The World Afro Day campaign, supported by prominent Black British figures including Labour MP Paulette Hamilton and singer Mel B, is urging parliamentarians to pass a law to end discrimination against afro hair in the UK. The campaign has written an open letter signed by over 100 supporters, calling for afro hair to be recognized as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act of 2010. Campaigners argue that the omission of hair as a protected characteristic has led to everyday discrimination and the normalization of afro hair as inferior.
The campaign’s 100 Voices, 100 Words campaign encourages supporters to write 100 words on why the change in law is necessary. They plan to host a drop-in clinic at parliament with key figures to focus on the change for the next generation. The campaign highlights instances of discrimination faced by children in schools and adults in workplaces due to their afro hair.
Michelle De Leon, the founder of World Afro Day, emphasizes the importance of having the right laws in place to prevent generations of afro hair discrimination. Hamilton, as the first black MP for Birmingham, and Mel B, who has faced discrimination in the music industry, both express their support for the campaign. Mel B shares her experience of standing up for her afro hair identity during her time as a Spice Girl and expresses pride in supporting the call for the Equality Act to protect against afro hair discrimination in the UK.
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