Today, September 15th, we take a moment to focus on and celebrate the beauty, diversity, and power of Afro hair. World Afro Day is much more than a celebration day; it’s a global movement recognising the cultural significance and natural beauty of Afro-textured hair, worldwide.
“World Afro Day is a global day of celebration and liberation for Afro hair and identity, endorsed by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human rights. We work with organisations, companies, authorities and people from all backgrounds to tackle hair discrimination. We produce events, tools and training to empower people with Afro hair and to equip everyone for change”
– Michelle De Leon, Founder of World Afro Day.
World Afro Day 2024 is making long over due change and has taken its campaign to the UK Parliament on September 10th. The focus? Demanding legal protection against Afro hair discrimination. Despite the growing visibility of natural hair movements and Afro pride, discrimination based on hair texture and style remains a pervasive issue across many sectors. Whether in schools, workplaces, or other public spaces, many individuals with Afro hair still face unjust policies and treatment that attempt to control, police, or stigmatize natural hair.
“Bias against Afro hair in society can create exclusion, shame and and feelings of inferiority. This has also had a long-lasting impact on health and economic opportunity, especially for Black women, who are pressurised to conform to societal norms.” – World Afro Day
2024’s campaign theme, “Fix The Law, Not Our Hair,” calls on policymakers to address the legal loopholes that allow hair discrimination to persist. Afro hair is not a trend or a fashion statement. It is a cultural identity that deserves respect and protection. People with natural Afro hair should not have to choose between their heritage and their personal or professional aspirations.
“10th September 2024, World Afro Day® (WAD) is taking our campaign to Parliament, ahead of our eighth annual celebrations on September 15th. We are calling on the UK government to introduce a law to specifically protect against Afro hair discrimination. Click below to join our campaign and see who else is backing this call to “Fix The Law, Not Our Hair.”
“Supported by Paulette Hamilton MP, they are hosting a drop-in clinic for MPs, where they can collect or download an education pack to be better informed on Afro hair discrimination in the UK.”
“Alongside this, is the “100 Voices, 100 Words Campaign” an Open Letter to the UK Government published in the media and online. The letter has been signed by 100 influential supporters, like Mel B, Beverley Knight, Patrick Hutchinson, Fleur East, Sarah-Jane Carwford, Evelyn Forde MBE, Professor Patrick Vernon OBE and many more.” – World Afro Day
World Afro Day’s legacy and advocacy is a call to action for governments, schools, and employers to recognise the importance of inclusive policies that celebrate diverse hair textures. The movement aims to ensure that future generations can wear their hair with pride and without fear of discrimination.
But this day isn’t just about the fight for rights – it’s also a time to celebrate Afro hair in all its forms. From tight coils to loose curls, from afros to braids and locs, Afro hair is versatile, resilient, and beautiful. Whether you rock your natural hair daily or are learning to embrace it, World Afro Day is a reminder that Afro hair is something to be proud of, every single day.
So, on this World Afro Day 2024, let’s stand together. Let’s demand: “Fix The Law, Not Our Hair.” Embrace your curls, raise awareness, and continue the fight for equality and representation!
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Blog written and designed by Amy Gibson and Daniel Taylor
