Nearly eight thousand, school children internationally have signed up to watch the Big Hair Assembly, Friday 1:30pm (BST) September 13th, 2019.
This pioneering event will be live-streamed to schools around the world at one time in one giant assembly. Students from all backgrounds will be joining together in a celebration of hair, identity and equality. The event aims to change negative attitudes towards Afro hair into a positive force for inclusion to launch World Afro Day Schools.
Seven years old, UK child hair influencer, Farouk James will be joined by 11 years old Child Influencer Celai West (USA) and 10 years old Angel Noor (Netherlands) for a child takeover of the natural hair movement.
Celai West says:
“I am really excited to be a part of the very first Big Hair Assembly because it’s like we are joining forces to help change the way people feel about Afro hair. It’s going to be lots of fun but what’s more important, I hope the schools can see how their hair policies aren’t fair for everyone so that they can change them.”
Michelle De Leon WAD Founder says:
“The Big Hair Assembly puts children’s voices at the heart of the call for change and education around Afro hair. Schools from across Britain, Ireland, USA, Canada and Africa have signed up. This is just the beginning, but it brings new hope and a future for the next generation to be free to wear Afro hairstyles at school; which is really powerful”
Don’t Touch My Hair, Author Emma Dabiri will host the Big Hair Assembly which involves discussion, dance and interactive activities. Students will learn critical thinking, empathy and empowerment. The Big Hair Assembly will equip teachers as well as students with a free resource pack and WAD Lesson plan. After the event students of all backgrounds can celebrate their hair on board the Superdrug/WAD “Braid & Beauty Bus,” where they can get a free unity cornrow, using the theme colours of purple and gold, which will be styled by the award-winning, Purely Natural Salon.
World Afro Day 2019 celebrations will culminate in a community day called ‘Crown, Colours & Community’ at the Peckham Palms. People can get involved in the curls and confidence workshops, fashion and performances, plus the launch of the World Afro Day Legacy charity.
Gemma Mason, Superdrug Head of Customer Experience and PR,
“We’re delighted to be the official supporter of World Afro Day 2019 as we are passionate about championing beauty for all, no matter skin tone, hair type and gender. World Afro Day is a fantastic initiative that aligns with our #ShadesOfBeauty campaign which celebrates everyone of colour and ensures we are servicing their beauty needs. Since launching the campaign in 2016, we’ve increased our product offering and launched the Kinks, Curls and Coils microsite to help you find the best products for your hair type.”
About World Afro Day
World Afro Day CIC, founded World Afro Day (WAD) on 15th September 2017. The annual global event is endorsed by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. WAD is a global day of change, education and celebration of Afro hair, culture and identity.
