Friday, March 29, 2024

Crowning Glory

January 25, 2023 by  
Filed under Feature

Of course, natural Black hair shouldn’t be controversial — but we are still fighting for the right to be our authentic selves in corporate America and beyond

Before combing through the issue, let’s start with a definition: when we use the word “crown,” it relates to our hair. 

The regal metaphor isn’t coincidental. Hair has been symbolically connected to one’s strength or power since Biblical times. And for many Black people, it is also emblematic of self-love, consciousness, and respect for our ancestors — the original people. 

In the words of former Essence magazine editor-in-chief Susan Taylor, “to dread loc one’s hair is a spiritual journey that many don’t change.” The same can be said about braiding one’s hair and or wearing it naturally without texture-altering chemicals. 

Sadly, that proud history hasn’t stopped well-documented discrimination against natural Black hair — in corporate America, schools, and other settings. It has been particularly harmful to Black women and girls who wear styles such as dread locs, braids, twists, Bantu Knots, and afros. 

That specific brand of bigotry is what motivated a proposed law known as The Crown Act, which would forbid discrimination based on hair texture and hair styles. The House of Representatives passed it last March, but Senate Republicans have thus far opted to block final passage in Congress. 

That is unfortunate and troubling. The American establishment must respect the fullness of Black identity — and Las Vegas Black Image will always stand with those who fight for our right to bring our whole selves to the world.

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