1/30 The CROWN Conference: Can Public Policy End Hair Discrimination?
The purpose of this conference was to discuss, educate, and illuminate the need for a New Jersey bill known as the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Naturals) to protect the rights of those who choose to wear their hair in natural (just the way it grows) hairstyles such as Afros, braids, twists, and locs, hairstyles commonly worn by people of African descent in the workplace and schools. Moderated by Patricia O’Brien-Richardson, Ph.D., MS. Ed, Associate Professor of Teaching, Bloustein School. Panelists included Sandra Cunningham, State Senator and Co-Sponsor of the bill; Angela McKnight, Assemblywoman and Co-Sponsor of the bill; Dr. Bernice B. Rumala, Crown Campaign Co-founder; Shemekka Ebony Coleman, Crown Campaign Co-founder.