The New Jersey Black Women’s Collective Celebrates National CROWN Day

Honoring Our Crowns. Protecting Our Freedom.

Trenton, NJ – Today, the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective (NJBWC) proudly joins the nationwide celebration of National CROWN Day, a significant observance dedicated to honoring identity, culture, and the right of Black women to wear their natural hair and protective styles with pride. Established in 2021, NJBWC is the state's first comprehensive advocacy group focused on expanding leadership pipelines for Black women across the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

The CROWN Act, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that prohibits hair discrimination in the workplace and beyond. New Jersey was among the first states to enact this legislation in 2019, affirming that traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles, are protected by law.

“It’s essential for Black women to know their rights when it comes to their hair,” said Taraun Tice McNight, Co-President of NJBWC. “For far too long, workplace cultures have forced Black women to conform to Eurocentric standards of beauty. The CROWN Act is a vital tool in dismantling these discriminatory practices.”

Co-President Tennille R. McCoy, state legislator and Chair of the NJBWC Leadership Institute, added, “Celebrating National CROWN Day is not just about hair; it’s about affirming our identity and the strength we derive from our heritage. We are committed to fostering leaders who understand the importance of this legislation and who will advocate for a future where all Black women can thrive without fear of discrimination.”

The act legally defines protective hairstyles, including braids, locs, twists, cornrows, afros, bantu knots, and fades, as immutable racial characteristics. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) now prohibits any grooming policy that explicitly or implicitly targets natural Black hairstyles.

Chimere Haskins, NJBWC Policy Coordinator, emphasized, “Your hair is not just hair; it is your heritage. The law protects your right to wear it with pride. We invite everyone to reflect on the progress we've made and the work that remains to ensure equity and dignity for all.”

If you experience discrimination, resources are available:
- New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR): File a complaint at nj.gov/oag/dcr or call (609) 292-4605.
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): For federal claims, visit eeoc.gov or call 1-800-669-4000.
- Employment Attorney Consultation: Reach out to the NJ State Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service at (609) 394-5000.

The NJBWC stands firm in its commitment to empowering Black women and advocating for their rights.

For more information about NJBWC, our leadership initiatives, and upcoming events, please visit https://njblackwomenscollective.org.