Beyond the Curl kicks off in Statia for first edition of two-day hair, heritage and identity workshop

ST. EUSTATIUS-ST. MAARTEN--Beyond the Curl, First Edition St. Eustatius, will bring a two-day interactive workshop to the island on October 13 and 14, exploring the powerful connections between Black hair, African ancestry, Caribbean heritage and personal identity.

Led by Sharday Benett and in collaboration with the Slavery Memorial Committee, the initiative aims to create an engaging space where participants can discover how hair has served as a symbol of cultural belonging, resilience, resistance and self-expression across generations.

Supported by the Slavery Memorial Committee, Kenty Lichtenberg, founder of Kerai Kreative Style / Be Your Own Brand, will build her two-day workshops and presentations around the cultural conversations introduced through Our Hair, Our Legacy, a St. Maarten-based initiative launched in June 2026 that used photography, storytelling and historical reflection to explore the ancestral significance of Black hair.

Beyond the Curl takes that conversation beyond St. Maarten, creating an opportunity for participants in St. Eustatius to connect their own experiences and family traditions to the wider Afro-Caribbean story.

The two-day experience will explore the historical meaning of Black hair and head wrapping, the impact of slavery and colonial beauty standards, the evolution of natural hairstyles and the importance of reclaiming cultural identity. Interactive discussions, creative exercises and practical demonstrations will encourage participants to reflect on their heritage while celebrating the diversity and beauty of their natural hair.

Joining Kenty from St. Maarten is Maya Williams-Thomas, founder of Reflourish Haircare, whose work combines natural hair education, intentional care and confidence-building. Williams-Thomas has contributed to community initiatives addressing hair identity and empowerment, including the Hair Stories 2026 educational series and the launch of the From Coils 2 Crowns podcast.

Her participation will add a practical dimension to the workshop, connecting knowledge of natural hair and healthy care practices with the broader conversations surrounding self-acceptance, identity and cultural pride.

“For us, the initiative represents an opportunity to ensure that the stories connected to Black hair are not lost between generations. It represents the collaborative spirit of women working together to bring history together while promoting our identity,” Maya and Kenty said.

“Beyond the Curl is about recognizing that our hair carries much more than beauty. It carries stories of our ancestors, our resilience and the identity we continue to reclaim. By bringing this conversation to St. Eustatius, we hope to encourage participants to look beyond the mirror and recognize the history, strength and pride connected to their roots.”

The Slavery Memorial Committee’s support reflects the importance of creating accessible opportunities for education, remembrance and dialogue surrounding the lasting impact of slavery and the preservation of cultural heritage.

With its first edition in St. Eustatius, Beyond the Curl seeks to strengthen connections between neighboring Caribbean communities while encouraging participants to embrace their stories and pass their cultural knowledge to future generations.

Our hair carries history. Our roots connect generations. Our identity deserves to be celebrated.

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