Sumter Natives Launch Sumter Crown Act Coalition

If you haven't heard of Sumter native Michela Angela Davis, you are missing out on an awe-inspiring person. Davis has been working in Sumter, SC, and her work has been very impactful and impressive. Davis produced the Hulu hit and NAACP IMAGE AWARD nominated "Hair Tales" starring Oprah Winfrey, Chloe Bailey, Tracey Ellis Ross, and many others. So, what's next, and how does Sumter tie into the national movement?

Davis has launched a nonprofit organization called Sumter Crown Act Coalition. The Crown Act is a national campaign geared towards anti-discrimination policies surrounding the textures and styles of hair. Folks have been discriminated against in the workplace and at schools due to their hair for centuries, and there is a national outcry for change. Currently, 22 states recognize the Crown Act, with Texas being the most recent.

The Sumter Crown Act Coalition is co-founded by Cheryl Moye, Terrell Woods, Dia Clyburn, and Davis to create a respectful, open environment for natural hair and stop race-based hair discrimination. According to research conducted by DOVE, 86% of black teens said they had faced discrimination by age 12. Moye believes we can do what Dekalb County did and include protective hairstyles in local ordinances. President Biden is also working to pass this law nationally, having already passed in the House. "Our goal is to get this passed locally in the next year," says Moye.

Moye continues stating, "framework and the foundation for the Crown Act is already in place. We just need to amend the current policies. We not only need to do this for our children, but also our community. We have to be the voice for the voiceless. This will protect future generations of children experiencing trauma from hair related incidents, as well as protect communities from lawsuits."

"Let's do this for our children."