When the CROWN Act, prohibiting companies from discrimination based on an employee’s hairstyle, was passed in Tennessee back in 2022, it marked a victory for Black women in the workplace. Black women finally felt seen in their battle with corporate America. Many had long struggled with perfecting a hairstyle that seemed “appropriate” for the workplace without sacrificing their sense of identity, and the passage of this law called for celebration.
After all, only a few years prior in 2017, a United States federal court ruled that companies could discriminate against potential employees for having dreadlocks, inciting London-based Michelle De Leon to found World Afro Day that year.
Memphis native Phiandrea Pruitt originally discovered the holiday through a casual scroll session on X (formerly known as Twitter). When she found out there was a holiday that celebrated Black women, and “Afro hair” as De Leon refers to it, she realized she wanted to bring the holiday to the South.
Pruitt began by hosting an annual event at her undergraduate institution, Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi; however, after graduating, she knew that she wanted to bring the event to her hometown.
This year, Pruitt is hosting a World Afro Day Art Exhibition at Orijennal Art on September 15th. The event is $22, and tickets can be purchased through Orijennal Art’s website at orijennalart.com.
Jennifer Elaine, owner of Orijennal Art, explains that this exhibition served as a perfect opportunity for collaboration since her own art showcases natural hair and empowers Black women to love themselves. Her work, she says, is meant to “display Black women in a positive light.” “Embracing all of their kinks and curls,” she adds.
The event will serve as the ultimate “natural hair kickback” with the intention of celebrating and hosting meaningful discussions about natural hair. Elaine explains the artwork on display will “illustrate the beauty of our natural Afro kinks and curls on canvas by several talented Black artists.”
Attendees will also be able to enjoy wine and catered cuisine, and are even invited to paint their own “Afro art.” As a special treat, DJ Crystal Mercedes will be on the “ones and twos.”
This event also marks a special moment for one of Memphis’ natural hair pioneers, Takeisha Berry Brooks, founder and owner of A Natural Affair beauty salon, with locations in Cordova and Memphis. Brooks, who also founded De•Fine Natural Hair, a Black-owned hair care brand, alongside her husband, will be the guest speaker for the event.
“This is empowerment for me because I remember when the movement started, and it was just a trickle of people. Now it’s everywhere,” Brooks says.
World Afro Day Art Exhibition, Orijennal Art, Friday, September 15, 6-9 p.m., $22.