National Crown Day, presented by Dove and the Crown Coalition, is back and expanded to a two-week celebration to commemorate the inaugural signing of the first Crown Act on July 3, 2019, to “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair.”

This year’s celebrations mark the fourth Crown Day, and will kick-off during the 2023 BET Awards, followed by several signature events during the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, LA.

Hosted by Tai Beauchamp, the the annual Crown Awards on Sunday, July 2, will highlight the extraordinary strength, grace, and impact of notable Black women and girls whose talents and leadership help advance the legacy of Black beauty and brilliance. Some honorees and attendees include Caroline Wanga, Camille Friend, MC Lyte, Quvenzhané Wallis, Michelle Miller, Lynae Vanee, Tabitha Brown and Kym Whitley.

Esi Eggleston Bracey, president of Unilever US & CEO of Unilever Personal Care, NA, says, “Dove is proud to return to the Essence Festival of Culture to celebrate the continued progress that has been made to end race-based hair discrimination in the US.” 

Bracey continues, “While there is much to celebrate with 23 states and 50 municipalities that have passed CROWN legislation, there is still work to be done to ensure protections and inclusivity. We look forward to uplifting Black women and girls who are standing proudly in their full, unapologetic beauty as part of this year’s fourth annual Crown Day festivities.”

As part of this year’s Crown Day celebration, Dove is inviting newscasters across the country to wear their natural and protective styles on air and on their social channels on Monday, July 3 to represent the beauty and diversity of Black hair on air.