Labour MP Paulette Hamilton and singer Mel B are spearheading a campaign to make the UK the first Western country to legislate against afro hair discrimination. They are joined by other prominent Black Britons in urging parliamentarians to amend the Equality Act 2010 to include afro hair as a protected characteristic.
The World Afro Day (WAD) campaign has sent an open letter to MPs, urging them to recognize and prevent afro hair discrimination. The letter, signed by 100 supporters including singer Beverley Knight, writer and activist Patrick Hutchinson, singer and presenter Fleur East, school leader Evelyn Forde MBE, and Professor Patrick Vernon OBE, highlights the need for legal protection.
The letter points out that the current law’s failure to include hair as a protected characteristic has led to widespread discrimination and the perception of afro hair as inferior in various aspects of life.
As part of WAD’s “100 Voices, 100 Words” campaign, each supporter has contributed 100 words explaining why this legal change is crucial. The campaign will also host a drop-in clinic at Parliament with Hamilton, WAD founder Michelle De Leon, Hutchinson, and TV and radio presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford, who will bring their children to emphasize the importance of this change for future generations.
Advocates argue that British children are unfairly penalized in schools for natural and protective afro hair styles, and adults face discrimination, harassment, and assault in workplaces.
Michelle De Leon stated, “Laws should guide what is right and wrong and protect minority groups from discrimination and injustice. The UK lacks the necessary laws to end the longstanding issue of afro hair discrimination.”
Hamilton added, “As Birmingham’s first Black MP and a mother of four daughters, I understand the profound impact this campaign could have on our community and people with afro hair throughout the UK.”
Mel B shared her personal experience, saying, “During my first video shoot as a Spice Girl for ‘Wannabe,’ the stylists insisted my hair had to be straightened because it didn’t fit the pop star image. But I stayed true to myself, proudly displaying my big hair and brown skin. I’m honored to support World Afro Day’s call for legal protection against afro hair discrimination in the UK.”