Brooklyn was treated to a parade of tens of thousands of natural haired women (and a few men, too”> entering Prospect Park for Saturday’s annual Curlfest, hosted by the Curly Girl Collective. Judging by the impressive line that wrapped through the park, it’s hard to imagine this event was started just four years ago by the five founders of the Curly Girl Collective, Tracey Coleman, Melody Henderson, Charisse Higgins, Gia Lowe, and Simone Mair. Image activist Michaela Angela Davis told Pix11, the collective “really exemplifies what sisterhood can do.”
This year festivalgoers were greeted by the Brooklyn United Music and Arts marching band, performers, art, music swag bags and activations from some of our favorite curl brands; but the main attraction of the festival is hands down the attendees.
You won’t find your standard festival looks here, if there’s a trend to be found at Curlfest it’s the pursuit of individuality. Forget every trend and beauty standard you’ve seen before, Curlfest-goers came ready to celebrate their natural beauty in all its forms.
Photographer Saphir Kone says “As a photographer I think it’s important to capture black women in their natural state, and there’s no better place to do that than Curlfest. It’s like black girl magic everywhere. I feel gorgeous, I’m glowing, people are glowing, the men are glowing, it’s just beautiful.”
Photos taken by Karston Tannis for NaturallyCurly.
