Nappy Roots! A transatlantic story of hair, struggle, and liberation

Join us at the Birmingham Museum of Art for an immersive, two-day celebration of National CROWN Day on July 8th and 9th! In collaboration with interculturalist & naturalista Bettina Byrd-Giles, this vibrant event, inspired by Kerry James Marshall’s “School of Beauty, School of Culture,” seeks to honor the CROWN Act of 2022, a crucial legislation that prohibits discrimination based on hair texture, style, or hairstyle, underlining the significance of such discrimination as illegal under existing federal law. We’ve curated a colorful palette of activities, performances, and discussions to uplift and celebrate the beauty and diversity of Black hair.

Day 2: July 9, 12-4pm // Crown Fest

Our second day of celebrations, themed as the event, Crown Fest, offers a wide range of activities. Embark on a museum-wide scavenger hunt featuring natural hairstyles, or engage with Crown Campaign Alabama’s activations, including meet-and-greets with stylists and barbers of LaShawn Hill’s Natural Elements Salon and other participating vendors, and art activities. There will also be a natural hair care product drive in which attendees can donate new or lightly used products that will be given to Birminghamians in area homeless shelters.

Join us for a series of insightful discussions in our auditorium:

• 12:45pm: Kickoff with Bettina Byrd-Giles, Interculturalist, Health Equity Expert and Natural Hair Pioneer.
• 1:00 – 1:45pm: Marsha Rucker, Regional Attorney of the U.S. Equal Employment Office, unpacks employment discrimination and Black hair in Alabama. Rucker is the Regional Attorney of the U.S. Equal Employment Office and will discuss the case the EEOC filed which preceded the CROWN Act and provided the groundwork for efforts at the state level to enact policies that discriminate against black applicants due to their hair.
• 2:00 – 2:45pm: Darrius Peace delves into the social and cultural aspects of natural hair. Peace is a master hairstylist, beauty instructor, author, international speaker, natural hair expert and successful entrepreneur with twenty years of experience in the beauty industry.
• 3:00 – 3:45pm: Nichele Hoskins facilitates a talk and workout based on the book, Love Affair with My Hair: Why Black Women Cheat on Health. Hoskins is an advocate for health equity, women’s heart health as well as a communicator and fitness devotee. The workout will continue at Boutwell Auditorium at 4:15pm (limited slots available).

Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of Black hair, culture, and identity. This event is not just a celebration or a conversation—it’s a journey into the essence of self-expression that we hope will resonate with all attendees. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of natural beauty and cultural heritage!