Hairshow group of children and adults on stage

More than 100 parents, supporters, and friends of Styles 4 Kidz gathered at Dominican University’s Lund Auditorium for the annual Black History Month Hair Show, celebrating African hair culture, community, and confidence.

Styles 4 Kidz Founder Tamekia Swint welcomed guests and introduced the evening’s MC, Zion Ali, a youth advocate and musical artist.

This year’s theme, “From Tribe to Trend,” celebrated the beauty and history of African hair traditions, paying tribute to the Himba, Fulani, Maasai, Zulu, Yoruba, and Ethiopian tribes. Twenty-four young models graced the stage with courage, excitement, and poise, showcasing stunning hairstyles that took hours of artistry and dedication by the Styles 4 Kidz Stylist team.

The event took place at Dominican University’s Lund Auditorium, with the venue generously sponsored by the Office of Justice, Equity, and Inclusion. The space was beautifully staged by the creative team at Lund Auditorium.

Beautiful Faces CEO Victoria Wells and her makeup team created coordinated looks inspired by the African theme and the new Styles 4 Kidz Confidence Line of t-shirts.

A Volunteer’s Perspective

This year, Patricia Adamczyk, S4K Marketing Intern, shares her perspective:

“Having never worked with a nonprofit organization before, I didn’t know what to expect as a volunteer at the Styles 4 Kidz 3rd annual Hair Show held on February 15th, 2026. As a college senior now reconsidering what it is that I want to pursue post-graduation, I’ve been more eager than ever to put myself in new situations for the sake of learning both about myself, my skills, and weaknesses, and about the world, including who and what is out there. And that’s how I found myself running the merchandise and raffle ticket sales, along with my co-intern, Cassandra Delgado, at the S4K Hair Show.”

“Much of the volunteering I’ve done prior to working with S4K has been at DU Feeds, Dominican University’s food pantry, and that role does not require much extroversion. Being on the quieter, more reserved side, I enjoy tasks that are logistically focused rather than those that are heavily customer-service oriented. Yet, it being my senior year, and me being determined to put myself in new experiences for the sake of learning, I was excited to find out I would be helping with sales at the Hair Show. It meant being the face of the organization and helping to fundraise, an (of course) important aspect of a nonprofit's success.”

“As people began entering the Fine Arts building, I noticed some admiring it from a distance, while others were immediately drawn to the raffle tickets. My co-intern took the initiative to stand well ahead of the merchandise setup and hand out freebies to guide guests to our tables. When people approached me, they naturally waited for me to initiate the conversation, which became easier with each person I met. ‘Hello! How’s it going? Is this your first time at the hair show? We’re selling raffle tickets…”

“One supporter bought ten tickets for a $100 value, and this generosity made me realize that there are still people, many people, in this world who care. Being a philanthropist is quite difficult when one has tuition bills to pay, so I volunteer my time when I can, yet it can be so easy to get caught up in the world’s negativity that seems to permeate the personal aspects of our lives.”

“As I chatted with more and more people, pitching the importance of participating in the raffle became easier, and I felt myself being part of something bigger. During the show’s intermission, we were able to sell some last-minute raffle tickets as well as products and t-shirts from the NEW S4K ‘confidence line’. Cassandra and I were both surprised at how generous people can be when they have a cause they deeply believe in.”

“Also, I got to peek into the Lund Auditorium and watch part of the show. Seeing children so immensely proud not only of themselves but also of their culture was incredibly heartwarming. It is that type of hope that made spending a chilly Sunday afternoon volunteering feel entirely worth it.”

A Meaningful Experience for Families

The event raised $2,500 to support Styles 4 Kidz programs and served as a bright light during a challenging season for nonprofit funding.

For many families, the experience was unforgettable. Parent Alex Cornwell shared about her daughter Valerie’s first time participating in the show:

“Valerie loved every moment of being a part of this amazing event. She was so proud of her hair and makeup, and it was a very meaningful way for our family to celebrate Black History Month and the history of African hairstyles. Most importantly, Valerie made friends with the other models - playing with the kids her age and being cared for and mentored by the kids older than her. As a transracial adoptive family, these experiences for Valerie to be in community with others who share her hair texture and skin color are culturally affirming and vital to her growth, development, and self-esteem. We are so grateful to Tamekia, the stylists, and the whole Styles 4 Kidz family!”

Special thanks to the sponsors who made the show possible: