SAG-AFTRA Joins the Congressional Black Caucus to Support the CROWN Act

SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Los Angeles Michelle Hurd was a featured speaker at Glory: Conversations on the CROWN Act on Nov. 14 at Howard University in D.C. SAG-AFTRA continues its ongoing work to advance hair and makeup equity through contract negotiations, industry partnerships, campaigns and other legislative efforts. The union wholeheartedly supports the CROWN Act, recently releasing a letter of support for its passing the Senate. 

Hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus and the office of U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman, other participants included representatives Barbara Lee, Gwen Moore, Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley. 

Sen. Cory Booker began the program with a dedication to the women in Congress and activists who have championed this act, leading to 18 states already passing the CROWN Act. “For Black people, hair is rooted in the stories of our resistance. It is rooted in the beauty of our past. It is rooted in the defiance of a culture that demands its firm status in the beauty of America,” he said.

The panel centered its roundtable discussion on hair discrimination, its history and effects in society, particularly for Black communities, and how the federal CROWN Act is an important step in reversing that damage. Panelists answered a multitude of questions from student moderators, with personal anecdotes about their journey towards hair acceptance. As the sole performer among the group, Hurd’s answers stemmed from her personal and professional experiences as an actor, and she discussed the reasons why she backed the CROWN Act’s passing. 

Following the event, Hurd met with legislators and attendees. Students were gifted bags from Black woman-owned beauty brands. 

The CROWN Act, (H.R. 2116/S. 888), if passed, would effectively end hair texture-based discrimination across the country. First introduced by Watson-Coleman and Booker and passed by the House of Representatives in March, the bill addresses discriminatory practices in public and private workspaces, including those in the entertainment and media industry.

Photo: From left, Howard University Assistant VP of External Affairs Joe Leonard; U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley; SAG-AFTRA VP, Los Angeles Michelle Hurd; Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman; Rep. Ilhan Omar and Sen. Cory Booker for the ‘Glory: Conversations on the CROWN Act’ roundtable discussion at Howard University on Nov. 14.