LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thursday Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer was joined by local leaders to sign the CROWN Act, a Metro Council ordinance that bans discrimination against a person based on their natural hair or hairstyles. CROWN stands for "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair."
"Today with the CROWN ACT we state firmly that this discrimination. In any form of discrimination is unacceptable," said Mayor Fischer.
The newly signed ordinance also protects people from unwanted touching including touching of their hair.
“Communities that embrace culture and diversity are strong communities,” the mayor said. “I hope this measure educates our community about the connection between hair and identity that has long been a part of Black culture, and the need to respect and protect the freedom to freely express oneself through hair style.”
In approving the ordinance, Metro Council members noted that Black hairstyles are nearly four times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional, with Black women more likely to be sent home from work because of hair biases.
“Hair texture is one of many distinguishing factors of one’s race while various coverings and adornments are reflection of one’s culture," Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3) said. "I am proud of this community’s unapologetic pursuit of justice, freedom, equity and excellence. The protection now extended to ones CROWN is major win for the entire community."
Members of the Real Young Prodigy’s youth music group joined in the signing ceremony and performed their official song “CROWN.”
"We're proud we're excited for everyone in Louisville. This is a big, big, big deal major for Louisville," parent of one of the members of The Real Young Prodigys, Rona Williams, said.
The youth group advocated throughout the city of Louisville and Frankfort for the passing of the CROWN Act.
Local natural hairstylist Bena Durrett of Essentially Unique Salon and Boutique says with this law it will allow more people to feel comfortable embracing which every hairstyle they deem fit for them and their lifestyle without worry of repercussion.
"This is what they need to see that our hair matters, we matter our hair matters our culture matters and we identify and if this is how we identify and if this is what we want to embrace, then let us be," Durrett said. "This is our comfort."
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