As the African American natural hair movement grows in popularity across the country, one University organization decided to ride the wave to increase its own popularity.
The campus organization — Black Artist Initiative — had its first event of the semester on Thursday. The event, “Don’t Touch My Hair,” took place in the African American Cultural Center at 7:30 p.m.
The event consisted of a natural hair forum featuring a local hairstylist. It also served as an art show for local artists to showcase their work.
Black Artist Initiative vice president and studio arts sophomore Tyton Charles said the event served as an open dialogue about African-American hair.
“Natural hair for African Americans can be totally different from people of different nationalities, so it’s important to have these conversations,” he said.
The organization named its event after Solange Knowles’ newly released song.
Since its formation three years ago, the Black Artist Initiative has fostered the goal of giving minority artists a safe place to display their artwork.
Charles said the organization welcomes all forms of art and is geared toward helping students discover ways to express themselves and their talents.
“Whatever your fix is, whatever your talent is, you are welcome,” he said.
However, since the organization is fairly new, Charles said Black Artist Initiative hopes the event will bring attention to the group.
“We just want to bring people together and have an avenue for artists to showcase their work,” he said.
The event had six panelists who answered attendees’ questions throughout the night. Questions ranged from generic hair maintenance to cultural appropriation.
Panelist and organization adviser Derrick Lathan said growing his hair has helped him gain respect from the opposite sex.
Theatre junior and Black Artist Initiative member Tori Briggs said the forum is personal for her because she recently cut her hair in order for it to be natural, and people are now reacting differently to her hair as a result.
“It’s important to teach girls that it is okay to wear your natural hair,” she said. “This is who you are.”
