On Thurs., Feb. 15, the Student Association and Office of Multicultural Affairs held a Beautiful in Braids event. 62 students attended.
The focus of the event was embracing different hair types and teaching people how to do braids. Students learned how to braid hair during the event, and then there was a braiding contest with prizes later. Food and drinks were given away.
Instructions were given on braids, curls, and twists to teach students about hair and how to work with it. Students worked on mannequins.
Lazaria Bennet-Lewis, a communications major and public administration minor, was enthusiastic about the turnout at the event.
“What gave me the idea for this event is me wanting to go and get my own hair done. I wanted to get braids, but I was going to get charged a ridiculous price,” she said. “I realized that if I knew how to do these styles myself, then I wouldn’t have to pay for them.”
“This is the second year I’ve done this event,” she said. “last year it was small and we got a lot of compliments and good reviews.”
Lewis elaborated on how the event has changed from its first run.
“I brought in a professional hairstylist and on campus hairstylist to teach students how to do their hair,” she said. “Now I have students coming to me to tell me they do their own hair now instead of going and paying for it”.
“This event embraces different hair textures, while teaching students about the skill it takes to achieve some of these hairstyles,” she said. “It’s cool to have students of all different backgrounds coming to me asking questions about African American hair, I encourage everyone to research and ask as many questions as they want”.
“This all just feels amazing, it’s funny how a little frustration can go a long way, and turn into this event,” she added. “This event can possibly be done annually, and not only spreads knowledge, but embraces all textures of hair. Students really enjoy it.”
