CurlFest in Atlanta 2019
I spent the last weekend of September with the lovely ladies of the Curly Girl Collective . They brought CurlFest to Atlanta, Georgia for the first time. The festival has been held in New York City for the last six years, but it was time for the brand to expand. CurlFest is a celebration of curls, coils, and culture, wrapped up in positive energy and Black girl magic.
Attendees came and celebrated their curls, melanin, and #blackgirlmagic at Candler Park. The festival is known for showcasing women’s empowerment and creating a safe space for everyone in the community. Women stocked up on products for the whole family sponsored by Crème of Nature, Cantu, Suave Beauty, Kiss Products, Shine ‘n Jam, Bronner Bros. and many more.
I spoke with the co-founders of the Curly Girl Collective: Charisse Higgins, Tracey Coleman, Gia Lowe, Simone Mair, and Melody Henderson on their pink carpet to discuss their long-term plans for the festival and legislation to end racial discrimination based on hairstyles.
“The five of us have been talking about taking it on the road. We constantly get inquiries from all over. We got an inquiry not too long ago for CurlFest to come to Russia! So, any country you can think of has reached out to us. Yes, we will take it internationally,” said Charisse.
The founders also addressed the legislation, the “Crown Act” as they gave their opening remarks.
“The ‘Crown Act’ focuses on any discrimination on your natural hair. Ending any discrimination -- period. And we are joining the coalition that is going to propel this to move forward. Your call to action as a part of that movement is to go to Crown Act.com and take a pledge. That pledge helps us and the coalition and the CrownAct brings legislation to other cities and other states,” said Gia Lowe.
Panels at CurlFest, which also supported Black-owned businesses, included “Caring For Type 4 Hair,” “Boss Babes,” “Honor My Beauty, It’s The Law,” and “No Curl Left Behind.” Attendees learned how to become successful entrepreneurs, and beauty and lifestyle experts.
Go to CurlFest.com for more information.
📸: Nigil Crawford
