Kendonisha Reckley, Contributing Writer
On March 11, 2022, Saint Leo University’s Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority members hosted an event about Black girls caring for their natural hair. This event was a part of their 2022 Stigma Week.
Sigma Week started with events like “Women of Service”, “Strength & Success,” “Love Yourself,” Road to Healthy Living,” and “Personal Protection,” ending with “Embracing Your Curls,” with the underlying theme of loving yourself and putting yourself first.
“We host this event annually; every stigma week celebration has a single week in a particular month. We try to give back to the community in any way we can,” said Honeyy James, a senior majoring in biomedical and health sciences. James is also the parliamentarian of the Sigma Tau Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
James further explained that hosting “Embrace Your Curls” was one of the ways to give back to the Saint Leo community and educate Black students about hair care.
Such as understanding the different hair types such as looser curl patterns like type 3 and or tighter curl patterns such as type 4. Type 4 hair is characterized by tight curls that form in a zigzag pattern from the scalp, unlike type 3 curly hair, which is loosely curled or has tight tendrils and usually a combination of textures.
In a similar manner, hairstyles that protect your hair and promote growth are low manipulation styles. A low manipulation hairstyle does not require a high amount of pulling or combing, unlike a high manipulation style which involves heat and tension. Some examples of low manipulation hairstyles are High Bun Updo and Bantu Knots. Hairstyles like teased poofs and tighter braids can cause severe damage to one’s hair.
“Embrace Your Curls” shed light on the stigmas and misunderstandings about natural hair. Attendees found these conversations valuable because it is essential to remove these misconceptions in a world that deems some Black hairstyles unfeminine or unprofessional.
“I chose to come to this attend, first to support my friend,” Ashlyn Sands, a junior majoring in health care administration. “I also have natural hair and want to know how to take care of it, embrace it, and do what not to do.”
Taking care of your hair is an integral part of personal development. The event organizers encouraged students to view their hair as their crown and to cherish it.
“Take care of your natural hair. There are other people like you, just because you have natural hair doesn’t mean you’re not professional enough,” James said. “It doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful, nor that you can’t wear and look as good as the other person out there, that’s what we wanted to show everyone to love yourself.”
Caring for your natural hair is a journey that deserves more attention and celebration. Natural hair representations are essential, and no one’s journey is the same. Thus, hosting this event was one way the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority helped strengthen students’ confidence and love for their hair.
