World Afro Day: a day of 'change, education and celebration'

A global day of “change, education and celebration" of natural hairstyles amongst black and mixed-race men and women has taken place to mark World Afro Day.

The annual day celebrates afro hair in society, and to honour the occasion a special awards ceremony was held in Westminster to recognise afro icons.

Among those present included Miss Universe Great Britain, Dee-Ann Kentish Rogers, comedian Judi Love and Dr Zoe Williams from ITV's This Morning.

The event showcased music, fashion and honoured people who've made a notable contribution to society.

Organisers behind World Afro Day have been determined to make this date an international force.

Its founder, Michelle De Leon’s recent invitation to the United Nations, allowed her to raise the topic of hair discrimination.

This year families have had to take legal action in the UK and abroad for the right to have their children attend school with their natural Afro hair. Many say it highlights the persistent problem of hair bias.

Now, thanks to the success of the awards ceremony, children in Bristol and Gloucester will soon be taught about the cultural importance of the afro hair type as part of new diversity lessons.

Many believed they’d never see this day of ‘change, education and celebration’.

Now it finally exists, so that a hair type that some once resented, can now be celebrated.

Watch the full report from the night by ITV News reporter Ashna Hurynag: