OUCAN CEO Yvonne Cherell has been busy advocating for diversity and equality.
Earlier this month, Cherell testified before the Ohio House’s Civil Justice Committee in favor of House Bill 178. The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair or CROWN Act would eliminate discrimination against Blacks who are punished or treated differently because they wear their hair in natural or culturally significant styles.
Just yesterday, Cherell appeared on Daytime Columbus as the National Association of Women Business Owners’ Columbus Chapter’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
For Cherell, the CROWN act is personal. Chemicals used to straighten or relax natural Black hair into more “acceptable” styles have been found to cause cancer.
“As a breast cancer survivor, my natural hair is more than a statement or style,” Cherell said. “It is also self-care and a health choice.”
View Cherell’s testimony along with that of former House Minority Leader Tracy Maxwell Heard by clicking here.
Cherell appeared on Daytime Columbus with other NAWBO Columbus officers as part of the show’s Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Owning a business is one of the most effective ways for women to gain security for themselves and their families, she said.
“Not only are they securing their financial future, they are also contributing to the community and overall continuing to the economic growth in our country,” she added.
View the Daytime Columbus segment by clicking here.
