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By: Priscilla Wiredu
One attribute that represents Black identity is hair. Hair is one of the most scrutinized attributes of Black people. For centuries, it has been criminalized, stereotyped, and forced to assimilate into Western standards of what is deemed appropriate and socially acceptable.
As the years have progressed, there has been an acceptance for natural Black hair. There is a call for Black people to reclaim their natural hair with a sense of pride, self worth, and identity.
The Black Hair Experience works to uphold this mission.
What is the Black Hair Experience?
The Black Hair Experience is a national major pop-up exhibit that travels across American cities and celebrates Black hair. Their vendors are set up to rehash nostalgic and iconic moments of Black culture with affirmations of self love.
The exhibit consists of a series of ‘selfie spaces’ for Black people to take photos in an attempt to celebrate black hair.
They sell tickets according to which city they are located in, and provide guidelines for visitors to follow. Each group of visitors must choose a time slot in which their session will take place, and how long they will be able to see the exhibit and take photos.
The Black Hair Experience also offers a gift shop for those who wish to buy merchandise and souvenirs. They also offer vendor applications for those who wish to claim their own space within the exhibit to sell their own products or services to gain recognition.
Currently, the Black Hair Experience is hosting two events at the end of summer.
Sip & Snap Atlanta
A party where there will be positive vibes, complimentary drinks, and photo ops. Dress code includes bright garments and attire.
DMV/D.C: A Black Girl Game Night
Hosted on August 26, this game night event will include music, drinks, and photo ops.
People are also allowed to book their own events with the Black Hair Experience.
Community Outreach
The Black Hair Experience believes in giving back to the community and helping the Black youth accept themselves as a visible minority. It further provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs to engage in networking.
The two main programs are:
‘We Care’ Workshop
The ‘We Care’ Workshops touch on values of self-love and building meaningful, long-lasting relationships. Their initiative is to have Black mothers express self-love and acceptance towards Black girls so that they can gain confidence.
The Black Hair Experience is willing to partner with organizations that serve elementary, secondary, and post-secondary high school girls. If one wants to sponsor a workshop, they can contact TBHE for further information.
Retail Space Program
The Black Hair Experience is not solely driven to bring awareness to authentic and natural Black hair, but to market products made by Black women and women of color. TBHE offers a unique space and opportunity for people willing to tell their stories and sell their products.
Those interested in marketing their business will receive a highlight card with a QR Code that will be linked to the business’s social media account. This program allows Black women to tell their experiences candidly to enhance business recognition, placement, and profit.
The Black Hair Experience also offers a story page for Black women to read about, relate to, and share their own personal stories regarding their hair, their struggles, and their pride.
The Black Hair Experience embodies sharing love, acceptance, and diversity when it comes to Black natural hair. TBHE is continuously seeking for opportunities to connect with others. Their social media channels are available to the public in hopes to garner new and diverse followers.
Priscilla Wiredu is a writer for this year’s Black Voice project. An alumni of York University, she graduated with Honors where she studied Social Sciences. She then went on to get an Ontario Graduate certificate in Creative Writing from the Humber School for Writers, and a college certificate in Legal Office Administration at Seneca College. She is currently studying for the LSAT in hopes of going to law school. Her main goal as a Black Voices writer is to ensure Black issues and Black Pride are enunciated through her works.