The Right to Protect My CROWN

Sha'Niah Williams            

This paper is about African Americans and the challenges we face in corporate America due to our natural roots. The purpose of this presentation is to educate those on the CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” The CROWN Act was established due to people of color, specifically African Americans, facing challenges and discrimination due to their hair. This paper was supported by news articles from all over the country where local, state, and national government have given their opinions on this act as well as implementing laws preventing business owners from discriminating against people of color due to their hair. However, there are still issues where government officials are leaving the decision in the hands of business owners which ultimately makes it more difficult for African Americans and people of color, in general, to secure jobs across the country and possibly across the world. Understanding the importance of African Americans and our hair will create a better understanding of why laws need to be in place to protect our hair and the struggles we face while trying to conform to corporate America's desire. 

• Sha’Niah Williams is sophomore majoring in Human Services. She works for the Housing Department as a Resident Assistant and is a member of the Lander ROTC Highlander Battalion. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,