Fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Title of the Side Event:
Rooted in Justice: Addressing Natural Hair Discrimination & Health Impacts on Women and Girls of African Descent

Date, Time, and Time Zone: Monday, April 7th 3pm EST, UK 7pm, France 8pm

Sponsoring Organization(s) or Entity/ies: #Free The Hair, Vital Signs (Drexel University Kline School of Law), Center for Law, Policy, and Social Action (Drexel Kline School of Law), Mane Moves Media, Grow With Intent, Just Afro Inc.

Language(s) in Which the Side Event Will Be Held: English (multi language close caption will be available)

Description of the Side Event: This interactive online side event will explore the intersection of natural hair discrimination and the health-related harms of hair products and innovations targeting women and girls of African descent. Panelists will discuss groundbreaking research linking chemical relaxer use to increased cancer risks, carcinogenic materials in braiding hair, and the epidemic of hair loss. We will examine the emotional, economic, physical, and psychological effects of these issues, while highlighting strategies for legal, policy, and collective action. By centering the lived experiences and health of Black women and girls, this discussion aims to foster advocacy, awareness, and concrete recommendations for systemic change. We will also be exploring solutions to these topics, such as passing the Afro hair law in the U.S., UK, and in France.

Location of the side event - Registration Link https://drexel.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FHxq6jxZSCiJJSjqwOEX7w

Name and email address of the lead organizer: Professor Wendy Greene deg69@drexel.edu She gives permission to publish contact details

Theme & Mission: Human rights of women and girls of African descent. This event will not only raise awareness but also equip participants with knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Confirmed Guests:
Prof Wendy Greene, Professor of Law, Director of the Center for Law, Policy and Social Action at Drexel University Kline School of Law
Natasha Gaspard, Founder Mane Moves Media, Emmy award winning TV Producer
Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, Ph.D. Founder, Psychohairapy, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Achiamah Osei-Tutu- board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss/treating people with alopecia.
Dr. Patti O’Brien Richardson—Assoc Professor of Teaching at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Rutgers University
Guylaine Conquet, Visual artist/Just-Afro, journalist, public speaker and inspirational advocate for anti-hair discrimination legislation in France
Dr. Charlene Makita, Founder and CRO of Natural Aura hair products, Grown with Intent Podcast, and Afro-hair advocate
Michelle DeLeon, Founder & CEO of World Afro Day