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 1: July 8, 5-8 pm// The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks, and Curls

Kickstarting the festivities is an evocative performance titled “Kinks & Curls,” delivered by the Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective. This collection of unforgettable monologues and scenes showcases Black women from around the globe sharing intimate life moments when their hair—and complex relationships with it—took center stage. Post the performance, engage in a thought-provoking 30-minute talkback with interculturalist and naturalista Bettina Byrd-Giles. The day wraps up with a lively reception at the BMA Café, featuring a live DJ, a photo booth activation, contests, a cash bar, and light hors d’oeuvres.