Rock’n and Lock’n Our Natural Hair-ITAGE

The headlines are buzzing with stories about the increase of African American women and men choosing to return to wearing their hair in a healthy natural state. Natural black hair is hair texture that has not been altered by the use of hot combs, flat irons, or chemicals (gluing, perming, relaxing, or straightening). In celebration of the fact that an Afro is definitely bigger than a hairstyle, more than a fad or extreme hairdo, the Kuumba Family Organizing Committee invites the community to attend the 18th Annual International Locks Conference: Natural Hair, Wholistic Health and Beauty Expo.

The conference is much more than a natural hair show, more than vending of goods and services, and more than a local community event – although all of these things are included during the course of the event. It has become a highly anticipated international autumn opportunity for family gathering, spiritual renewal, and networking. This year the conference theme is “Rock’n and Lock’n: Our Natural Hair-ITAGE“ and is a tribute to natural hair pioneer Yvette Smalls. The conference will be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7, 2012, at the Imhotep Institute Charter High School, 6201 North 21st Street in Philadelphia.

The Locks Conference features two full days of informative workshops, panel discussions, leading experts from the natural hair care field, world-renowned scholars, authors, activists, and artists from a myriad of professions. Attendees can enjoy live musical performances, belly dancing, Zumba, soul line dancing, self-defense for women, live food demonstrations, children’s workshops, a Kuumba marketplace full of gifted craftspeople, talented vendors, service providers from around the country, a cultural fashion show, and the closing event, a stunning natural hair show and competition.

This year as a special addition, the conference will also offer the opportunity for participants to become CPR certified and to learn more about disaster preparation.

By popular demand, the conference will again include a wholistic health, healing, and wellness pavilion offering a wide variety of demonstrations and services. These activities include massage, reflexology, muscle testing, Reiki, ionic footbaths, herbal remedies, and soul sweat/aquatic therapy.

In addition to workshops and panel discussions, there will be a lively community forum titled “Nation Building and Black Liberation: A Matter of Raising Consciousness“.

Some of the guest speakers and presenters include Minister Akbar Muhammad, Dr. Akosua Ali-Sabree, Dr. JoAnne Cornwell, the Urban Shamans, Jus Greg, One Lion Ra, filmmaker Regi Kimbell, authors Dalani Aamon, Dr. Kamau and Nana Mawiyah Kambon, Kevin A. Muhammad, Professor Salim Ali and marketer Norm Bond. A complete schedule of presenters can be found on the website.

Organized by the Kuumba Family Organizing Committee and the Hair-ITAGE Society the 18^th Annual International Locks Conference presents a unique way for all attendees to expand their knowledge, network, and become more empowered. For more information, to volunteer, or to register for our annual hair show and competition, contact the Kuumba family at 1-888-305-3186 or log onto the web site at www.Locksconference.com