From Tignon Laws to the CROWN Act: The Ongoing Struggle Against Racial Hair Discrimination in America

In the intricate fabric of American history, the regulation of “Black” people’s appearance, particularly our hair, has been a recurring pain in the ass since forever. From the Tignon laws of the 18th century to the more recent CROWN Act, legislative measures have sought to dictate and control how Black individuals present themselves in society. Discovering connections between the Tignon laws and the CROWN Act emphasizes the continued fight against racial prejudice towards hairstyles in America.

Tignon Laws: Historical Roots of Hair Regulation

The Tignon laws, enforced in Louisiana during the late 18th century, mandated that all women of African descent cover our hair with a headscarf, known as a tignon, in public spaces. These laws, born out of racial anxieties and social hierarchies, aimed to suppress the perceived beauty and allure of Black women. By regulating their appearance, authorities sought to diminish our social influence and reinforce racial hierarchies.

The Tignon laws, however, did not quell the resilience of Black women. Instead, we turned the mandated headscarves into symbols of resistance and cultural pride, adorning them with vibrant fabrics and accessories. Despite the oppressive nature of these laws, they sparked a spirit of defiance and resilience within the Black community.

The CROWN Act: A Forward-Thinking Strategy Against Racial Hair Bias

As a black woman, I see the ongoing battle against racial hair discrimination persisting into the 21st century. Our fight was epitomized by the introduction of the CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) ACT. This legislation initially pioneered in California in 2019 and subsequently embraced by various other states, endeavors to end discrimination rooted in hairstyles associated with specific races or origins, such as afros, braids, twists, and locs. It’s a testament to our resilience and determination that laws like the CROWN Act are gaining traction, challenging societal norms, and carving out spaces where our natural beauty is respected rather than condemned.

The CROWN Act marks a significant stride in the ongoing fight against systemic racism, particularly in workplaces and schools. By recognizing the cultural significance of Black hairstyles and affirming individuals’ rights to embrace their natural hair, this legislation aims to dismantle long-standing discriminatory practices that have marginalized Black people across America. It’s not just about hair; it’s about reclaiming our identities and asserting our presence in spaces where our authenticity has too often been questioned or belittled.

A Comparison: Tignon Laws vs. the CROWN Act

While separated by centuries, the Tignon laws and the CROWN Act share striking similarities in their attempts to regulate Black people’s appearance, particularly our hair. Both legislative measures stem from deep-seated racial biases and aim to control how individuals present themselves in society.

However, there are crucial differences between the two. Unlike the Tignon laws, which sought to suppress the beauty and identity of Black women, the CROWN Act endeavors to celebrate and protect the cultural heritage and diversity of Black hairstyles. Additionally, while the Tignon laws were enforced through legal mandates, the CROWN Act represents a grassroots movement driven by the collective efforts of activists, lawmakers, and community members.

Reality Check…

Can we take a moment to be fukkin’ for real? How free is freedom if laws are necessary to protect our hair in its natural state? The fact that it’s 2024 and we are dealing with continued discrimination issues on something as simple as our natural appearance is crazy.  I can’t see how we as a people have any real power when we need legislation such as the Crown Act.  Take a moment and think about it.  We went from not being able to show our hair to being dictated on how to style our hair because our natural hair is frowned upon. From the Tignon laws of the 18th century to the modern-day CROWN Act, the regulation of Black people’s appearance with their hair has been deeply intertwined with America’s history of racial discrimination… I’m tired.

While the Tignon laws sought to suppress the identity and agency of Black women, the CROWN Act represents a step toward acknowledging and affirming the cultural significance of our hairstyles. Despite the progress made, the fight against racial hair discrimination is far from over, highlighting the ongoing need for legislative reform and societal change.

Through the lens of history and legislation, we recognize the resilience and resistance of our Black community in the face of systemic oppression, affirming the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their appearance or heritage.