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?

A little help needed

Hi everyone,

My name is Bree, and I never thought I’d be in a place where I’d have to write something like this. I’m 26 years old, and right now, I’m doing my best to stay strong — but I’m falling behind on rent, and I’m scared of losing my place in a city with no family.

The last few months have been a rollercoaster. Between unexpected bills, rising living costs, and trying to keep up basic everyday life, I’ve found myself slipping further behind no matter how hard I try. I’ve been applying to jobs, cutting back on everything possible, and doing what I can to stay afloat — but I’m still short on rent and facing the reality of possibly losing my home.

This isn’t just about a roof over my head. This is about stability, peace, and the small bit of hope I’ve been holding onto. My home is where I’ve been rebuilding myself — emotionally and mentally — after a few tough years. It’s where I’ve learned to find calm in chaos.

I’m asking for help to cover past-due rent and a bit of breathing room to get back on track. Anything, truly anything, helps — even sharing this means the world.

If you’re reading this, thank you for taking the time to care. It’s not easy asking for help, but I believe in kindness and community. Sometimes we just need a little lift to stand again.

With love and gratitude,
Bree

Raised: $715.70 Goal: $1,000.00

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