A three-part event on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 celebrating Black History Month offers educational explanation and practical application within the context of beauty and uniqueness during the two-hour program entitled Crown & Glory: The Cultural Significance of Natural Hair. Starting at 6pm and continuing through 8pm natural and textured hair will be featured via a video, a lecture presentation and demonstration, and finished with a panel discussion and Q&A.

After a brief introduction of the program, the video, Our Hair-tage ~ a Natural Hair Documentary by Crystolyn J. Macklin of Virginia Commonwealth University, will be screened. The featured interviews open up issues of self, employment opportunity, and independent expression all centered on hair. The video easily segues to the Presentation and Demonstration by I'Jala Soleesgrammy Retriegue, owner of Get Flawless by I'Jala of Middletown. Ms Retriegue will explain the qualities of natural and textured hair and its significance culturally. A retired NYPD officer, Ms Retriegue will demonstrate the care of hair and both the respect it deserves and creativity it offers. The evening program culminates with a panel representing the many aspects of the college community: Andrea Rios, associate vice- president; Lisa Zylberberg, nursing instructor; JoAnne Gordon Burton, senior secretary staff; and James Robinson Jr., student.

Join us in the Gilman Center, Library Room 130 or zoom in via link: https://sunyorange.zoom.us/j/96728474958.

Learn and enjoy this educational opportunity which is co-sponsored by Cultural Affairs and CIDE, the Committee for Diversity and Equity. This program is offered free and is open to the public. Parking is free in the college lots near the Gilman Center: GPS 14 East Conkling Avenue, Middletown.

Questions should be directed to cultural@sunyorange.edu.