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Natural hair is a mystery
to some and an ode the Motherland; for others the natural
hair community is home to everyone on each side as well as
all those who are in between. No matter the reason people
are choosing natural hairstyles, a common goal is to both
look and feel beautiful. The journey to beautiful is
different for every individual, but when you can be
naturally beautiful among friends and peers, it feels even
better!
That is the belief among
students who are a part of the University of Toledo
organization, Natural HAIRitage. They came together to plan
and host their first natural hair expo this month in the
Student Union.
Since the theme was the
same as the organization’s name, it was a day to carry out
the vision established which states that “The purpose for
Natural HAIRitage is to educate, uplift, and promote
positivity through a supportive community based environment
for ALL natural women and men.
The organization is built
upon a natural hair community that embraces and supports
those who embark on their natural hair journey and also for
those “who are willing to learn, through informative based
programs, bonding, community service, fundraisers and more.”
The Student Union was
decorated with vendor tables and a stage with a long runway,
awaiting the hair and fashion portion which closed out the
event. Vendors included small business owners from Detroit,
Columbus and Cleveland featuring everything from homemade
baked goods, to handmade jewelry, headwraps and handbags.
The vendors represented
the home cities for several of the students within the
organization. Megan Davis of The Kitchen Salon in Toledo,
presented a talk on Black Hairitage, with a powerpoint
presentation followed by a Q & A segment.
Models from the University
of Toledo as well as from the community walked the runway in
African-inspired attire. Dance performances were provided by
Toledo’s own Touch A Dream Studio. This event was organized
by the officers of Natural HAIRitage who were Gabrielle
Hall, president; Vice President Ebony Mundy who is also the
co-founder.
Additional officers are
Public Relations Chairman Alek Teague; Jayla Satterfield,
secretary; Lei'Ana Riggs, programming chairman; Dominique
Jenkins, president and Jalyn Jones, community service
chairman. The Natural HAIRitage student organization’s motto
is "Uniquely different, and yet still the same. We are
Natural HAIRitage."
At this event, they truly
showed that they embrace their own, as well as others’
unique kind of beauty. The organization is looking forward
to the next school year, by electing new officers and
setting new goals to spread the love for natural hair,
beauty and culture throughout UT’s campus.
To learn more about
Natural HAIRitage at the University of Toledo, please follow
the organization on Facebook @naturalhairitage1 or on
instagram at natural_hairitage.
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