Unlock the vibrant world of Curl Fest, where natural hair takes center stage and self-acceptance, community, and the limitless possibilities that arise when we embrace our unique strands. Associate Editor Raquelle Querido reports
A pivotal moment in my curl journey was a heartfelt conversation with my mother about the unfair beauty standards propagated by the media and Hollywood. We longed for greater representation of black women and women of color in the media.
Around this time in the early 2000s, Black actresses and models were speaking out about the difficulties they faced in obtaining roles due to their hair. They often had to style their own hair for projects or, worse, experienced hair damage from stylists unfamiliar with textured hair.
Despite the public backlash Black hair experienced, my mother firmly believed Black hair was “good hair.” She would often tell me, “Our hair is incredibly versatile. It can effortlessly emulate any texture or style, from silky straight hair to braids, up-dos, curls, or afro-styles. We have the power to transform ourselves into any character!”
Any justification for not casting us is simply a poor excuse rooted in prejudice.
This past weekend, the much-anticipated event, Curl Fest, took place, bringing together a diverse community of curly and coily queens from the Tri-State area. Randall’s Island became a hub of natural hair inspiration, showcasing the limitless possibilities of our textured hair, from lush locks and braided crowns to bouncy curls.
The festival’s co-founder, Simone Mair, eloquently described Curl Fest as not about creating boxes but rather expanding them. It is a celebration of the Curly Collective as we are, a declaration that we are enough just as we are.
This statement holds even greater significance in light of the ongoing pandemic and the discussions it has ignited regarding Black and textured hair in the workplace, as exemplified by the Crown Act.
Black individuals and people of color deserve the right to step out into the world feeling that they are enough without having to conform to the exclusive parameters of “professionalism.” Our hair is deeply intertwined with our lineage, our individuality, and our expression of Black JOY!
Curl Fest served as a remarkable platform for Us to embrace our natural hair, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance. It reminded Us that our hair is not a limitation but a source of strength and beauty.
As we continue to challenge societal norms and advocate for equal rights and representation, events like Curl Fest stand as powerful affirmations of our uniqueness and resilience.
Together, we celebrate the curly journey and inspire one another to embrace our natural selves, knowing that we are enough, just as we are.