Brand Spotlight - Michelle De Leon and World Afro Day

Introducing World Afro Day: Celebrating Hair, Challenging Norms, and Creating Change

If you haven’t yet heard of World Afro Day, now is the time to lean in, learn more, and join a global conversation that’s reshaping how we think about beauty, professionalism, and identity.

At Shedid & Parrish, we exist to champion and care for curls of all kinds because hair is never just hair. It’s heritage, it’s pride, it’s power. And yet, for too long afro textured hair has been misunderstood, marginalised, and even penalised. World Afro Day is here to challenge that reality.

Let us introduce you to a movement that is much more than a date in the diary, it’s a catalyst for real cultural, social, and legislative change.

What is World Afro Day?

World Afro Day was founded in 2017 by Michelle De Leon, a UK-based journalist and change-maker who recognised that the world desperately needed a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate Afro hair in all its glory. Michelle’s vision was born from both personal experience and the recurring global stories of discrimination, punishment, and ridicule faced by individuals, especially children, for simply wearing their natural hair.

Her mission? To ensure Afro hair is respected, celebrated, and protected as an integral part of identity and culture, not just something to be tolerated or regulated. World Afro Day takes place annually on September 15th, with schools, workplaces, and communities being encouraged to participate through education, media representation, and cultural celebration.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Hair discrimination is one of the last “acceptable” forms of bias. While overt racism is widely recognised and legislated against (rightfully so), discrimination based on hair texture and style is still shockingly widespread and too often goes unchecked.

Afro-textured hair is often still labelled “unprofessional” in many workplaces. Children with braids, locs, or natural hair are sent home from school. People are too often denied promotions, opportunities, or inclusion simply because their hair doesn’t fit in to the Eurocentric beauty standards.

Why Hair Bias Affects Everyone

If you think this is only a problem for Black women, think again. Hair discrimination has knock-on effects across society.

In schools, children are told their natural hair is a distraction or against uniform policies, impacting their confidence and education.
In workplaces, people are penalised for being “unprofessional” simply because they choose to wear their natural hair or protective styles.
In media, Afro hair is still underrepresented or reduced to stereotypes, shaping how future generations see themselves.

Would it be acceptable today to say that someone’s skin tone was “inappropriate for the workplace”? Absolutely not. So why is it still okay to say that about someone’s hair?

Hair is not just personal expression. It’s cultural identity. It’s a human right.

Thankfully, momentum is building—and the law is starting to catch up with culture.

In the United States, the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) was introduced to prohibit hair-based discrimination in workplaces and schools. Since 2019, over 24 states have adopted the legislation, including California, New York, and most recently, Texas. High-profile figures like Ayanna Pressley, Senator Cory Booker, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman have been instrumental in pushing this forward.

In France, the conversation reached national attention when Assa Traoré, a human rights activist, challenged the French government to protect Afro hair rights under anti-discrimination laws. The result? A long-overdue examination of how schools and workplaces treat natural hair and a shift in media representation too. Furthermore thanks to continued activism, from Guylaine Conquet and MP O.Serva the law against hair discrimination was enacted by the French Government on 28th March 2024.

And the UK? - We still have a way to go.

While cases like the Ruby Williams school discrimination case (which saw a teenager compensated after being repeatedly sent home for her Afro) made headlines, the UK still lacks clear legal protection against hair discrimination.

This is where World Afro Day comes in, acting as both a cultural celebration and a legislative force. The goal isn’t just awareness it’s change.

World Afro Day Makes Guinness World Record Attempt

In a bold move, On September 15th 2025 World Afro Day are attempting a Guinness World Record attempt. IT will be the the largest cultural awareness lesson in 24 hours. There is a 30 minute interactive online lesson covering Afro hair, culture, history and change. Everyone will be getting involved from schools, institutions and businesses worldwide. And what’s super exciting is everyone can get involved. Simply register at “The Big WAD Lesson”, take the lesson within the 24 hour period and be part of this World Record Attempt.

Want to Get Involved?

Could you be an ambassador? Our Founder Jessica Parrish is, you could be too! Are you Passionate? Do you hate to see Injustice? Can you help be the change? If so, get in touch, and find out how you can use your voice to help.

If being an ambassador isn’t for you, there’s still much you can help by being an ally.

Educate yourself and others. Read, watch, listen, and engage with Afro textured hair stories and history.
Challenge policies. If your child’s school or your workplace has outdated grooming codes, ask questions.
Support inclusive brands. Invest in businesses that celebrate natural beauty and inclusivity.
Celebrate Afro hair. On World Afro Day—and every day—share stories, post photos, and uplift those who wear their hair with pride.