Members of the Brock and broader communities gathered in Market Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 11 to learn more about the significance and history of Black hair care.<\/p>\n
With support from the Human Rights and Equity Office (HRE), Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC), Black Student Success Centre (BSSC), Faculty of Education and Brock Sports and Recreation, Black Hair Matters offered students an opportunity to explore the connection between Black hair and mental health.<\/p>\n
Brock Wellness Navigator Dawn Kakiroko (BA \u201924) said hair care is an important aspect of well-being, self-care and cultural expression within the Black community.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlack-identifying individuals often experience microaggressions and discrimination because of their hair, and we wanted to emphasize to students that their hair is beautiful and provide a space for them to appreciate their hair and what it symbolizes,\u201d said Kakiroko, whose role is positioned within SWAC in collaboration with the BSSC and funded by the McCall MacBain Foundation.<\/p>\n
The event featured an interactive discussion that included up-and-coming and established Black hair care professionals including:<\/p>\n
Topics included the cultural significance of Black hair; impact of hair discrimination and microaggressions on mental well-being; hair as part of Black identity, self-expression and resilience; Eurocentric beauty standards and the policing of Black hair; and the psychological effects of navigating predominantly white spaces with natural Black hair.<\/p>\n
Organizers said the event was also an opportunity for members of the Brock and broader community who don\u2019t identify as Black to learn how to respectfully approach conversations about hair with a better understanding of its history, significance and importance within the Black community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is cultural nuance around expectations about Black hair and how it should be worn in professional job settings \u2014 or even in educational institutions \u2014 including how someone might be perceived with a particular hairstyle,\u201d said Tassia Gabbidon, HRE\u2019s Intake and Support Counsellor.<\/p>\n
Through her work with students, Gabbidon says she sees how conversations about hair can raise questions of belonging and self-worth.<\/p>\n
\u201cStudents come in struggling with whether they should conform to Eurocentric standards or show up as their authentic selves,\u201d she said. \u201cPart of my role is creating space for students to explore what their hair means to them \u2014 the cultural significance, the family stories and the identity it represents \u2014 and supporting them in making choices that honor who they are rather than choices rooted in fear of judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Black student entrepreneurs with their own hair care businesses also participated in a vendor fair and gave hair care demos during the event. This provided a valuable opportunity to showcase their services and receive guidance from seasoned professionals in the field.<\/p>\n
There was also a selection of cultural foods and drinks, and students received free hair care items donated by Black-owned businesses.<\/p>\n