World Afro Day

Prasenjit Das
Mar 21, 2023 By Prasenjit Das
Originally Published on Mar 21, 2023
Fact-checked by Spandana Kantam
Teenage brother and sister with afro hair smiling at the camera
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Age: 1-99
Read time: 2.9 Min

Where is World Afro Day celebrated?

World Afro Day is a global event celebrated throughout the world.

Who is World Afro Day celebrated by?

People who sport afro hairstyle mainly celebrate this global day.

When did World Afro Day first start?

World Afro Day was celebrated for the first time in 2017.

Who started World Afro Day?

Michelle De Leon started World Afro Day in 2017. Over the years, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the London Mayor's Office endorsed this idea.

Woman with afro hair singing

History And Timeline

Discrimination Against Afro Hair

Around this time, afro hair was seen as undesirable. As a result, African Americans started changing their natural hair texture to conform to the preferences of white society.

1800s

Emergence Of Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement encouraged more Black women and men to embrace their natural hairstyle and adopt afro.

'60s

Afros Get Larger

Many renowned figures wore their hair in large afros. Angela Davis (political activist) and Jimi Hendrix (musician) are two examples.

'70s

Revival Of Afro

In the '80s, the popularity of afro went downhill. However, the '90s and 2000s saw the revival of this famous hairstyle.

'90s

Founding Of The Day

In 2017, Michelle De Leon started World Afro Day to encourage Black people or those of mixed ethnicities to embrace their natural hair texture.

2017

Traditions And Customs

On September 15, 2016, a federal court passed a judgment in Alabama that companies could deny employment to anyone with dreadlocks. Shocked by this judgment, De Leon decided to start an international awareness day to deal with negative attitudes toward afro hair in society.

Through this event, De Leon also intended to encourage men, women, and children of African or mixed-race ethnicities to embrace their natural hair texture.

The first World Afro Day took place exactly a year later, on September 15, 2017. This initiative was a huge success. Soon, organizations like the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the London Mayor's Office endorsed this day.

Ways To Celebrate World Afro Day

The best way to celebrate World Afro Day is to learn more about this famous hairstyle. Take the whole day to learn about different types of afro hair and why they grow that way.

Secondly, you can raise your voice against discrimination toward people with afro hair, especially in the workplace and school.

Finally, share something nice on social media to encourage all your acquaintances to celebrate the day.

Facts And Stats

  • World Afro Day encourages people to embrace afro hair, identity, and culture.
  • The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights organized a World Hair Education Lesson in which many children and teachers participated. Famous people like Vernon François and Deshauna Barber also participated in this program.
  • In 2023, we will celebrate the sixth anniversary of World Afro Day.

Is today World Afro Day?

World Afro Day falls on September 15 annually.

What are some essential things we need to keep in mind while celebrating World Afro Day?

Afro is one of the most popular hairstyles in the world. The afro is the natural hair of people of Black or mixed-race ethnicities. Forcing people to change their natural hair may damage their mental health, identity, and self-confidence.

Who encouraged the celebration of World Afro Day?

Michelle De Leon started World Afro Day in 2017 to spread awareness about the hairstyle and the culture.

What are some events similar to World Afro Day?

There are quite a few events similar to World Afro Day. One example is the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The United Nations created this event in 2002.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, September 15, 2021
  • Thursday, September 15, 2022
  • Friday, September 15, 2023
  • Sunday, September 15, 2024
  • Monday, September 15, 2025

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Sources

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-afro-day/

https://www.checkiday.com/f8045dc2f2e1ca060ae6eb77e83f425d/world-afro-day

https://www.worldafroday.com/

https://nationaltoday.com/world-afro-day/

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-afro-day-september-15/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Day_for_Cultural_Diversity_for_Dialogue_and_Development

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Written by Prasenjit Das

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Prasenjit Das picture

Prasenjit DasBachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Having obtained a Bachelor's degree in English language and literature from West Bengal State University - Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College, followed by a Master's degree in English language and literature from Calcutta University, Prasenjit has several years of experience as a content writer, Prasenjit has mastered the art of producing cohesive and coherent copy. To further refine his skills and continuously challenge his creativity, Prasenjit successfully completed the "Introduction to Creative Writing Course" offered by British Council. Outside of his professional pursuits, Prasenjit finds inspiration in engaging in various creative activities, including writing poetry.

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Fact-checked by Spandana Kantam

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Political Science and Sociology

Spandana Kantam picture

Spandana KantamBachelor of Arts specializing in Political Science and Sociology

Spandana holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Acharya Nagarjuna University. She has a passion for writing and enjoys reading crime and thriller novels while listening to RnB music in her free time.

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