Sen. Akbari’s CROWN Act passes Tennessee Senate

NASHVILLE — Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) is celebrating the passage of the CROWN Act, a bill that aims to protect people wearing natural hairstyles from discrimination.

The Tennessee Senate approved the CROWN Act, an acronym that stands for Creating an Open and Respectful World with No Racism, on a 28–0 vote May 3.

Under Senate Bill 136, employers and public schools would be prohibited from discriminating against Black people who choose to wear their hair in a natural state or protective style such as braids, locks or twists.

Sen. Akbari was raised by Lisa Akbari, who, in Memphis, is known as “the hair doctor.” At the Akbari-founded World Trichology Institute, they have helped thousands of clients learn to better treat and care for their natural hair.

“My mom is known as ‘The Hair Doctor’ and growing up I saw so many people find dignity and self respect in being able to wear their hair naturally,” Sen. Akbari says. “No one should be shamed or denied opportunities because of their natural hair and that’s what the CROWN Act is all about.”

Sen. Akbari says the goal of the CROWN Act is to normalize natural hair and prevent people from being overlooked, excluded or marginalized because of a natural hair style.

The bill will be heard in the House in 2022.