#RCROWNS: The Symposium

The #RCROWNS Symposium is the culminating celebration of a student-led photography and storytelling project honoring the beauty, history, and political power of Black hair across the African Diaspora. Hosted at Rutgers University–Newark, this event brings together students, faculty, artists, activists, and community members for an immersive experience that blends art, education, and dialogue.

The symposium will open with a gallery walk showcasing portraits of participating students. Attendees will then experience the debut of the #RCROWNS documentary, a short film featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage capturing the personal and political stories behind Black hairstyles.

The heart of the program is a dynamic panel discussion titled: "Decolonized Professionalism: Policy, Pride, and International Perspectives.” This conversation will explore the cultural histories of Black hair, the ongoing fight against hair discrimination, the impact of the CROWN Act, and the ways Black people continue to challenge Eurocentric professionalism standards in workplaces, schools, and public life.

The event will conclude with a key presentation, which will discuss the project’s vision, its role in restorative justice, and the power of multimedia storytelling as a tool for representation, resistance, and liberation.

The #RCROWNS Symposium is more than an event—it is a celebration of identity, a reclaiming of narrative, and a commitment to building a campus community where Black expression is honored in all its forms.

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Host or Publisher Nathan Duguid