By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On March 15, 2025, Bernie Custis Secondary School in Hamilton was transformed into a vibrant hub of empowerment, culture, and community care with the highly anticipated Excel in Style event. Designed to provide free hairstyling for Black and racialized youth before their return to school after March Break, the initiative underscored the importance of textured hair care, self-esteem, and community-driven support.
The event, spearheaded by Excel in Style founder Lohifa Pogoson Acker, exceeded all expectations, with over 254 hairstyles completed — a testament to the dedication of the volunteers, stylists, and barbers who donated their time and expertise.
“254 and counting,” Pogoson Acker emphasized. “This would not have been possible without the support of Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, Director of the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, and Matthew Gerard, Associate Director. When I approached them about the idea and requested Bernie Custis as the venue, they immediately said yes and supported us every step of the way.”
Excel in Style emerged as a response to a significant gap in accessible Black hair care services, particularly for youth in care or from racialized communities who lack regular access to stylists familiar with textured hair.
“Many Black and racialized youth struggle with accessing affordable, proper hair care,” Pogoson Acker explained. “Hair is not just about aesthetics; it is tied to identity, confidence, and self-perception. This event was about ensuring that these young people feel seen, valued, and empowered.”
With the support of over 60 hairstylists and barbers, the goal was initially to style 100 young people. However, due to overwhelming demand and community support, more than 250 youth left with fresh, professional hairstyles.
Among the dedicated partners and sponsors, Cloré Beauty stood out — arriving first at 7:00 a.m. and staying until the very end at 7:30 p.m. Clara Jina Kim, CEO of Cloré Beauty, was a major supporter of the event, contributing a DJ and a photo booth while also assisting Pogoson Acker with braiding styles.
School leaders played an active role in the initiative, with Principal Timothy Powell-McBride and vice-principals Rose Kantiono, Sirio Vacca, and Julie Boulton ensuring the event ran smoothly. “I have never seen such a show of spirit,” Pogoson Acker shared. “The school administration, families, and volunteers were there until the very end, making sure every child felt valued.”
Beyond hairstyling, Excel in Style offered a holistic experience designed to engage, educate, and uplift youth.
STEM workshops, facilitated by Mathstronauts and led by Sehrish Zehra, introduced students aged 5-14 to digital technology and STEM education. For those interested in hair education, Elle Noire’s exclusive sessions with renowned beautician Noelle Smith provided parents with invaluable insights into textured hair care and product selection. Similarly, Anita Grant’s Hello Hair Workshop combined hands-on learning with storytelling for youth participants, making hair education fun and interactive.
Creative expression was at the heart of the event, with a Music Zone featuring poetry and songwriting led by musical talent LTtheMonk and a Book Reading session led by Chantal Gray of Winrose Oasis Counselling. Children were encouraged to celebrate their uniqueness through storytelling and self-esteem-building activities.
For movement and wellness, Mexx Movement’s dance classes brought high-energy Caribbean dance and “Nineties Vibes” sessions, led by Mecca Samad. Meanwhile, Shelita Walker’s Soul Sistas Mindfulness Movements provided youth and adults with a space for relaxation and mindfulness.
Health and wellness were also prioritized, with RMT Bri Williams and acupuncturist Francine Dixon offering therapeutic sessions. Lydia Nimbeshaho of Tranquil Minds Psychotherapy and Michael Opoku-Forfieh both provided mental health support in classrooms transformed into mindfulness and relaxation spaces.
To ensure parents could fully engage in the workshops, St. Matthew’s House provided a team of licensed childcare professionals to care for younger attendees. This team was led by Taniesha Gerrish, St. Matthew’s manager of children’s services.
The impact of Excel in Style extended beyond the 400+ youth registered for styling. The initiative showcased the power of community collaboration, demonstrating how partnerships between educators, stylists, businesses, and social organizations can fill crucial gaps in services for racialized youth.
Hamilton’s philanthropic community played a vital role in the event’s success. Sarah Ernest of Ernest for Good led fundraising efforts, while Jeneka Gong expertly managed administration and volunteer coordination. Monique Thompson of Modeen Events, the lead event planner, oversaw logistics, ensuring every detail came together seamlessly. Kayla Marie Williams kept the energy high as the emcee and host, while Simoni Lawrence enhanced community engagement by facilitating the Cloré Beauty and Excel in Style partnership. He also brought excitement to the event with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC Hamilton mascots, leading games, contests, and raffles that gave youth the chance to attend Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Forge FC games.
The youth enjoyed pizza sponsored by Pizza Pizza, ice cream from Jacob Koenig and his team at Real Fruity Ice Cream, breakfast bakes from Waterdown’s Cobs Bread, coffee and tea from a Binbrook Tim Hortons, snacks and treats from ComeBack Snacks, Food4Kids Hamilton, and St Matthew’s House, and much more. Event contributors also enjoyed delicious meals provided by Afrolicious Catering and Bello Foods.
The day also featured special acknowledgements and greetings from local leaders, including Mayor Andrea Horwath, Hamilton Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann, and Ward 4 Councillor Tammy Hwang, who expressed their support through written and in-person messages.
“This is the kind of event that should happen in every region, especially in areas like Halton, where there is a significant need for accessible Black hair care,” Pogoson Acker emphasized. “Children in foster care, Black and racialized youth — this isn’t just about hair. It’s about dignity and making sure no child feels left out or unseen.”
With such a successful launch, the event’s organizers are already looking ahead. Pogoson Acker and the Excel in Style team are determined to expand its reach in Hamilton to all Black and racialized youth in need, making it an annual initiative. There is talk of extending its reach to other regions in need as well.
Excel in Style was made possible by the support of the Crowned in Confidence Sponsor, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, represented by Joachim Valentin, who donated all branded T-shirts for the event. Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre under the leadership of Sandy Ezepue was another key sponsor present for the Excel in Style day. Many other community partners and supporters including, but not limited to, Equity Network, Catholic Children’s Aid Society, Hamilton Child and Family Supports, Hamilton Anti Racism Resource Centre, ACCA Hamilton, Goodwill Amity, YWCA, Mishka Social Services, Dare To Be You(th), and Refuge Newcomer Health were present to offer hands-on support at the event. Each styled child left with a goody bag filled with hair care products provided by Shea Moisture and Cloré Beauty.
“This was just the beginning,” Pogoson Acker concluded. “We delivered over 254 styles, but more importantly, we delivered a message: Every child deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and empowered.”
Excel in Style proved that hair care is more than just styling — it is self-care, culture, and uplifting community. And with the overwhelming success of this year’s event, one message rings clear: the marathon continues.
