BILL AGAINST HAIR DISCRIMINATION HEADS TO TEXAS GOVERNOR

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Her work was critical in the drafting of House Bill 567, better known as "Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair," aka the Crown Act," by Democratic Rep. Rhetta Bowers. The legislation would ban race-based discrimination in Texas workplaces, schools, and housing policies. Last Friday, the Senate approved the Crown Act by a vote of 29-1. Now it heads to the desk of Governor Greg Abbott, who has not said in which direction he is leaning.

The discussion over what hairstyles are "proper" has been an ongoing conversation since the 1700s, when slaves who worked on the outside covered their hair with scarves while those who worked on the inside in the big house wore styles like those of slave owners. When slaves became free people, they grew more confident in their self-expression. The feminine wiles of African American women proved too much for white men, and that did not sit well with white women who noticed the wondering eyes of the white men.

Louisiana Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró declared the Tignon Law of 1786. The law said women of

African descent had to cover their hair when in public to hide their beauty and prevent them from receiving any favorable treatment because of their looks. Time stretched on freed Blacks took on a European image and wanted to straighten their hair. Madame C. J. Walker capitalized on this movement to become the first black female selfmade millionaire for her miracle hair grower, straightening combs, and other products. Activist Marcus Garvey was also on the forefront, saying, "Don’t remove the kinks from your hair! Remove them from your brain!" to encourage African Americans to wear their hair in its natural state.

A natural hair movement began to sweep the country among African Americans. More and more African Americans were freely and proudly wearing their hair in all kinds of unique, creative ways. That kind of freedom came with a certain attitude: they were not going to be pushed over, and they knew their rights.

In 1976, Beverly Jeanne Jenkins filed the first hair discrimination suit against her employer, Blue Cross Mutu- al Hospital Insurance, Inc., who denied her a job promotion solely because she wore an afro. Jenkins was successful in her suit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Renee Rogers brought a suit against her employer, American Airlines, which had hair policies banning braids in the workplace. Her argument was that wearing her hair in braids was "culturally important to herself and to other black women." Rogers lost her suit since American Airlines’ policies applied to both men and women, did not violate her Thirteenth Amendment rights, and her hair could be easily changed.

Throughout history, black hair has been criticized for its beauty or lack thereof, its power or weakness, or whatever way it makes another person feel inferior. What has also been true throughout history is that black hair won’t be tamed. Just as unique and culturally diverse as African Americans are, black hair is and will continue to evolve and be the same. The CROWN Act protects the freedom of self-expression and lets African Americans wear it however and wherever they want.

HOprah Shares A Special Mother’s Day Message

H– because the responsibility of passing on a sense of worth and a sense of legacy, a sense of values to another human being… just think about that. It is truly an incredible thing. And any mother who is doing it right has learned the art of patience and sacrifice.

So, you mothers and caregivers deserve a daily celebration, not just a day to be celebrated. Today I hope you get the acknowledgement you deserve. But even if you don’t, I hope you acknowledge and know for yourself how important and valuable you are to the world. And I hope you give that acknowledgement to anybody who has been a mother to you or been mothering to you.

So, in honor of Mother’s Day, I say glory, glory, glory, hallelujah to you all.

The Texas Black Expo will be honoring 13 extraordinary educators from the greater Houston area during its annual Summer Celebration weekend of events, starting May 19, 2023, at the Marriott Marquis hotel. The honorees range in function and come from a variety of educational institutions, including both public and charter schools and universities, throughout Houston and surrounding areas.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of Texas Black Expo, and the occasion is being met with excitement and a focus on the community.

"Educators are the cornerstone of our society, shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators,” said Texas Black Expo Founder Jerome D. Love. “By recognizing their hard work and dedication, we not only show our gratitude, but also inspire others to value the transformative power of education.

They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation for their tireless efforts in nurturing young minds and making a positive difference in our communities."

Honorees include:

Outstanding Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Aldine ISD

Outstanding Higher Education Admin- istrator

Dr. Freddie Titus, Lamar University

Outstanding Central Office Adminis- trator

Dr. Demetrius McCall, Goosecreek CISD

Dr. John Edwards, KIPP

Dr. Khalilah Campbell-Rhône, HISD Tiffany Mathis LCISD Keonta Jackson, LCISD

Outstanding Principal

TEXAS BLACK EXPO HONORS EDUCATORS DURING VIP EVENT WITH EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON

Texas Black Expo celebrates 20th anniversary during its 2023 Summer Celebration.

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

Dr. Regina Sims, Goosecreek CISD

Outstanding Instructional Support

Laureen Wimbley, YES Prep Nathaniel Ihedigigbo, Harmony

Outstanding Teacher Lucinda Fontenet Matthew, LCISD Amanda Jones, YES Prep Lonnie Jackson, Aldine ISD D'Juan Hych, YES Prep

Outstanding Professor

Dr. Franklin North, Texas A&M Uni- versity

The Texas Black Expo’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and advanceeconomic prosperity, by creating oppor- tunities for small business advancement and individual wealth development. Its annual Summer Celebration is a series of events over the course of four days, mostly held at or near the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. It is the kickoff of the organi- zation’s year of programming aimed at educating and empowering entrepre- neurs, students and community leaders.

Magic Johnson is hailed as one of the best point guards in the history of the game of basketball and is known for his five NBA championship wins. He has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice, and he is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. After retiring from basketball, Magic turned his focus to business, becoming one of the most successful and respected entrepreneurs in the world.

The Texas Black Expo draws thousands of attendees to Houston each year to experience an abundance of activities, workshops, shopping, giveaways and entertainment.

The Summer Celebration has something for the entire family including the Kids Adventure Zone with a bouncy house, face painting, games and more, the ev- er-popular Diva Dialogue panel discus- sion, and a line-dancing showcase for seniors.

In addition, the Expo will also include a health and wellness pavilion, a beauty extravaganza, empowerment workshops, a kids and teen talent competition, live entertainment and author showcase. TBE will also honor community leaders at its annual Corporate Awards Luncheon. For more information about the Texas Black Expo Summer Celebration, visit www.texasblackexpo.com.