BYRDIE — When we think of natural hairstyles with rich history and lasting popularity, Bantu knots always come to mind. Bantu knots are cool, convenient, and culturally significant, like cornrows, twists, and other natural hairstyles. You may have tried the sleek, geometric look on your own or seen it on your favorite celebs (like Rihanna or Lupita N'yongo.) Still, Bantu knots have been around for centuries. In the latest installation of Crowned, Star Donaldson, Byrdie's senior social media editor, explores the history and process of the look. Read more.

YAHOO! NEWS — Oregon joined a number of states in 2021 passing legislation that prohibits race-based hair discrimination in schools and the workplace. That bill has now gone into effect. House Bill 2935, known as the CROWN Act, stands for “creating a respectful and open world for natural hair” and enacts policies first introduced and passed in California in 2019. Read more.

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Peoria stylist Adrienne Jones said ethnic hairstyles like braids, locks, twists, and afros are a form of self-expression for Black Americans. “It represents who we are. In essence, it’s who we are as a people,” said Jones, who owns A Sharp Effect Salon in Peoria. Read more.

BYRDIE: In office settings, I've participated in and eavesdropped on conversations about Black women and our hair—and always come out exhausted. The difference is this: There's always an explanation when it comes to Black women and our hair. There's always a method or reason to be explained—we can never just be. Read more.

CNBC: In an office environment, one of the prevalent types of discrimination Black workers face is hair discrimination. For workplaces in states without the CROWN Act, however, employers are responsible for facilitating initiatives that support Black employees, especially during The Great Resignation. Read more.

ZORA: Around the age of 5, I sometimes used to play with a blue kitchen towel on my head. I wish I could tell you the towel was on my head because I was playing Star Wars or something more pro-fem like a strong lead on her escape to Mexico, but really, I was just pretending to have long hair. Hair that was very much unlike my Afro-hair. Read more.

TEMPE MINER: Tempe is now the second Arizona city to ban discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles, including at schools and in the workplace. The city said Monday that the Tempe City Council last week unanimously approved adding the Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN Act, to its anti-discrimination ordinance. Read more.

BRAFTON: #PassTheCrown by Dove In 2004, Dove debuted its #RealBeauty marketing campaign to center its platform mission statement around the core values of inclusivity, natural beauty, and positive body image. Since then, Dove has become an industry leader when it comes to intrinsically connecting values with new brand-defining campaigns. Read more.

NASHVILLE TENNESSEAN: Mickey Guyton brought a new and necessary perspective to the stage of the CMA Awards on Wednesday. The acclaimed country artist performed "Love My Hair" from her debut album, alongside Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards. Read more.

CMT: Mickey Guyton’s album track “Love My Hair” became a moment on the Country Music Awards (CMA) stage when the Grammy-nominated vocalist was joined in live performance by fellow rising African-American — and Nashville-based — singer-songwriters Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards. Read more.

EBONY.COM: Meet the co-creators of the CROWN Coalition, who are helping to fight hair discrimination and effecting the kind of change that’ll allow Black Americans to authentically be themselves in the workplace and beyond. Read more.

THRIVE GLOBAL: Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a clinical psychologist and hairstylist, argues that, for many Black women and girls, there’s a link between hair and mental health because “there’s a mismatch between how they want to look and how they are actually looking at the moment,” which can lead to “hair depression.” Low self-esteem can lead to a lack of self-worth — and it’s hard not to feel that low self-esteem when natural Black hair is often seen by society as less beautiful. Read more.

GOOD MORNING AMERICA: Watch this heartbreaking story of a 7-year-old student named Jurne and her father who says her teacher cut her hair without permission at school. During the segment, Jurnee’s father shared the traumatic impact experienced by his daughter spotlighting the importance of the CROWN Act and how legislation will protect children nationwide. View the GMA segment here.

RED TABLE TALK: Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and Chastity Jones, a victim of hair discrimination, joined Jada Pinkett-Smith, her daughter Willow, and her mother Gammy on their latest Red Table Talk Extra spotlighting race-based hair discrimination and the CROWN Act. You can watch and share the exclusive Red Table Talk segment here.

The CROWN Coalition Takes Action To Dismantle Hair Discrimination In Swimming

Swim Cap Ban Underscores Importance of Passing National CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Legislation.

#THECROWNACT

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THE BLACK WALL STREET TIMES: In a forum on Black hair for the National Parents Union, father Johnnie Corina is adamant on teaching his daughters to take pride in their hair. This became necessary when his daughters, 12-year-old Ja-Kyra and 8-year-old Jaelynn, were made fun of for wearing an afro to school. Read more.

ROLLING OUT: Dove, one of the most recognizable founders of the coalition, is hosting an exciting intergenerational experience as they champion the federal CROWN Act through social engagement, authentic storytelling, and activities focused on how all of us can help #PassTheCROWN. To date, 13 states have enacted the CROWN Act or laws inspired by the CROWN Act. A federal bill was introduced in both chambers of the U.S. Congress in March 2021. Read more.

FOR: IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DOVE AND THE CROWN COALITION CELEBRATE NATIONAL CROWN DAY JULY 3, 2021 WITH THE INAUGURAL CROWN AWARDS

Hosted By Tai Beauchamp, With Appearances From Tabitha Brown, Tashara Parker, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Tina Lifford And More!

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THE ROOT: For many Americans, this upcoming weekend is a celebration of the country’s independence from England—despite the persistent lack of freedoms afforded to marginalized people within this so-called liberated country’s confines. But for Black hair advocates, there’s another (and arguably better) Independence Day to celebrate this weekend, as July 3 marks the two-year anniversary of the signing of the CROWN Act, an acronym and movement intended to “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” Read more.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., June 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dove And The CROWN Coalition Celebrate The 2nd National CROWN Day With The Inaugural CROWN AWARDS On Saturday, July 3, 2021. Presented by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, National CROWN Day, also known as Black Hair Independence Day, is back! Read more.