands and The Happy Hues Company Eunique Jones Gibson.

For honorees like Brown, having an advocate like Supervisor Mitchell lead the charge is essential. “Part of the value of having Supervisor Mitchell fight to get legislation like the CROWN Act passed is that she understands the freedom of wearing her hair in whatever style—she is us, and we are her,” Brown says. “Because she is a Black woman, the work she did, and continues to do, will always be relative to Black women and girls.”

As for being honored at the CROWN Awards herself, Brown says, “To be recognized by your peers is the highest honor. What excites me is that we’re generating joy with the CROWN Act and CROWN Awards. To share the spotlight with fellow recipients Uzo Aduba, Eunique Jones Gibson, Graceyn Hollingsworth, and Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who are doing this work daily, is one of the highest honors possible.”