IT’S NOT JUST A WOMEN’S ISSUE, IT’S AN EVERYONE’S ISSUE
Another February is upon us, and with that another opportunity to honor black history. So, what have you done? Have you opened up a book and learned something new about the history of black people in America? Have you reflected upon any of the many quotable moments of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? Have you been to an event held by the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, or purchased one of the many sought-after tickets to the National Museum of African American History and Culture?
Here’s an idea: Whether you answered “yes” or “no” to any of the questions above, honor black history in a way like you never have before… by honoring its hairitage (cue spellcheck). Yes, you read that right. HAIRitage 2017: A Celebration of Black History is a celebration of black and Afro-Latino hair both past and present (think: Solange’s new album).
The three-day event, which is being held around Livingston campus from Thursday, Feb. 9 to Saturday, Feb. 11, will have something for everyone:
Thursday, February 9th | 7:30pm
Screening Chris Rock’s “Good Hair”
Rutgers Cinema
Friday, February 10th | All Day
Table Activities Celebrating Black History
Rutgers Student Centers
Saturday, February 11th | 8:30am-8pm
Full-Day Conference on Black & Afro-Latino Hair
Lucy Stone Hall & Tillett Hall, 8:30am-5:30pm
Conference Reception
Livingston Student Center, 6-8pm
Conference topics include managing beards, navigating the dating scene, creating DIY hair care products from the contents of your kitchen, social etiquette, running a hair-care business, understanding masculinity, working your hair in the workplace, and hair-care techniques (to name a few).
As previously stated, there’s something for everyone: Do you like live performances? Go to the reception. Do you like art? Go to the reception. Do you like hair products and food? Go to the reception.
HAIRitage is the brain-child of Residence Life Coordinator Modinat Sanni, who said she wanted to celebrate Black History Month in a unique new way. “It tells a story that isn’t often heard,” Sanni said. “People see big curly afros and long beautiful hair and they don’t know that there is a rich history behind it. There’s a Why behind why people of color wear their hair a certain way and are sometimes averse to wearing their hair in its natural state.”
Sanni said HAIRitage caters to both men and women. The event committee was diligent to ensure conference sessions highlighted both the beard and the Beyoncé. With the big event coming quickly, they also want artists to contribute to the art gallery with paintings that portray black and Afro-Latino hair. These can be dropped off at the Livingston Residence Life office at 70 Joyce Kilmer Ave.
RSVP: ruoncampus.rutgers.edu/hairconference2017
Facebook: facebook.com/hairitage2017
Instagram: @RULiviLiving
by: Rosemary Genao and Thomas Michael