Code My Crown: The Drive for Afro-Textured Hair Representation in Emojis

The proposed afro-textured hair emojis - Credit: Zameena Mejia

Sierra Pope | Multimedia News Intern

3-minute Read

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Author Laurie Frankel once said, “Representation matters, not just because it matters that you see yourself in the world, but because it matters that you see yourself positively in the world.” To showcase individualism, global brand, Dove, and UK-based nonprofit, Rise.365, decided to join forces on the “Code My Crown” campaign to culturally enhance the emoji library. On March 26, 2025, they formally proposed four emojis to the Unicode Consortium, which accurately depict the texture of Black hairstyles.

But here is where it all started…

During Reanna Bryan's first year of culinary school, she was told her braided hairstyle was not suitable for the kitchen. “I was like, ‘What do you mean, you can’t have braids or dreads?’ because this is what I wear,” Bryan said. “My hair is in braids the majority of the time.”

When Bryan shared her experience with members at Rise.365, similar stories were echoed back. “Straight hair is the norm and afro hair is just not represented,” Bryan noted. “This discussion spiralled into an idea for a campaign to tackle one area with poor representation of afro hairstyles–emojis.”

“Black people, and women in particular, tend to have so many different hairstyles but none of these are represented,” Amina Gray, a youth mentor and facilitator at Rise.365, identified. “We need to normalise that our hair – whether it’s in its natural state or it’s in a protective hairstyle–is acceptable and professional.”

Reanna Bryan and Amina Gray posing for a picture - Credit: Linda Nylind

In an effort to address the situation, Bryan and a group of young individuals were invited to design emojis featuring common Black hairstyles. “I asked all of our young people to draw something that either reflects them or an emoji they would like to see on the keyboard,” Gray explained. By the end, they narrowed their choices down to four styles that best reflected the Black community–braids, afros, locs, and cornrows.

However, this is not the first time someone has requested that the Unicode Consortium include emojis more representative of Black natural hairstyles.

Rhianna Jones, a New York-based writer, submitted an afro hair emoji plan that was favorably signed by more than 65,000 people in 2019. The Unicode Consortium declined, arguing that the curly hair emoji was sufficiently illustrated.

Certainly, Dove and Rise.365 are ready to change history by raising the notion for emojis that authentically show the diversity of Blackness. Those who breathe Black culture understand that these symbols affirm identity and celebrate heritage, rightfully earning a place among the thousands of emojis.

We encourage you to stay engaged and show your support by following The CROWN Act on Instagram (@thecrownact)!