New York — After a one‑year pause, the Curly Girl Collective revived Curlfest on Randall’s Island this weekend, drawing thousands of hair enthusiasts, families and local entrepreneurs. Founded in 2014 from simple group chats about natural hair, the festival has grown into a major cultural gathering that showcases Black beauty, entrepreneurship and community spirit.
Grassroots Roots, Big Impact
Co‑founder Simone Mair recalls the humble beginnings: “We decided to have it in a park one day. Come experience what it feels like to express yourself in the most natural way. And Curlfest was born!” The event’s return in 2026 proved that the grassroots energy has not faded. Organizers emphasized that the festival is built on passion, late nights and a shared belief that natural hair belongs in the mainstream.
Family‑Focused Celebration
Among the attendees were Nicole Eaddy and her daughter Ava, who traveled from Spartanburg, South Carolina, seeking positive representation. “We live in an area that doesn’t have a lot of positive Black images. We’re some of the only Black people in our neighborhood, so it’s really important for me to provide experiences for my daughter where she can be around other people of color and celebrate that,” Nicole said. Ava echoed the sentiment, adding, “I love it. There’s nice music and everyone is really pretty.”
Empowerment on Stage
The festival featured a packed “vendor village” of Black‑owned hair, beauty, health and fashion businesses, many of which credit Curlfest for helping them grow. Live performances kept the energy high, while speakers on the empowerment stage shared stories of resilience and self‑acceptance. Influencer Jess Martinez, known for her record‑breaking afro, highlighted the professional relevance of the movement: “I’m so happy and blessed to be in a community with such incredible people and to spread awareness that natural hair is professional.”
Community Roots Remain Strong
Co‑founder Charisse Higgins explained the festival’s origin story: a friend, frustrated by the pressure to cut her straight hair to fit in, sparked the idea of a space where natural hair could be celebrated. “She was cutting all her hair off because that was easier to fit in,” Higgins said. Co‑founder Melody Henderson stressed that despite the glitz, Curlfest remains a labor of love: “We really are building this out of passion… and that comes with late nights, sacrifice, and knowing we’re doing something bigger than ourselves.”
Looking Ahead
With the successful 2026 return, the Curly Girl Collective plans to expand the festival’s reach, aiming to bring more Black‑owned vendors and educational workshops to future events. The organization hopes that Curlfest will continue to serve as a beacon of cultural pride, encouraging families and individuals to embrace their natural hair with confidence.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
