Today, Governor Josh Shapiro joined legislative leaders and local business owners to sign HB 439(opens in a new tab), also known as the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, into law. The legislation amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) to expand the definition of “race” to include traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, protective hairstyles, and religious creed.

With the signing of this bill, Pennsylvania becomes the 28th state in the nation to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles historically associated with race, ensuring that all Pennsylvanians can live and work without fear of racial bias in their hair or appearance. According to a 2022 Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) report, 916 complaints were filed that year alone related to racial discrimination involving hair texture and protective hairstyles.

The CROWN Act prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on hairstyles such as locs, braids, twists, coils, Bantu knots, afros, and extensions, while still allowing businesses to enforce valid health and safety policies that apply equally to all employees.

The legislation was introduced by Representative Mayes and passed the General Assembly with strong bipartisan support.

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Someone's Struggling in the community, help with $1?

Support needed to overcome being financially scammed

Note from Miiriya: (Miiriya has verified the police report)

I know I am going to get an earful, but mistakes happen, and I would like for those who don’t understand to refrain from saying negative things. However, I want to make sure no one else becomes a victim of fraudulent people who claim to be business owners who take care of those in debt. This guy named Donavon Valentine claimed to be a debt consolidation worker who helps with bills, but come to find out, he was a scammer taking people’s money.

$900 was taken from me. I’ve reached out to this gentlemen regarding my money, only for him to give broken promises that he would return my money to me. I’ve reported this to the police, even tried getting an attorney on it. Still, no money has been given back to me.

I am a single mother of two (6yr old and 12 yr old) and it’s been a challenge trying to make ends meets since losing my funds. I’ve fallen behind on rent, my car note, which caused me go into a deep depression, beating myself up because of this dumb mistake I’ve made and not asking all the right questions before handing so much money over.

If you all could be a blessing, I would greatly appreciate any help that’s given to me.

Raised: $848.79 Goal: $900.00

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Emergency Rent and Bill assistance

Urgent! Hi, I’m currently dealing with PTSD, major depressive disorder, severe body spasms, and issues with my lower extremities. I’m in a short-term financial gap while I complete the process for an emergency grant through for more long term help. I’m seeking mutual aid for next month’s rent, and possibly the month after depending on timing, so I can stay housed and stable while my funding is finalized. Any support means a lot. Thank you all so much.

Raised: $255.79 Goal: $1,000.00

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