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World Afro Day

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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

Here, we will see some historical events related to afro hair and World Afro Day.

1800s

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.

'60s

Emergence Of Civil Rights Movement

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

'70s

Afros Get Larger

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

'90s

Revival Of Afro

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

2017

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.

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.

FAQs About 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.

Hashtags To Use On Social Media

#worldafroday

When Is This Day Celebrated

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

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