Local Black Hair group host 2nd Annual Hair Show "Spring is in the Hair"

On Friday June 10, 2016 Natural Hair GR has partnered with Beauty of Tziyon for the 2nd Annual "Spring is In The Hair " Natural Hair Streetfest located in Downtown Grand Rapids between Weston and Oakes on Commerce Ave. From 5-9pm, guests will enjoy live art and the Natural hair showcase which begins at 7pm.  This is a free event and there is no cover charge for admission. Natural Hair GR encourages a diverse audience to attend and participate in the 2nd annual natural hair show, while seeking to cultivate a creative culture centered on diverse art, natural hair & beauty, and holistic health in Grand Rapids. This is an annual showcase that aims to celebrate African American identity, artists, and businesses.

When Natural Hair founders Johannah Jelks and Marley Ariyahu (Stylist and Owner of Beauty of Tziyon) held the first ever Natural Hair GR “Spring is in The Hair”event last year, the mission was clear: to provide the Grand Rapids community with a social experience that energizes, educates, and empowers the creative love for natural hair and health. Natural Hair GR set the tone to promote a culture that promotes self-expression and self-love. It is more than a cultural movement about hair and aims to empower all to embrace their authentic self.

Historically, African American hair played a major role in African American history, identity, and culture. Throughout the civil rights movement until the late 80s, campaigns for hair were used to encourage self-love for example "My Black is Beautiful". All over the nation there has been a resurgence of Natural Hair culture and embracing the authentic self. Johannah Jelks and Marley Ariyahu along with others combined efforts to create a similar community in Grand Rapids, MI.

After hosting a very successful Natural Hair show and benefit for “Kids Food Basket” at Wealthy At Charles with more than 200 people in attendance, there was a real desire to keep connection with the Natural Hair culture in Grand Rapids. Other Natural Hair entrepreneurs such as Della Marie Levi (Owner of Rock Candy Earrings & The Dream Big Sister Circle) have been pioneering the Grand Rapids region for years with "Kinky Hair" connection and her annual "Dream Big Fair" in promoting loving the authentic self .Some of the Natural Hair GR members are also involved in community outreach, urban gardening, and marketing. Natural Hair GR uses a Minority owned Aurikk brand development firm (aurikk.com) for NHgr Marketing materials. 

Natural Hair GR has monthly events where new and old members can join in the fun and celebrate culture. Every month there are Natural Hair GR outings in the Grand Rapids area to local restaurants, businesses, and non profits for volunteering. A popular monthly Natural Hair GR event is "Natural Hair GR Brunch + Hip Hop" held every third Sunday of the month at The Winchester GR. You can join as an NHgr member through the FB group and coming soon the NHgr website. Each member will have access to hair tips and cultural outings.

For more information, please contact Natural Hair Grand Rapids [email protected]