Written by: Tina Sampay (Slauson Girl) for wavepublication.com
Los Angeles, CA–Fatima Dodson, owner of Runway Boutique, wanted to curate an event where Black women could bask in their self-expression.
She came up with Head Wraps in the Park, an event that celebrated its fifth year Aug. 14 at the California Plaza in downtown.
Head wraps have long been a symbol of style and elegance in African culture. As women of African descent continue to dive more into natural hair care, head wraps have become essential to hair styling.
Head Wraps in the Park is an African culture capsule that illuminates the origins and majesty of the art of head wrapping, Dodson said. Transcending traditional customs, the head wrap has forged its way into popular mainstream fashion and culture.
“Every year I come out because there are not too many events like this on a consistent basis,” said Ayana Robertson.
Robertson was a vendor at this year’s Head Wraps in the Park event and says it feels good to come back to an event and people remember who you are.
“Head wraps just give me queen vibes, I feel regal,” Robertson said. “If I’m going to the grocery store and don’t want to do my hair, I can just put this on and feel effortlessly beautiful.”
NitzByNatz owner Natalie was also a vendor at the event and says she loves the fact the event markets Black-owned businesses.
“Fatima, the curator, she is really about community, she’s about sisterhood and empowering others,” Natalie added. “Because she’s been in business 15 years, a lot of people support her.”
The event drew 25 vendors and also featured live entertainment.
Natalie is grateful that Fatima is professional and really cares about the way she curates her events.
“Women come with their head wraps but it’s also about learning the history and culture of head wrapping,” Natalie shared. “It’s about women coming together to celebrate the culture of Africa.”
