Screening: ‘Freedom Hair’ // Jefferson-Madison Regional Library

The MPI Original feature narrative Freedom Hair will screen in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. This community event is hosted by Charlottesville NOW at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library downtown.

Charlottesville NOW is the local chapter of the National Organization for Women, a grassroots advocacy group committed to advancing equal rights and opportunities. By hosting this event, the organization invites community members to come together for a conversation about entrepreneurship, self-determination, and the real-world impact of licensing laws.

Taking place just days before Juneteenth, the gathering will feature Freedom Hair, the true story of Melony Armstrong, a Mississippi woman who set out to open a natural hair braiding business and ultimately led a successful effort to eliminate restrictive occupational licensing requirements across the state.

Melony—executive producer and the woman whose story is told in the film—will take part in a post-screening Q&A. Hear how she challenged the law and won, and find out how you can help expand opportunity for natural hair braiders in your own state.

Open to the public at no cost. Please register here to attend.