Business

California Passes Bill Banning Discrimination Based on Hair Styles, Texture

On Aug. 27, the State Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1815, a law that bans hair-based discrimination related to race, making its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for a final signature. This bill seeks to expand the state’s civil rights laws to include protections based on hairstyles and hair texture such as locks, braids, and twists, and protective hairstyles that are popular among Black people. California was one of the first states to enact laws that protect people from discrimination in schools and employment under the CROWN Act in 2019. According to the Economic Policy Institute, Black women’s hairstyles are 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional as compared to those of White women.

Published

2 years ago

September 10, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

On Aug. 27, the State Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB) 1815, a law that bans hair-based discrimination related to race, making its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for a final signature.

This bill seeks to expand the state’s civil rights laws to include protections based on hairstyles and hair texture such as locks, braids, and twists, and protective hairstyles that are popular among Black people. California was one of the first states to enact laws that protect people from discrimination in schools and employment under the CROWN Act in 2019. According to the Economic Policy Institute, Black women’s hairstyles are 2.5 times more likely to be perceived as unprofessional as compared to those of White women.

The CROWN Workplace Research Study revealed last year that 66% of Black women change their hair for a job interviews — most of them from curly to straight to appear more professional.

AB 1815 is one of 14 reparations bills introduced by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). The bills were based on recommendations in the final report published by the California Reparations Task Force in 2023.

The task force recommended more than 100 policy proposals that promote racial justice and justify reparations.

Assemblymember Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), the newly elected chair of the CLBC, authored AB 1815.

“We have changed a harm that has been given to people for generations that stated that beauty only occurs if you look a certain way if your hair is only a certain way,” said Weber. “This particular bill repairs that harm.”

Weber acknowledged that AB 1815 was one of the least controversial in the 14-bill package. Although the bill was amended a few times, it faced minimal opposition from lawmakers.

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Art

After 10-Year Wait, Fillmore Heritage Center Reopens in San Francisco

After serving as the economic and cultural hub of the Fillmore’s historically Black community for more than a decade, the center’s closure ended what was called the “Rebirth of the Cool,” referring to the neighborhood’s role during the height of Black Jazz in the United States.

Published

4 days ago

June 10, 2026

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Rev. Amos Brown of Third Baptist Church addresses community members at the Fillmore Heritage Center ribbon cutting. Photo by Linda Parker Pennington.

By Linda Parker Pennington, Special to The Post

Last Saturday morning, the cloudy skies cleared just as the highly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony began, marking the reopening of the Fillmore Heritage Center at 1330 Fillmore and Eddy.

The complex – which had once included Yoshi’s Jazz Club, the Lush Life Art Gallery, the Koret Heritage Lobby, a 54-seat microcinema, and the Black-owned 1300 On Fillmore restaurant – shuttered in 2015.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announcing the reopening of the Fillmore Heritage Center. Erika Scott, owner of Honey Art Studio, looks on with pride. Photo by Linda Parker Pennington.

“The Fillmore is the most important neighborhood in San Francisco’s history for centering Black culture, music, business, and community, and has shaped this City and influenced the entire country,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie to the gathering of more than 100 community leaders, business owners, and public officials. “This building reflects the deep roots of the Fillmore. Urban renewal left deep scars that are still felt today. This Center celebrates a strong Black community that continues to shape San Francisco. I am proud to join the community as we reopen the Fillmore Heritage Center.”

Although the previous stakeholders will not be returning to the center, spaces are available for nonprofit organizations and ventures, such as Fillmore native Ericka Johnson’s Honey Art Studio.

“This Center will be an economic engine and a thriving venue that shines a light on the Black-owned businesses in this neighborhood and lifts the entire district,” Lurie continued. “Our City is committed to this community for the long term.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with the City to finally reopen these doors,” said Ken Johnson, a videographer and community leader who’d been lobbying for the reopening of the center. “It’s an opportunity to showcase the entrepreneurship and creative spirit of this ‘Harlem of the West’ and the ‘Rebirth of the Cool,’ grounded in our uniquely gifted Fillmore community.”

This month, through its Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the city will begin renting the building’s noncommercial spaces for pop-up events celebrating local talent, arts, and entertainment primarily centered in the Fillmore.