In celebration of Black History Month, Weber State University’s Student Success Center hosted free braids and haircuts on Feb. 11 during the Strands of Strength event.“Hair brings everyone together, not only one specific race,” Maryan Shale, the student engagement program manager, said.
The event took place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Shepherd Union Ballroom C. It featured Blades Up, a Black-owned barbershop based in Ogden, and skilled braiders who were on hand to offer cornrow styles.
Cornrows represent resilience and strength as they are deeply rooted in Black history. Historically, in the Underground Railroad days, enslaved people used cornrows as a secret form of communication. These hairstyles carry a deep meaning as they emphasize the resistance that allowed enslaved people to resist oppression by directing escape routes or sharing other important information.
“This event is not just about getting a haircut; you also get educated about hair, how it was a way of escaping for the enslaved people,” Weber State University student Eva Mike said.
Mike also said that braids are a long process and that hairstyles played a powerful role in both cultural identity and resistance throughout history.
Event organizers emphasized the fact that everyone, regardless of culture, was welcome to attend.
“We always want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable coming to our events and can experience the sense of belonging that we all are trying to develop as a campus community,” Brandon Flores, executive director of the Weber State Student Success Center, said.
Flores said the event was not only about students getting haircuts but also an opportunity to socialize with each other and explore various barbers and hairstyles.