Cal Poly students receive haircuts from a Sacramento barber specializing in Black hair care

Historically, barbershops and beauty shops have been cultural centers for the black community.

Texture SLO, texture salon, is a black-centered multi-use space, offering more than hair care services.

The salon is envisioned as an inspiring cultural hub, according to R.A.C.E. Matters SLO.

Courtney Haile, the executive director and co-founder of R.A.C.E. Matters SLO emphasized the importance of hair care in the black community.

“Our hair is a sense of pride,” Haile said. “It’s literally our roots, so the significance of hair in the black community can’t be overstated.”

Texture is an extension of the local nonprofit.

According to their website, R.A.C.E. Matters SLO aims to address the lack of black-centered spaces and cultural content in the San Luis Obispo area.

On Feb. 17 and 18, Cal Poly students got haircuts at Texture, which is a salon specializing in black or textured hair.

Industrial technology and packaging freshman, Jamel Cleaves, sat in a styling chair at the Love Your Crown event on February 18th.

“I know that since Cal Poly is a PWI, I figured there wouldn’t be a lot of black salons,” Cleaves said.

A PWI is a university with 50% or more enrollment from white students.

Cal Poly’s Black Student Union (BSU) and Black Academic Excellence Center (BAEC), partnered up to put on the event.

“I really like it honestly,” Cleaves said. “Like my sides right here are kind of thin so I’m happy that he cut it. And then I just wanted a line up so yeah I’m really happy.”

Zayvion P. Johnson, a barber from Sacramento gave haircuts to Cal Poly students at Texture at a discounted price.

“There’s been a lack of haircare services for the black community,” Haile said. “And so I think for students especially who move from other areas, that’s a service that they might get back home that they don’t have here readily available or that they know about.”

Haile hopes to continue partnerships with Cal Poly’s BAEC and BSU.

“Traditionally the Black Academic Excellence Center has been known as a safe space on campus, and so I wanted part of that,” Haile said.

The Love Your Crown event was put on in preparation for the annual black love event on Feb. 17, put on by Cal Poly’s BSU.