SHOW YOUR #CROWNLove
ON NATIONAL CROWN DAY
National CROWN Day is a special holiday commemorating the inaugural signing of the first CROWN Act legislation in California on July 3, 2019, to “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.”
The 2024 Summer of CROWN is all about #CROWNLove - a celebration of self-discovery, empowerment, and the beauty found in authenticity from CROWN to toe.
Through every twist, curl, and coil, we discover the beauty of acceptance and the importance of self-appreciation. CROWN Love isn't just about hairstyles; it's a journey of self-discovery, self-care, and self-love. Together, we bask in the warmth of self-acceptance and celebrate the unique beauty of every CROWN, fostering a supportive movement that embraces and uplifts all.
Ways To Celebrate
Celebrate National CROWN Day on July 3rd and help us end race-based hair discrimination nationwide.
Celebrate Black Hair Independence and help raise awareness of race-based hair discrimination by using the CROWN filter and sharing your story using #CROWNLove
Search your favorite social media platforms using #CROWNDay #CROWNAct and #PassTheCROWN stickers!
Sign the petition to help end race-based hair discrimination!
Summer of CROWN
Celebrating the Youngest CROWNS As Early As Five
Join Dove and the beloved children's YouTube series, "Gracie's Corner," in a special alliance celebrating the beauty of natural hair and the empowering CROWN movement. In the heartwarming short film, "Gracie's CROWN," on the "Gracie's Corner" YouTube channel, Gracie enlightens her audience and parents about the significance of embracing and loving their hair while educating them about the transformative CROWN Act. Look for a new “Gracie’s Corner” video coming this month.
A CELEBRATION OF IMPACTFUL CHANGEMAKERS
The fourth annual CROWN Awards highlighted the extraordinary strength, grace, and perseverance of notable Black women and girls, whether at the forefront or behind the scenes of change, whose talents and leadership help advance the legacy of Black beauty and brilliance.
HOSTED BY
We shined a well-deserved spotlight on their achievements and celebrated their unwavering contributions. It was an event where inspiration, empowerment, and recognition came together in a truly captivating celebration.
HONOREES
ENTERTAINMENT AWARD
Emmy Award-winning Actress, Producer and Activist
Uzo Aduba is a trailblazing actress, producer, activist, and mother. She soared to fame with her Emmy-winning portrayal of Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren in the acclaimed Netflix series, "Orange is the New Black," where her character proudly sported bantu knots.
Her remarkable talent has garnered her prestigious accolades, including SAG and Emmy® awards, making her the first Black actress to achieve such recognition in both categories. Beyond her on-screen achievements, Aduba has leveraged her platform to advocate for inclusivity and challenge oppressive beauty standards.
In a poignant essay published by Glamour in 2020, Aduba shared her personal hair journey, and how she refuses to adhere to imperialistic standards of beauty. Whether rocking knots on screen or embracing her natural afro off-screen, she serves as an empowering icon for Black women everywhere, demonstrating that natural hair is not only beautiful but also professional. Aduba's unwavering commitment to authenticity and representation not only elevates her craft but also inspires a generation to embrace their true selves unapologetically.
LEGACY AWARD
LA County Supervisor & CROWN Champion
Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell authored and passed the CROWN Act - making California the first state to pass the CROWN Act, ending race-based hair discrimination in the workplace and in schools. Her leadership in this effort set a precedent for other states to follow. The law has now been passed in 26 states, positively impacting the lives of over 31 million people. Supervisor Mitchell’s leadership of The CROWN Act and her ongoing commitment to the CROWN movement has ushered in a new era of hope for Black people to have the freedom to wear our hair as we choose without fear of discrimination.
VANGUARD AWARD
Activist, Visionary, Institution Builder & Creative
As a catalyst for change, thought leader and social strategist, Latosha Brown’s national and global efforts have been known to organize, inspire and catapult people into action. This innovative storyteller is shifting the narrative of Black Americans through media, campaigns, and nonprofit projects.
As the co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund and the BVM Capacity Building Institute, LaTosha is adamant about ensuring that all human beings have access to quality education, safety, security, peace, love and happiness.
LaTosha is also the creator of the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium where she works to enlighten, empower, and amplify the voices of Black women and girls in the South. She has created a Black Girls Dream Fund in which she donates over $1 million per year in grants to organizations that support Black Girls. She also does the “Black Girl JOY Challenge” and hosts an annual “Black Girl Dream Conference”. Her relentless advocacy for Black people and voting, along with her dedication to Black Women and girls makes her a deserving recipient of this year’s CROWN Vanguard Award.
BUSINESS AWARD
Founder and CEO of Culture Brands, and The Happy Hues Company
Eunique Jones Gibson is a cultural architect, brand builder, business owner and storyteller whose revolutionary campaigns have created global movements. In 2013, Eunique launched Because of Them, We Can® (BOTWC), an award-winning campaign that helps people reimagine their possibilities. Founded during Black History Month with a mission to empower the next generation to honor the legacy of their ancestors, the multimedia platform has evolved into a global megaphone for Black Excellence.
Eunique's unapologetic commitment to representation and the celebration of culture and community is vividly clear, as evidenced by her creation of Culture Brands and her instant classic game #CultureTags which is carried online and in Target stores. The #CultureTags game captures the joy and nostalgia of the Black experience and was named one of America's Hottest brands by Ad Age. Eunique recently established The Happy Hues Company, an inclusive baby essentials company focused on building a better world by nurturing happy and healthy babies from the inside out. The company launched in 2023 with its flagship product – Big-ups training pants.
YOUNG CROWN AWARD
Voice of "Gracie's Corner"
Graceyn is the star of the hugely popular YouTube children’s series, “Gracie's Corner” which provides positive and authentic representation of Black children and families, which is crucial for fostering a sense of pride and self-worth. With her hugely popular “I Love my Hair” song and multiple nursery rhyme classics with hundreds of millions of downloads, “Gracie’s Corner” is a family favorite and a cultural phenomenon.
Last year, we collaborated with Gracie on a custom CROWN episode spotlighting the importance of loving and celebrating our natural hair and we’re partnering this year on another special episode. Through her engaging and educational content, Graceyn serves as a role model and inspiration to Black children around the world.
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