Steve Cohen: “Reclaiming my time. I am just as good a human being, just as smart, just as effective, and just as caring with or…”

“Reclaiming my time. I am just as good a human being, just as smart, just as effective, and just as caring with or without hair; and the fact is it is discrimination, and it is ignorance. African Americans have been discriminated against in many ways because of their hairstyles. It is a natural thing for African Americans, and they should not be penalized in the workplace, in sports, in school, or in any other ways. I stand here for the CROWN Act. It was originally introduced, I think, by Cedric Richmond, and I joined with him on the Judiciary Committee to support it. I had seen problems in Tennessee when I was a State senator, and supported bills there to protect people who wore braids and whatever. I hope people will rise up and vote ``yes'' in understanding of other people and think beyond themselves.”