Student Body President Yendi Lark had a vision. As a child, Yendi was bullied because of her hair. Encouraging others to embrace their natural hair is really important to her. She wanted to create a project to celebrate the significance of hair in Black culture by highlighting the unique hair textures of those identifying as Black.
The Black Heritage Project was born. The Student Government Association (SGA) initiated the project led by Yendi Lark and student photographer Emma Altman.
The project involved 24 students who identified as Black. Each student was asked to share their experiences and reflections on their hair—what it means to them, how it shapes their identity, and how it ties into their upbringing. Through these personal stories, the project seeks to break down barriers and promote understanding of the challenges many face when scrutinizing or misunderstanding their hairstyles.
By including information about the Crown Act and its relevance to modern-day issues, the project takes a stand against such discrimination while providing students and the wider community with an educational experience that’s both impactful and necessary.
Some students were initially nervous about the photo shoot, but their personalities and confidence shone through as they relaxed and embraced the experience. The photoshoots became a celebration of self-expression, with smiles and unique characters emerging in every frame.
“It was an incredible experience,” said Emma Altman, reflecting on the joy of photographing Black hairstyles. “Everyone had such a great attitude, and their smiles made the whole experience so memorable.”
The students' enthusiasm, combined with the support of the SGA team, made the project a success. The initial expectation was for 13 participants, but the number quickly grew to 24.
When the project was unveiled in the Library Information Technology Center (LITC) atrium, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Students, faculty, and staff admired the initiative and showed interest in the educational materials accompanying the photos. The project sparked conversations about the significance of hair in Black culture and contributed to a broader dialogue about diversity and inclusion on campus.
Looking ahead, the team behind the Black Heritage Project plans to expand the initiative, potentially involving international students and other cultural groups.
“We want to continue highlighting diverse representation,” said Emma Altman. “The liberal arts at Coker are all about exploring different cultures and perspectives, and this project is just one way of doing that.”
The display will be taken down at the end of February, but its legacy will last. For the 24 students who participated, the experience was much more than just a photo shoot—it was an opportunity to share their stories, reflect on their identities, and connect with others in ways that will resonate for years to come. Students are also able to keep their photographs after the end of the project.
“I think the most rewarding part of this project is seeing how it brought people together,” said Yendi Lark. “It’s not just about hair; it’s about honoring the experiences and histories that shape us.”
If you’d like to experience this project firsthand, visit the Library-Information Technology Center at 300 E College Avenue on Coker’s campus Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. or on Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
