July 3 marks National Crown Day, or Black Hair Independence Day, celebrating the signing of the CROWN Act in 2019. The CROWN Act legislation bans discrimination based on how you wear your hair. Crown stands for “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.” Organizers with the House of Joy and Dove held a series of events during Essence Fest, including their annual crowns and conversation breakfast on Crown Day. Guest included Michelle Miller Morial, a CBS correspondent who was honored for her coverage on the legislation. Also in attendance was Dalon Thorn, a Northshore student who was discriminated against in school for his choice of hairstyle. The act is in place in 23 states, but leaders say theirs still more work to do. In the meantime women and men celebrate what it means to wear their hair and be unapologetically themselves. “We come here and we celebrate because our hair is our crown. The way our hair grows out of our head should not be legislated," said Esi Eggleston Bracey, CEO, North America Personal Care."We should all have the right to come into the workplace and schools and be our authentic natural selves.” The House of Joy plans to return to New Orleans every Essence weekend and honor Crown Day.