For a country that prides itself on its cultural diversity, it can be quite unsettling how little we know about those who differ from ourselves.
Although this does not mean all Americans are culturally unaware, it does speak volumes to the lack of information spread about minorities, especially those who are Black and Afro-Latinx, in the U.S.
Between misrepresentation and underrepresentation, many Black and Afro-Latinx women and men often feel misunderstood and under supported. Although many strides have been taken in this feat, some progress does not denote overall success. So what should one do to continue toward true inclusion and equality?
The answer should be simple—educate yourself and the people around you. While this may be easier said than done, people can start by seeking means of education and talking to others about the issue. This is where the HAIRitage Conference comes into play.
HAIRitage is an annual conference at Rutgers University that prides itself on the “Celebration of Black and Afro-Latinx History.”
Although the focus is on afro-textured hair, the event also sheds light on intersecting social issues of identity ranging from male to female, straight to LGBTQ, and many more. When meeting with founder and chairwoman, Modinat Sanni, and co-chair, Kaelin Conover, they highlighted that, “[the focus is on] things we cannot usually talk about today.”
Thus, conversations will be based on a wide variety of topics. It is about deconstructing negative stereotypes and educating people about reality. Others may try to categorize and minimize these stories, but it is time that they are actually heard.
Conover and Sanni stress that “[people must] come with an open mind [and hopefully] leave with the understanding that there is no single story for people of color. There is no one experience. There are individual stories.”
Sanni and Conover also mention their excitement that “[the communities’] voices are now being heard.” These voices range from a the head of a corporation to a mental health professional and student spoken word poets; people who strive to have their voices be heard and to be the voices for those who are not awarded the platform to speak up.
For instance, Chris-Tia Donaldson, the CEO and founder of natural hair and skin care products, Thank God It’s Natural (TGIN) will lead the pack as the keynote speaker. Jean Semelfort, professional counselor and former Rutgers University Office of Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance (RUVPVA) employee, will lead a section about mental health issues. More individual stories will be heard from student poets like Stephen Alexander, Oliver Colbert, Tiana Marie Ford and Aleya Pierce. Stories and conversations will also be shared through Black and Afro-Latinx diaspora art and food from 18 local POC vendors.
The emphasis on these stories denotes the power behind individual and group stories. Regardless of ethnicity, race, sex, gender, sexuality or religion, Sanni reinforces the point that, “it may be uncomfortable [for some], but [it is important to] come out and learn more.”
No one should be afraid to listen to these stories, and no one should be afraid to have their story be heard. Now, more than ever, it is the time to share these stories and have these voices be heard.
Conover stresses the importance that people “ take away conversations [they] have and continue those conversations.” This is why they thank all new and returning participants in this year’s conference as well as the collaborators and co-sponsors who made the event possible: namely, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the Center for Latino Arts and Culture, the Afro-Latinx Student Organization, Black Minds Collected, Curly in College, the West Indian Student Organization, the Black Student Union and the United Black Council.
The Rutgers Review also sends a special thank you to Modinat Sanni and Kaelin Conover for their time. Don’t forget to order your tickets now and visit the HAIRitage website for more details! If you do, you will regret missing out on Saturday, February 24th, 2018 at 12pm in the Livingston Student Center!
By: Cassie Rosario