Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
The San Bernardino City Unified School District’s third annual Natural Hair Day, held at CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union North, celebrated the rich history and cultural significance of natural hairstyles worn by African American women.
The event also highlighted the passing of the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act, a legislation that prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in schools and the workplace.
Natural Hair Day brought together parents, students and community members for a day of festivities that showcased African American culture and heritage. Attendees were treated to a variety of activities, including music, dancing, poetry, artwork and a hair-fashion show, all designed to honor the beauty and history of natural hair. Additionally, the first 100 participants were entered into a raffle to win special prizes.
The celebration included a panel discussion featuring hair care professionals and speakers, who shared insights on the importance of self-expression and self-confidence. Beauty and barber professionals were on hand to offer their expertise and showcase their products, while food vendors provided meals for guests.
At the event, Cal State San Bernardino shared information about the Office of Outreach and Student Recruitment, Pan-African Student Success Center, Office of Black Student Success, and Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association, highlighting initiatives, mentoring opportunities, and campus tours for prospective students.
This marks the second consecutive year CSUSB has served as the host site for Natural Hair Day, a tradition that began at San Bernardino Valley College. The event, held on March 1, was inspired by dedicated parents eager to celebrate their children’s culture and connect them with higher education opportunities.
The event's growing impact was evident, as attendees expressed their pride in the celebration's significance. "Natural Hair Day is no longer just a day, Natural Hair Day is a movement," said Christopher Greene, a parent who attended the event.
