Tracee Ellis Ross‘ natural hair became a topic of conversation on Saturday, July 3, after the actress uploaded a video displaying her massive blow-dried mane while informing her fans of a momentous occasion known as CROWN Day.
National CROWN Day, which is also recognized as the anniversary of the signing of The CROWN Act in California, was first introduced by then-Senator Holly J. Mitchell in early 2019 and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on July 3, 2019. CROWN Day is reportedly a day of solidarity where all Black men, women and children would boldly wear their natural hair without fear of being discriminated against by the school or workplace.
In Ross’ lengthy post, she mentioned despite the law only being enforced in 13 states, she, as well as others, are hoping to bring awareness to the remaining 37 states who have failed to recognize that “hairstyle discrimination is an economic issue and a civil rights issue.”
The “black-ish” star said, “While the CROWN Act is law in 13 states, we are pushing for the other 37 states because hairstyle discrimination is an economic issue and a civil rights issue. Grooming policies are arbitrarily enforced to prevent access to academic and economic opportunities for the Black community. The CROWN Act is an essential policy, safeguarding the existence, dignity, and humanity of Black people. Our hair, our heritage, our legacy is beautiful and we are worthy of employment and worthy of opportunities just as we are.”
She wrapped up the upload by instructing her followers to go to The CROWN Act’s official website to learn more about ending “hair discrimination.”
Ross accompanied the informational caption with a light-hearted video that displayed the 48-year running her fingers through her hair as she said, “She gray, she gray yall. She gray yall. Hey, hey. Happy CROWN Day.” As followers viewed Ross’ clip, many were left enamored by her voluminous locks.
“Look how HAPPY your hair is!!!”
“This post makes me want to RRRROOOOOOOAAARRRRR.”
“What a Glorious✨ crown you have. 👑.”
“Hair goals! Beautiful.”
Natural hair has been such a fundamental part of Ross’ life that in 2019 she created a haircare brand named Pattern. Ross previously mentioned that the product, which was 10 years in the making, was essentially developed for women with 3B to 4C textures. She said in an Instagram post, “@patternbeauty is the result of 20 years of dreaming, 10 years in the making (I wrote my first brand pitch in 2008, right when girlfriends finished ), and 2 years of working with chemists. I’m so excited to share this with y’all.”
