When you walk up to the second floor of the library you may be surprised to see an exhibit of a black barber shop. This space was curated by Dr. Asha Winfield to combine curriculum and culture.

Pressin’ and Curlin’ Through the Movement features supplies and media that would typically be in a black barbershop, while also highlighting historical figures and student entrepreneurs in black hair care and beauty.

Dr. Winfield is an assistant professor at the Manship School of Mass Communication and an affiliate faculty member with the Department of African and African American Studies. She worked with librarians Narcissa Haskins and Lauren Lay to make the immersive space and all three women added personal touches that honor their family.

Dr. Winfield’s favorite part about her exhibit is the poster that highlights her father’s legacy in the Black haircare and beauty industry. She said using his life as curriculum is a something that she cherishes

She says she wants the space to feel like home because barbershops are about more than beauty.

“I wanted to create a space this year that felt personal, that felt like home, and for a lot of people the barbershop is that. They go there their life advice, love advice, health advice, people advice,” said Dr. Winfield. “Entrepreneurs are birthed there, politicians are birthed there. it’s never just been a space about beauty, it’s always been a space about community.”

This is Dr. Winfield’s second exhibit in the library and it won’t be her last. Pressin’ and Curlin’ Through the Movement opened in February and it will close April 30.