Session

Senator Anderson focused on political activism:

Senator Anderson explained that female entrepreneurs have to understand the law and how it affects their businesses, both the regulations and the related implications. A change in the law impacts the way they need to do business. In particular, changes to and decisions about taxation laws are happening all the time. Keeping up to date with what is new and what is coming next will help you stay in compliance. Because business law effects employer to employee relationships and vice versa, it is essential to stay on top of topics like wages, fair policies and federal regulations regarding overtime. Additionally, everybody wants to be global/international. Staying on top of the laws will help you stay on top of your game and allow you to grow your business.

WHERE DO WE GO TO EDUCATE OURSELVES ON THE LAW?

While in session (January through March), visit www.legis.ga.gov/en-US/default.aspx, choose between the house and the senate, and watch live stream the action in the chamber.

Visit openstates.org/ at anytime, put in your home address (or use your current location) to discover your state representatives. - Email, call or interact with your representatives via social media. - Do not be discouraged if you do not hear back right away; they “start each day with at least 200 emails” so responding to everyone takes time

Contact Representative Kim Schofield at: kim.schofield@houses.ga.gove or via phone: 404-656-0220.

Engage on the “Friends of Senator Tonya P. Andersen” Facebook page.

ABOUT THE CROWN ACT:

Senator Anderson grounded her explanation of the act referencing the strong national movement for Black women to embrace their natural hair. She explained that to date, Black people with natural hair have been perceived as less credible, less intelligent and less educated — unfortunately that’s an implicit bias that does exist and needs to be overcome.

The Crown Act would prevent discrimination against black people for growing/showing their natural hair in the work place and in schools. It is intended to protect individuals as well as public and private businesses. Seven states have passed laws to ban natural hair discrimination; twenty three additional states have introduced related legislation as well, including Georgia. On a national level, this bill has passed the US House of Representatives; we are waiting for it to pass within the Senate.

WILL THE CROWN ACT COME INTO PLAY IF A WOMAN’S HAIRSTYLE PRECLUDES THEIR ABILITY TO WEAR A CAP THAT IS PART OF A MANDATORY UNIFORM?

This issue will be addressed in the protection; legislators in support of the act are going to make sure it covers everything.

Visit www.thecrownact.com/about to learn more.

SUMMARY

It is time for us, as women, and women of color in particular, to step into our rightful place and do it with boldness and conviction.

We need to serve as subject matter experts in all we do.

Our professional connections are vital to advance our businesses — we need to focus on strengthening our network.

Each of us should get to know our governing body — from local politicians to state legislators to national representatives.