It has been five years since the University of Connecticut hosted its first Crown Day. What first began as a simple goal to address the cosmetic needs of students across campus expanded into a space where students can also socialize, grab a meal and study.
The event was hosted by the African American Cultural Center, the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center and the Center for Access & Postsecondary Success program in partnership with UConn learning communities BSOUL and ScHOLA²RS in celebration of the 2019 CROWN Act— a law passed in California which stands for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.”
In support of a ban on race-based hair discrimination in professional spaces, the CROWN Act was later ratified into Connecticut law in March 2021 — the same year this event was first held.
Located in the forum of Peter J. Werth Residence Tower, students from all over campus were encouraged to attend and be serviced by local businesses and student organizations, such as UCurls, a natural hair organization, after scheduling an appointment in advance.
To do so, students had to attend the mandatory CROWN Act program held by the AACC to engage in interactive conversations regarding identity and maintaining hair health. Then on Sunday, Nov. 1, many were able to receive a wide array of hairstyles ranging from a variation of protective hairstyles, like braids and locs, to silk presses.
Although the purpose of the event was to offer resources, the day meant more than simply offering hair appointments; it provided convenience in a region where few resources are available to students that may be struggling with their natural hair. 24% of past CROWN Day attendees reported that they typically travel one to three hours to obtain haircare services. 11% reported traveling over three hours.
Josh Brown, director of ScHOLA²RS House and member of the planning committee, said that a lot of students travel far to get their hair done.
“Just thinking about bringing stylists on campus so they could do natural hair for free— that is something that goes a long way,” Brown said. “It’s great that we just get to promote a space for it.”
UCurls Vice President Summer Harvey recalled why free hair care is significant.
“We know money is a stressor for a lot of us and getting your hair done costs money,” Harvey said. “So just having this event for students has been a great thing and we’ve heard great feedback.”
For members of the UConn Living Learning Communities BSOUL and ScHOLA²RS, the event was about extending their community to others on campus. BSOUL Floor Mentor Mikayla Evans emphasized the goal of sharing resources with others, even if that starts with creating an inclusive environment.
“Having CROWN Day, honestly, is just a way for all of us here at UConn to express ourselves,” Evans said.
This is why their efforts didn’t end with providing hair-related care but creating an enthusiastic and inviting atmosphere that served multiple purposes. Even if students did not schedule a hair appointment, they were welcomed to a plate of food, music and a space to study or chat with friends.
“CROWN Day is an event dedicated to all university students at UConn,” Harvey said.
While the annual event continues to receive positive feedback from students at the university, the planning committee still strives to have an even greater impact.
As of now CROWN Day happens twice a year at UConn— once in the fall and again in the spring. For the committee, it is not just about the frequency at which these events are held but what the day entails.
President and Floor Mentor of ScHOLA²RS House Caleb Awuah shared that he is pleased to see the involvement of more communities on campus but also wants to see it expand.
“I hope to see it at a larger scale,” Awuah said. “It’s great being able to service a lot of students, but I think there’s a lot more students that could be served.”