Presents
The Ladies of the CROWN Act
In Celebration of Women’s History Month
During Women’s History Month of 2021, Ebony Magazine celebrated the women behind the CROWN Act movement to end race-based hair discrimination nationwide. Fast forward to the present day, they continue to lead the team whose tireless work is ensuring that the fullness and authenticity of Black beauty is not only celebrated but protected in the workplace, schools, and beyond.
It is because of their vision and the village of remarkable legislators, scholars, coalition members, and supporters that we all can celebrate legislative wins across the country. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the women who are making history and a better tomorrow for future generations.
Esi Eggleston Bracey
President, Unilever USA, and CEO, Unilever Personal Care, North America
“Legislation is a part of the battle, but we’re still changing the culture so that we can create equity for Black Americans. Once we hit federal legislation, we’re also going to have to work on changing the culture so that our hair and our beauty continue to be embraced.”
As the executive champion of the CROWN Act movement, Esi has guided the Dove brand in its foundational role in the CROWN Coalition and as an official sponsor of the inaugural CROWN Act bill in California and the nationwide movement. Her leadership and track record of advocating for underestimated communities has enabled global brands like Dove with a blueprint for purpose-led marketing that drives positive impact for people and communities.
Kelli Richardson Lawson
Founder & CEO, House of JOY
“Black people see each other and feel each other. We understand each other. We get it. We understand the exhaustion, pain, struggle, and celebrations.”
Kelli is the glue and creative mastermind who used her extensive network of intelligent and passionate leaders to establish the dream team that developed the framework for the CROWN Act legislative movement.
Orlena Nwokah Blanchard
Managing Partner, Seven Elements Group
“We understood that when you change laws, that doesn’t mean that you change hearts and minds. It means you provide legal recourse. But to change hearts and minds, you have to make people aware of what actually exists in the world that needs to be changed.”
Orlena is the chief architect of the marketing and communications strategy behind the CROWN Act movement and carefully crafted much of the initial language used in the public discourse around the legislative movement.
Adjoa B. Asamoah
Founder & CEO, ABA Consulting
“Movement work has been my life’s work. So, for me, this is not new. I have never not done this.”
Adjoa is the lead legislative strategist behind the CROWN Act. As the daughter of a Pan-African father who is a retired political science and Africana studies professor and a mother born in the Jim Crow south ,one could say she was born to do this type of work. However, for her the work is about more than legislation. It highlights the collective power of Black women and Black people to influence public policy.
Read the entire article at ebony.com to learn more about The Ladies Of the CROWN Act.
Credits: Ebony Media Group, LLC, Editor-in-Chief & SVP, Programming Marielle Bobo, Creative Director Rashida Morgan-Bown, Photographer & Photo Director Keith major, Video Justin Rev. Barnes, Video Asst. Tyler Banks, Stylist Wouri Vice, Stylist Asst. Brandon Mccord, Stylist Asst. Nick Mathis, Hair Stylist Ursula Stephen for Dove Hair, Hair Stylist Monae Everett, Makeup Tara Lauren, Photography Asst. Cesar Rebollar, Photography Asst. Nafsi Bubb, Executive Producer Tracey Woods, On-set Producer Wendy Correa, Retoucher Digital 805 Retouching\, Managing Editor Joane Amay, Copy Chief Hope Wright, Clothing provided by Macy’s and Nordstrom NYC, Photographed at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Riverhouse Suite.
