Love The Hair You Wear Is Back!

Love The Hair You Wear is an event that was founded on the essence of encouraging black women to embrace their natural hair, increase self-esteem and support their self-care journey. The founder, VeCoya Banks, felt as if it was important to create a space for black women to be seen and heard. For their hair to be the discussion without repercussions, insecurities or fears.

Love The Hair You Wear has seen great success over the years with being featured on Essence.com, NBC Washington, Great Day Washington and 102 Jamz. While this event started in DC, it has made its way down to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. The number one public HBCU as well as the Alma Mater of the founder. Having started her natural hair care journey during her senior year at A&T, Banks understands the importance of community and being in a space where you are celebrated.

Growing Through The Years

LTHYW has grown tremendously over its almost 10-year tenure. This event not only connects with the attendees but also with the educational departments at A&T. In partnership with the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, LTHYW has collaborated with brands like Palmers, providing direct access for students to professionals from Myavana, Circana, and Pattern Beauty. Last year, 5 students were awarded scholarships totaling $2,500. Headed into it’s third yeat at A&T, the team is focused on creating a bigger and better event for all attendees. It only expects to continue to grow by partnering with the university and aims to engage with its audience, creating a space for conversation, discussion, and support from other like-minded individuals.

But involvement at A&T does not stop there, LTHYW is in its second year of welcoming student interns. Last year, Lewhatt Kidnea and Karisi Grant, both recent graduates from the university, were the interns for 2023 and worked along with VeCoya to help with the internal operations of the event. Putting them in spaces with high-level professionals and helping to further their network and skills. This year, LTHYW welcomes Destiny Spady and Jabria Williams, both rising juniors, as interns for the 2024 event. These internships are welcome to all majors and concentrations and if interested, stay tuned to the LTHYW monthly newsletter and website.

LTHYW 2024 is coming soon!

On September 13th, 2024, LTHYW will take place in the Aggie Alumni Center from 11 am - 3 pm. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting, volunteering or getting more involved, check out the website LTHYW.com and Instagram for more information. LTHYW is always looking for day-of volunteers and would love to expand it’s footprint beyond NC A&T to a campus near you!

This article was written by LTHYW intern and NC A&T student, Jabria Williams.