On a cold and windy Feb. 28, students created a warm, welcoming environment while learning and connecting through hair during the fourth annual Mane Event hosted by the Kearns Center as part of the celebration of Black History Month.
The Mane Event was organized by Jazmin Dunham, the senior student support services advisor at the Kearns Center. The event’s goal was to help students understand more about hair care as they go through college and life. It featured a make-your-own body butter activity, games, food, and chances to win hair care products from Black-owned businesses.
“I like to do this event to give [students] the opportunity to win prizes and learn a little bit more about hair,” Dunham said. She explained that many students are away from home for the first time, and are thus doing their own hair for the first time.
The Mane Event was more than just a learning opportunity: It cultivated a sense of community as well. “This event is about finding love and enjoyment in your own, natural, beautiful hair,” Austin Okoase, who is both a Kearns and McNair Scholar, said. “A lot of times people get lost in the academic school day, so this is a de-stress type of event too.”
