On Saturday 29th October, we attended Ujima’s Hair Stories event in London! Three black British entrepreneurs, Katrina Emmanuel (Mane Divas), Merissa Hylton (Sankofa Creative Co.) and Belinda Raji (BEUNIQUE Hair Care), collaborated together to create Hair Stories 2016.
As part of honouring Black History Month, the event celebrated something extremely symbolic to the black community and Afro-Caribbean culture – hair. Held at City of Westminster College, Paddington Green, the space included several stalls and workshops ranging from artisan jewellery, natural handmade hair care products and black authors. Some of the vendors included, Black History Studies, Curly By Nature, Dorcas Creates, House of Loulee, Hug My Hair, Nubian Skin and Pebbles Wearable.
The event also saw the debut of Casey Elisha Books’ brand new Reading Corner. Casey Elisha’s book ‘Love Thy Fro’ proved to be popular with many young girls as it empowered them to read and learn to love their natural hair. The Reading Corner introduced children and parents to a range of diverse literature that isn’t necessarily available on the high street. Books such as ‘Daddy Do My Hair? Beth’s Twists’ by Tola Okogwa, ‘The Alphabet with Bella’ by Lorraine O’Garro and ‘I Know I Can’ by Veronica N. Chapman provide a valuable and important narrative when addressing issues, such as hair and self-love, relevant in the black community, for both parents and children.
As an attendee, I was extremely impressed at the range of vendors supporting Hair Stories 2016 and people supporting black businesses. Through its engaging workshops, discussions about hair of the African diaspora and the unity of black independence – it made me feel proud to see. Ujima’s Hair Stories 2016 successfully managed to appreciate black culture, the art of black hair and the unity of black businesses supporting each other.
Don’t forget to purchase your copy of ‘Love Thy Fro’!
Words by Casey Paul