Campaign to End Afro Hair Discrimination in the UK
A campaign led by prominent Black Britons, including Mel B and MP Paulette Hamilton, is urging the UK Parliament to update the Equality Act to protect afro hair from discrimination. The initiative is part of World Afro Day and has garnered support from 100 campaigners.
| Score | Value |
|---|---|
Scale | 6 |
Novelty | 6 |
Positivity | 7 |
Reliability | 8 |
Actionability | 5 |
Society | 8 |
Journalism | 4 |
Highlights
- The Labour MP Paulette Hamilton and singer Mel B are leading a campaign urging UK parliamentarians to introduce a law to end afro hair discrimination.
- An open letter signed by 100 campaigners calls for the recognition and prevention of afro hair discrimination by updating the Equality Act 2010.
- The campaign is part of World Afro Day (WAD) and aims to make afro hair a protected characteristic under UK law.
- Campaigners argue that the current law facilitates everyday discrimination against individuals with afro hair in various spheres of life.
- Mel B shared her personal experience of discrimination related to her afro hair during her career as a pop star.
Perspectives
- Campaigners emphasize that the current laws in the UK do not adequately protect individuals with afro hair from discrimination, which has led to normalization of negative perceptions about afro hair. They argue that updating the Equality Act is essential to prevent ongoing injustices.
- Mel B recounts her experiences with discrimination related to her afro hair during her career, highlighting the societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards. She advocates for the campaign, stating that her experiences resonate with many others who face similar challenges.