To: Karen Bennett
Georgia Youth for the CROWN Act
Dear Karen Bennett,
My name is Emelia Amike and I am a student at Discovery High School in Georgia and a constituent in your district. I am writing to ask you to support and help pass the CROWN Act in Georgia.
The CROWN Act, which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” The discrimination based on natural hairstyles and hair textures commonly associated with race, including braids, twists, locs, Bantu knots, and Afros. Passing this law state wide would ensure the black population within Georgia is not only protected but supported within our state. It’s not simple enough to make it district wide but state wide as well.
For many students and professionals, hair is more than a style or trend. It’s associated with their identity, culture, and heritage. No one should have to choose between expressing who they are and accessing work or education. Black men and women shouldn’t be told they need to hide a vital part of themselves just to be allowed into spaces.. Unfortunately, hair discrimination still affects students in schools and employees in workplaces across the state.
As a young person, I believe every student/worker deserves to feel accepted, respected, and safe without worrying that their natural hair could lead to punishment, exclusion, or unfair treatment. Georgia has a moral obligation to ensure that our black population do not face any discrimination based on natural hair.
Passing the CROWN Act would make sure that our state upholds the values of equality, inclusion, and dignity for all residents no matter the skin tone. It would also help ensure that future generations can focus on learning, growing, and succeeding instead of facing discrimination because of their appearance.
To conclude, I ask that you support and advocate for the passage of the CROWN Act during this legislative session. I would also appreciate the opportunity to hear your thoughts on this issue and learn what steps you believe can be taken to protect Georgians from hair discrimination. I would love to meet or exchange contacts in order to discuss this matter further.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to representing our community. I hope you will stand with students, families, and workers across Georgia by supporting the CROWN Act.
Why is this important?
The reason this is so important is because hair discrimination affects us all as a whole. The black community has been fighting for years for equality and justice. Hair discrimination is just another thing that stops the black community from moving forward from generational traumas and struggles. Hoping the campaign and getting the crown act passed state wide will ensure prrotection for black people when they enter spaces and know that not only are they allowed into these spaces, but invited.
