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Presidential hopeful Senator Corey Booker has announced the first federal bill that bans natural hair discrimination.
The Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act makes clear that discrimination based on natural hairstyles associated with people of African descent is a prohibited form of racial or national origin discrimination. This includes hair that is tightly coiled or tightly curled, locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Afros.
“Discrimination against black hair is discrimination against black people,” Senator Booker said in a press release. “Implicit and explicit biases against natural hair are deeply ingrained in workplace norms and society at large. This is a violation of our civil rights, and it happens every day for black people across the country. You need to look no further than Gabrielle Union, who was reportedly fired because her hair was ‘too black’ — a toxic dog-whistle African Americans have had to endure for far too long. No one should be harassed, punished, or fired for the beautiful hairstyles that are true to themselves and their cultural heritage. Our work on this important issue was enhanced by the tireless advocacy of my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, Crown Coalition advocate Adjoa B. Asamoah, and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.”
U.S. Representative Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives and is joined by Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), and Barbara Lee (D-CA).
“For too long, black women and girls have been told that their hair is too curly, too unprofessional, too distracting,” Rep. Pressley said. “As a Congresswoman, I choose to wear my hair in twists because I want to intentionally create space for all of us to show up in the world as our authentic selves – whether it’s in the classroom, in the workplace or in the halls of Congress. I am proud to support the CROWN Act, which is a bold step towards ensuring that people can stand in their truth while removing the narrative that black people should show up as anything other than who they are.”
“It is disheartening that, in 2019, hair discrimination creates additional barriers for people of color in education and places of employment,” Rep. Fudge said. “Traditional hairstyles worn by African Americans are often necessary to meet our unique needs, and are a representation of our culture and ethnicity. To require anyone to change their natural appearance to acquire educational resources or a job is undeniably an infringement on their civil rights. I’m proud to be a co-sponsor of the House companion of the C.R.O.W.N. Act which protects against discrimination based on hair in federally funded institutions and in the workplace.”
This year, California and New York passed laws banning hair discrimination, and at least six more states, including New Jersey, are considering similar laws.
The battle between our favorite superheroes and their fantasy football leagues rages on. With each new week, the stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (and other superhero properties) take to the fields (metaphorically) to raise money for charity. Now, in week 14, we’re down to a few heroes fighting for the top spot for their charity of choice.
Trash talk has become something of a fun game between our favorite stars. In the beginning, Ryan Reynolds and Robert Downey Jr. sent each other videos psyching each other up for their big games. (I still want that Robert Downey Jr. cookie though.) This week, Nebula herself is read to take on Reynolds no matter what it takes.
An EXCLUSIVE video of @karengillan trash-talking @VancityReynolds and @prattprattpratt? We love to see it for the #AGBOSuperheroFantasyLeague! Check out our article on Ryan and Karen’s tie! @AGBOfilms https://t.co/MwDrPFOMm6 pic.twitter.com/aPtFxkGLiY
— The Mary Sue (@TheMarySue) December 9, 2019
Oh…oh well…I guess Karen Gillan killed Chris Pratt with a flame-thrower in the name of charity. Well, you have to do what you have to do to win, even if that means murdering Chris Pratt when you are, in fact, playing Ryan Reynolds this week. (Does murder stick in a happy place? Are we all now witnesses to Karen Gillan committing murder? Who is to say.)
Playing for Mikeysline, a non-judgment helpline for peers, Karen Gillan has been seriously in the game since back in September and you know what? I’m rooting for her! Gillan, in her very sweet yet fun manner, had this to say to get ready for her big match against Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds.
Who will win and take home the prize for their favorite charity? We’ll have to wait and see but already Nebula and Deadpool have taken out Spider-Man, Captain America, and Iron Man, so things are getting pretty heated in the league!
(image: Marvel Entertainment)
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