ATLANTA – State Representatives Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Rhonda Burnough (D-Riverdale) commend the Clayton County Board of Commissioners on the local passage of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. These legislators will also hold a virtual press conference to discuss the CROWN Act TODAY, Friday, February 5, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. via Zoon. To participate in the virtual press conference, please click here.
“The history of our nation is riddled with laws and societal norms that have equated ‘blackness’ and its associated physical traits, such as dark skin and kinky and curly hair, to a badge of inferiority,” said Rep. Schofield. “This form of racism has subjected African American individuals to separate and unequal treatment in the workplace, businesses, schools and housing. Natural hair remains a rampant source of racial discrimination with serious economic and health consequences, especially for African American individuals. The CROWN Act bridges a gap to informing, accepting and embracing our beauty and culture.”
“With all the racial hatred and voter suppression we are dealing with today, the CROWN Act should not be the issue,” said Rep. Scott. “African American women should have the right to wear their natural hair in braids, locs, twists or knots anywhere and at any time. Thank you, Clayton County, for recognizing the importance and significance of the CROWN Act.”
“Dating back to slavery, any expression of one’s ‘blackness’ was prohibited, and our hair is just one aspect of the culture that has been diluted to console society,” said Rep. Burnough. “A hairstyle does not define professionalism, but one’s reaction to it should. Whether conscious or unconscious, such biases are simply one more excuse to keep Black women from having a seat at the table. The CROWN Act acknowledges that the varied natural hairstyles Black women wear uniquely express individuality, build self-esteem and identity. A hairstyle is not the sum total of any one person. Let’s stop finding reasons to divide Americans and start focusing on what unites us.”
The Clayton County Board of Commissioners’ version of the CROWN Act is an anti-discrimination ordinance which makes it illegal for Clayton County businesses to discriminate based on cultural hair textures and hairstyles. Members of the Clayton County House Legislative Delegation commend the commissioners’ decision that protects Black women who live, work and play in Clayton County.
For more information on the CROWN Act movement, please click here.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2017, and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Information and Audits, Interstate Cooperation, and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected into the House Representatives in 2010, and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees. Representative Scott also serves as Secretary of the Clayton County Legislative Delegation.
Representative Rhonda Burnough represents the citizens of District 77, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2016, and currently serves on the Special Committee on Election Integrity, Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Higher Education, and Small Business Development committees. Representative Burnough also serves as Chair of the Clayton County Legislative Delegation.
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