Once the 13-year-old schoolgirl who captured global attention by challenging discriminatory hair policies in South Africa, Zulaikha Patel has grown into a formidable force for change.
Now 21, Patel is an anti-racism activist, founder of the nonprofit Dare to Change, and the author of the bestselling children’s book My Coily Crowny Hair.
The Protest That Sparked a Movement
In 2016, Patel stood at the forefront of a silent protest at Pretoria Girls High School, defying the school’s rules that pressured Black students to straighten their natural hair.
Despite being met with threats of arrest and intimidation by armed security guards, Patel’s calm resistance inspired a wave of protests across South Africa and ignited international conversations about systemic racism in education.
Patel’s statement at the time, “In my mind, I was prepared for this. I was fighting for every Black child in this country. It’s time our cries are heard,” resonated deeply, becoming a rallying cry for students nationwide.
Education and Activism
Since then, Patel has continued her activism, focusing on dismantling systemic racism and inequality. In 2022, she founded Dare to Change, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower youth through education and literacy.
One of its key initiatives, Reading to Change the World, establishes library corners in schools lacking proper facilities. These spaces feature books exclusively by Black African authors, ensuring children see themselves represented in literature. Patel believes this approach helps combat the mental shackles of racism, stating:
“The only way to unlock and liberate the mind is through access to knowledge.”
My Coily Crowny Hair
Patel’s book, My Coily Crowny Hair, celebrates the beauty and diversity of natural Black hair while teaching children about self-acceptance and pride in their identity.
The book has been widely praised for empowering young readers and addressing issues of representation in children’s literature.
A Legacy of Resistance
Patel’s activism stems from her lived experiences in post-apartheid South Africa. Growing up in an interracial family, she witnessed firsthand the enduring effects of racism, both within society and her own extended family. “My entire world was still determined on the basis of race,” Patel reflects.
She remains committed to addressing inequalities, emphasizing that racism underpins many global issues, including poverty. “The fight against racism is a fight for the betterment of all humanity,” Patel asserts.
As Patel continues her work, she exemplifies the power of youth-led movements to drive societal change.
Her journey from a defiant teenager to an influential activist and author underscores her mission to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
