MEMBERS OF THE KEYSTONE CLUSTER OF THE LINKS INC., TRAVELED TO HARRISBURG LAST MONTH TO ADVOCATE FOR STATE LEADERS TO PASS THE CROWN ACT.
Echoes of “Pass the Crown” could be heard in the halls of the Pennsylvania State Capitol, as the Keystone Cluster of The Links, Incorporated, hosted its first Links Day at the Capitol in Harrisburg June 3 and June 4. The members gathered in Harrisburg to advocate for state leaders to pass the CROWN Act (House Bill 1394).
The legislation, led by state Rep. LaTasha Mayes (D-24) and Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-191), was passed by the PA House in July 2023, but remains in committee in the PA Senate.
The acronym CROWN, which stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to prohibit discrimination based on hair texture or style in the workplace, school settings, and public accommodations in Pennsylvania. The legislation has already passed in 23 states. In addition to advocating for passage of the CROWN Act, members also shared with legislators their support of a series of bills to improve maternal health for women in the state.
Nearly 50 members of the women’s volunteer service organization met with several state representatives and senators including Sen. Jay Costa (D-43) and Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-192), who is also a member of The Links, Incorporated. In addition to discussions with legislators during the two days in Harrisburg, the New Pittsburgh Courier learned that Keystone Cluster Links were also recognized on the House floor by Speaker McClinton, and toured the Capitol. Members enjoyed dinner and a live performance of Maria James Thiaw’s “HairStory: Reclaiming Our Crown,” at The Whitaker Center for Science and The Arts in Downtown Harrisburg. The play and dinner were sponsored by Aetna.
A news conference and CROWN Act Day of Action in the main rotunda of the PA State Capitol were also held. State Representatives joined members of The Links, Incorporated and the Pennsylvania CROWN Act Coalition to support passage of the bill and the Momnibus Act, which is comprised of numerous maternal health bills. More than 75 organizations are members of the coalition.
The Keystone Cluster of The Links, Incorporated includes members from seven chapters of the organization’s Eastern Area—Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware Valley, and Penn Towne. The organization told the Courier that it hopes to make Links Day at the Capitol an annual event.
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