Minneapolis marks 1st year of CROWN Act, ending hair discrimination

Exciting news for the beauty and Black community in Minnesota as the CROWN Act has been officially passed into law, providing protection against race-based hair discrimination in the workplace and in K-12 public and charter schools. After a snowstorm caused the cancellation of last year’s celebration, hair stylists, barbers, and members of the public came together to celebrate this important milestone at the Rock Your Crown event held at the Minneapolis Public Services Building.

The event, organized by the City of Minneapolis and the Hennepin County Employees Collaboration, honored the passage of the CROWN Act in 2023. The CROWN Act stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” and aims to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for individuals to wear their hair in its natural state without fear of discrimination.

Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, highlighted the importance of the CROWN Act and the need to ensure that individuals can express themselves authentically in the workplace. He emphasized that the law is not just about hair, but about dignity and respect for one’s humanity.

Regina Medina, MPR News community engagement manager with the Department of Neighborhood and Community Relations, spoke about the significance of hair in the Black community, describing beauty salons and barber shops as the heart and soul of Black neighborhoods. She shared personal experiences of visiting the barber shop as a child and the sense of community and connection it provided.

Ruby Tolbert, a Hennepin County employee, expressed her appreciation for the event and emphasized the importance of embracing all aspects of beauty and individuality. For many African-American women, hair is closely linked to their sense of beauty and identity, and the CROWN Act serves as a vital step towards greater acceptance and inclusivity.

Rock Your Crown was the final city-sponsored Black History Month event of the year, celebrating not just hair, but the resilience, beauty, and strength of the Black community. With the passage of the CROWN Act, Minnesota has taken a significant step towards creating a more respectful and open world for individuals to express themselves freely and proudly.