‘Textured Expo’ at Bridge Street Middle School Incorporates Art, Culture With Hair Care Help
Joselyn King Trending
WHEELING -- The third annual "Textured Expo" at Bridge Street Middle School Thursday provided tips on taming the tresses, with some art inspiration and culture added into the mix.
Stylists clipped textured hair while the public learned about nail and skin care during the expo. This year, the event also included just a little more than a focus on self-care.
"We changed the name. It's not the 'Textured Hair Expo' anymore," said organizer Unique Robinson-Murphy, who serves as the Community In Schools coordinator and social worker at Wheeling Park High School. "It's just the 'Textured Expo' now, because we have incorporated art and music."
She noted artist Vondel Bell had some of his works on display, as did art provided by students at Wheeling Park High School. The artwork was all produced by Black artists -- or referenced Black history -- in honor of Black History Month.
"We just wanted to liven it up and keep it fresh for the new year," Robinson-Murphy added.
A large number of people filled the gym for the expo, and she called the response "miraculous." She admitted she and other organizers were nervous.
"This is our third year, and we thought there might not be much of a turnout," Robinson-Murphy continued. "But once again, the people of the community have turned out for us."
The Ohio County Family Resource Network made plans to bus in two families from out of town that wanted to attend but didn't have transportation, she said. The bus hadn't arrived, and she wasn't sure in what communities they lived.
Families came to gain information about how best to care for textured care.
"It's important to me because I am a white mother with two biracial children," said Shannalee Kuri. I am able to get tips, and able to get information so I can make sure my kids' hair stays healthy."
Kuri said she talks with a lot of other mothers to gain information about skin and hair care for her children.
"Caring for textured hair is a lot different than caring for my hair," she continued. "You have to maintain the oils in their hair, not let it get dried out, make sure you use the right tools."
West Liberty University student Shania Davis, who is bi-racial, said she was fortunate to have a mother that was skilled at tending to her hair when she was a child.
"Events like this are very important, especially in a predominantly white area. Some people don't know how to do their own hair," she said.
"I grew up with a white mother. Luckily she knew how to do my hair, but some mothers don't know how to do their children's hair."
Davis was among a group of students attending who are members of WLU's Black Student Union.
Males attending with her indicated they also learned from the event.
"I learned about how to take care of yourself, and doing things the right way," added Khyvon Grace. "It's about self-care."
Members of the Wheeling Human Rights Commission also were invited to attend. Member Elissa Gross observed the action and planned to sit down herself for some haircare.
"It's important for the community as a whole to host events like this that feature diversity, and reflect the growing multiculturalism in our area," she said.
Principal Jessica Broski-Birch was happy with the art attractions included in the event this year.
"We would like to continue to expand," she said. "We would like to try music next year, and keep growing it.
"We plan it in February during Black History Month, and that worked out really well. We reached out to Bethany (College) and West Liberty and their Black student unions, so it's nice to have a range of attendees."