Forward Together - CROWN Act

This piece illustrates the intimacy that comes with hair care and the role it plays in Black American culture. At the focal point of the image is the mother whose hands intricately braid her child’s hair, the grandmother figure stands the tallest and represents ancestral guidance being passed down to younger generations. The action of braiding each other’s hair serves an electric-like current of knowledge and pride. Intergenerational hair care is a form of self-care.

From ForwardTogether.com:

THE CROWN ACT - A VICTORY FOR BLACK WOMEN IN OREGON

In 2021, Black leaders across Oregon advocated to pass the CROWN Act — so that it’s no longer legal to police Black hair in schools or at workplaces. Whether it was testifying, lobbying, or calling on community members to urge legislators to vote yes on the CROWN Act, our leaders fought to win this victory and ensure Black students and workers have protections for wearing natural & protective hairstyles to school and work.

Check out this Know Your Rights Guide for Black students and families to learn more about how to utilize the CROWN Act protection at your school – and download this beautiful piece of art co-created by our leaders and artist, Paola De La Cruz!