On 10th September 2024, World Afro Day®️ (WAD) is taking their campaign to Parliament, ahead of their eighth annual celebrations on September 15th. The goal is to make the UK the first Western nation to introduce a law to specifically protect against Afro hair discrimination. With the backing of Paulette Hamilton MP, WAD are calling on all MPs to vote for the recognition and prevention of Afro hair discrimination by updating the 2010 Equality Act to make Afro hair a protected characteristic. Research shows that hair discrimination negatively affects jobs, education and health, which is why the Open Letter calls for action on the law.
Today the campaign will publish an Open Letter to the UK Government, which has been signed by 100 influential supporters, like Mel B, Beverley Knight, Patrick Hutchinson, Fleur East, Evelyn Forde MBE and Professor Patrick Vernon OBE. The letter is part of WAD’s “100 Voices, 100 Words Campaign” where supporters have signed the open letter and given their 100 words on why the law change is so important.
While the current government seeks to strengthen employment and equality laws, previous research from World Afro Day®️ and De Montfort University showed that 95% of people with Afro hair want the UK law updated to specifically prohibit Afro hair discrimination.
The campaign will host a drop in clinic at Parliament with MP Paulette Hamilton, WAD Founder Michelle De Leon, Parick Hutchinson and Sarah-Jane Crawford. They will be taking their children with them to focus on the change for the next generation. MPs will be encouraged to come and collect or download an education pack from www.worldafroday.com to be better informed on this issue.
Paulette Hamilton MP’s 100 Words says: “I absolutely support World Afro Day’s ‘100 Voices, 100 Words’ Campaign to change the Equality Act to protect afro hair. As Birmingham’s first black MP, and as a mother to four daughters, I know the impact this campaign could have on my local community and on people with afro hair across the UK. The report of the Workplace Hair Acceptance survey showed that 1 in 3 company decision makers said that it was possible that their workplace would deny a black woman a job because of her natural afro hair – this is completely unacceptable. In 2024, it is difficult to believe that people with afro hair can still experience discrimination, harassment and assault in UK workplaces, schools and children’s homes and it is high time we protected this characteristic, and fixed the law, not our hair.”
Mel B’s 100 words says: “My hair has always been a personal statement – all my life. I grew up a mixed race girl in working class Leeds in the 1970s. Kids at school had no idea what to call me. I was different. And I had my big wild curly hair that stood out. It wasn’t neat and tidy. There was too much of it to fit into elastic hair bands and I wore it out. I got called names. I got singled out. But it was my hair and I wasn’t going to change it – for anyone. The very first video shoot I did as a Spice Girl for Wannabe, the stylists took one look at my hair and told me it had to be straightened. My big hair didn’t fit the pop star mould. But I stood my ground – backed by my girls – and I sang and danced as me, with my big hair, my brown skin and I was totally proud of who I was… So yes. I’m proud to support World Afro Day in its call for the Equality Act to protect against Afro hair discrimination in the UK.” (Full statement here)
Michelle De Leon Founder WAD says: “Eight years of talking, listening, researching, creating events and resources for schools, workplaces and the public has led me to the conclusion that the scale of transformation needed can only be achieved through legal change. Laws are actually there to tell people what is right and what is wrong and to protect minority groups from oppression, discrimination and injustice. We simply do not have the right laws in the UK to stop generations of Afro hair discrimination from continuing. I hope that Britain can lead the world in doing what is right, so that people of African descent can live as free as anyone else.”
Patrick Hutchinson’s 100 words says, “It cannot be underestimated the importance for Black children to express themselves through their natural afro hair. It is crucial for their self-esteem, cultural identity, and overall well-being. Many schools, however, still in 2024 lack understanding and implement policies that unfairly target and restrict Black hairstyles, causing unnecessary stress and discrimination. Education in schools is vital to address this issue. Staff need training on the cultural significance of afro hair, its care requirements, and the negative psychological impact of restrictive policies. All students should be free to wear their hair naturally and proudly. By embracing and respecting afro hair, schools can create a more inclusive environment where Black children feel valued, confident, and free to be their authentic selves, helping to build strong self-esteem.”
Featured image: Avlon
