City council approves ordinances to enact the CROWN Act

YOUNGSTOWN — City Council approved ordinances to enact the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act at Wednesday's meeting.

The ordinances were presented by Julius Oliver, 1st ward and co-sponsored by Samantha Turner, 3rd ward and Basia Adamczak, 7th ward.

The CROWN Act is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of a hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.

The ordinance amending the sections of the codified ordinance of the city of Youngstown to include language that makes it unlawful to segregate, separate or treat individuals differently based on natural hair types and natural hairstyles commonly associated with race or sex.

"People shouldn't be treated differently because of their ethnicity and what natural features come with that," Oliver said in a statement after the vote. "A person's ability to do a job, pay their rent, or apply for credit shouldn't be determined based on their hair type. Unfortunately, many people of color have had to endure this at one point or another."

Turner said she was grateful for the other council members and city officials who supported the passage of the CROWN Act. She said the act ensures that discrimination against anyone with natural hair is not permitted in the workplace and in their daily lives.

"I want to say thank you so much for that because this is how I wear my hair, this is how the hair of my people [wear it]. We love it, and we are very happy to be in a protected class," Turner said.

MINORITY HEALTH MONTH

City Council approved a resolution to recognize April as Minority Health Month.

Events during Minority Health Month include Annual Citywide Baby Shower and Health Fair drive-thru on April 10 and a virtual Minority Health Conference "Infant Mortality: Prevention, Restore & Resolve" on April 15.

20 FEDERAL PLACE

City council approved an ordinance to issue a request for proposals to purchase and redevelop the property at 20 Federal Place.

Steadfast City of St. Louis was hired to redesign 20 Federal Place, and the project is estimated at about $34.5 million.

Plans for the seven-floor building including a basement-level bowling alley, food court and retail shops. The remainder of the building includes plans for a mix of offices and residential units.

Nikki Posterli, director of community planning and economic development, said at Monday's finance committee meeting that requests for proposal will be finalized shortly and would be given to City Council.

This story was originally published March 18, 2021 at 5:24 AM with the headline "City council approves ordinances to enact the CROWN Act."