World Afro Day is annually observed on September 15. This day honours the naturally kinked, coiled, or curly hair of black and mixed-race individuals. World Afro Day was created in an effort to normalise afros and their natural texture and halt discrimination against individuals who choose to wear their hair in afros. The day also aims to instill a sense of dignity in people regarding their hair and eliminate any shame associated with tightly curled and kinked hair.
The background of World Afro Day
World Afro Day is celebrated annually on September 15 around the globe. The day honours the natural hair of black and mixed-race individuals, normalises afros, and combats hair-based discrimination.
When Africans were enslaved, they were required to adopt the fashions and attire of their captors. Even after emancipation, societal constraints compelled formerly enslaved individuals to alter their natural hair texture because it was deemed undesirable. It was difficult to transform naturally wavy and curly hair into the straight, silky hair that was considered desirable. Even today, the process of straightening and smoothing exceedingly curly hair requires the application of expensive, professional-grade substances. Over time, these compounds can cause burns, hair loss, and hair damage.
In addition to the physical damage, individuals with naturally curly hair have faced discrimination due to the misconception that their hair is untidy or unclean. This led individuals to believe that their hair was unattractive and deprived them of employment opportunities due to employer discrimination. With the advent of the Civil Rights movement, more black people adopted the afro as a basic, easy-to-maintain hairstyle that did not require altering their natural hair texture.
World Afro Day honours the afro and all other hairstyles worn by black and mixed-race individuals, as well as all aspects of afro hair, culture, and identity. Additionally, it educates individuals on afro hair and hairstyles.
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ACTIVITIES Regarding WORLD AFRO DAY
Learn about afros
Education is one of the primary objectives of World Afro Day. Utilise this opportunity to learn more about the various types of hair and why they flourish in the manner that they do.
Share knowledge about afros
The majority of discrimination stems from ignorance or prejudice. Share information about Afros and their culture with those around you in order to combat these issues at their source.
Share images on social media
There is not enough celebration of afros in the world, which is important because representation matters. Post photographs of yourself or your peers with afros and serve as positive role models.
5 AFROS FACTS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU
Afros gained prominence in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement, and the hairstyle probably did not originate from African hairstyles.
As afros gained prominence in the United States, so did dreadlocks in the Caribbean.
During the 1950s and 1960s, afros became increasingly prevalent in South Africa, with many women sporting afros.
As a symbol of expanding American influence and unrest, the Tanzanian government banned afros.
A wide-toothed comb known as an afro pick is utilised to manipulate the hair into the desired height and shape.
WORLD AFRO DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 15 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 15 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 15 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 15 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 15 | Wednesday |
