putnamjb@lopers.unk.edu

UNK Student Diversity & Inclusion and Black Student Association hosted My Hair, My Crown at Relentless Barbershop Studio. Lopers took to the bricks for haircuts and connected with local barbers while learning about topics surrounding textured hair.

The Interim Director for the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion Luis Olivas worked to organize the event after it was delayed two years due to the pandemic. 

Downtown Kearney was lit up with a live DJ setting the ambience and an abundant buffet of sweet, spicy and saucy dishes eager to fill any patron’s appetite.

After washing down some grub with lemonade or iced tea students lined up inside the parlor awaiting a fresh haircut.

Relentless Barber Studio opened its doors to be the venue. Humberto Cervantes-Rodriguez and Dylan Betts opened the studio’s doors early this year. They have quickly become a part of the community, even sponsoring boxer Blake Quintana.

“Come see us any time Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m- 2:00 p.m.,” Betts said.

Tyler Perry the barber was attending the event. He is not to be confused with the famous actor as Madea was nowhere to be seen in the barbershop.

Perry came down from Lincoln to give a presentation on ethnic hair followed by providing haircuts for the students.

Many students engage in the Student Diversity & Inclusion events.

“We like this program because for international students it can feel like home and we can talk and interact with other students as well in our own language,” said UNK student Fabricio Santivanez.

Students are always the top priority with these events.

“The importance of this event is to make sure there’s an understanding around the differences of ethnic and textured hair and the importance that that plays towards our student population and the student’s own self identity once they’re here,” Olivas said. “At UNK we provide an environment and other resources but sometimes you want to feel like you’re back home in your community and this can provide that for them in a way. Through events like this we show our students, especially our minority students, that we care as an institution.”