Monday marks National CROWN Day, which celebrates the signing of the CROWN act in 2019, a law designed to prohibit race-based discrimination, including in the workplace because of hair texture or hairstyles. Recent research shows that Black women in the U.S. are less likely to feel inclusion, connection and trust with their colleagues. Moreover, a whopping 66% reported not feeling safe at work, according to a 2022 report. To address this, Harvard Business Review outlines actionable steps for organizations, including:
- Revisiting DEI statements and commitments made in 2020.
- Performing pay audits to ensure equality.
- Training for managers focused on openness toward factors of identity, including race.
Below, LinkedIn members share what CROWN Day means to them. Share your thoughts using #crownday.
By Jessica Hartogs, Editor at LinkedIn News
BY JENN TARDY
Did you know that today, July 3rd, is National CROWN Day (aka Black Hair Independence Day)? I am here for it and super ready to honor this journey. We’ve made so much progress in putting an end to race-based hair discrimination in the U.S. thanks to the CROWN Coalition, co-founded by @dove who are adamant to pass legislation into law around the country. #DovePartner
I am screaming at the top of my lungs – HAPPY #CROWNDAY! This is for every person with hair like mine that has a deep, personal desire for the freedom to wear their hair however they want in the workplace, but fear the denial of career opportunities. This fight is for you! This fight is personal. #TheCROWNAct is for us and thanks to the CROWN Coalition, co-founded by Dove and its partners and the brand’s latest #BlackHairIsProfessional initiative in partnership with @linkedin, it is only going to keep getting better.
It’s time to normalize Black hair in the workplace.
Isn’t it crazy that there are STILL times that I could be told that I am not “qualified” or “professional” enough to deliver a keynote because of my locs?
For me, it was never about IF I wanted to loc my hair. I’ve adored loc styles since I was a teenager. My loc journey started with making a brave decision to quit chemically relaxing my hair in 2009, which led me to invest in protective hairstyles like braids and sew-ins.
It was in 2015 that I made the personal decision (against everyone’s opinion!) to loc up all my curls and wear my locs boldly into the office the next day. I had to deal with questions and opinions about something that belonged to me, ya’ll. Can you imagine?
I wish Black Hair Independence Day was around when I started out in the workplace. Reaching this space today was such an emotional journey though it did not have to be. People with hair like mine still have to choose between their hair and career opportunities. Just know that it has been such a journey to get here and that is why I am here to remind everyone that #BlackHairIsProfessional.