Hosted in the Carver League building on Feb. 11 was Haircare Bingo, hosted by the Black Student Association (BSA). Participants who won bingo were able to pick out a prize related to haircare. When asked what the event was about, BSA president and senior elementary education and Spanish major Kennadie Campbell said, “The event is called Haircare Bingo, and basically we are giving away free hair care supplies,” later on saying, “Especially during Black History Month, it’s a good time to highlight ways to take care of yourself and promote self-care, especially for people of color, so this event is about self-care.”
Winners had many things to choose from, like oils, bonnets, and shampoo along with much more. When asked about the importance of the event, Campbell said, “Our theme this month is “strengthen community,” and I think that really ties into that. theme by promoting strength and community, finding self-care and mental health in community.”
She finished by talking about the benefits of “Finding that joy in a place where you can talk about things that are difficult, or, you know, joke around with friends about how your hair’s so nappy and you need to get new products and things like that.”
Members of the Black Student Association also chimed in. When asked why he came to the event, junior automotive technology major Evan Oliver said, “Well, I’m pretty involved with the BSA, I help with all the events,” later adding that “Kenn is the president. She is my close friend, so anything she’s doing, I try to help.” Then when asked what he hoped could be accomplished with the event, Oliver said, “Just to build more of a sense of community with African American students on campus, just try to show them that there is a place where they can feel included and feel like they belong.”
According to the Kansas Board of Regents, as of 2025, only around 3.1% of the Pittsburg State University student population are African American, with another 5% identifying with more than one race. BSA members believe it is important that they have a place where those students can feel included.
Other students also had thoughts about the event. When asked why she came to the event, freshman elementary education unified major Nia Imhof said, “I just always wanted to join BSA and saw this was the first event that was open.”
The event drew a few nonmembers to the event. When asked about the importance of the event, Imhof said, “I think this is important because it more so allows students to always have the right to equipping their hair, and sometimes people figure out not everyone’s hair is the same, and you want to be able to take care of it.”