CurlFriends is a registered student organization at MSU founded to build a community of students who want to learn how to care for their natural hair in a healthy way and focuses on the education and acceptance of natural hair. In celebration of Black History Month, Michigan State University elevates the voices of Black students, staff and faculty. One of the best ways to become educated about Black students and their experiences is to read about their personal stories.
Ralph Pruitt is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is currently a junior studying advertising management with a minor in entrepreneurship. Pruitt is the vice president of CurlFriends, an MSU registered student organization, or RSO, founded by Ambrigail Smith in November 2014.
“It’s an organization that promotes health for your hair. It is an inclusive club where people can talk about their natural hair. Also, we create hair products, have potlucks, socialize and teach people about the various topics of curly/natural hair,” says Pruitt.
Pruitt has been a member since his first year at Michigan State, and the organization means a lot to him.
Another benefit? The organization has allowed him to connect with his Black identity.
“I am surrounded by that culture and my people. Also, I get to learn and hear different perspectives. I feel like I have a group where I can communicate ideas and topics with people from similar experiences,” says Pruitt.
CurlFriends collaborates with other organizations on campus to network and stay connected. The e-board offers resources to members by leveraging its network to help address various topics. Some organizations they have collaborated with other Black registered student organizations like Urban Dreams, Sistas That Care, Rising Black Men and Black Celebratory.
CurlFriends also hosts an array of events each year. First up in 2025 will be “Cupcake with CurlFriends” — a get-to-know-you event designed to introduce new faces and encourage networking among members. Another event is “Satin Pillow Talk.” The group aims to collaborate with multiple organizations on campus to host educational panels to answer common questions from members and students. For example, Curl Friends recently hosted a Satin Pillow Talk featuring registered student organizations, including Black Student Alliance, Black Celebratory, Rising Black Men and Kappa Alpha Psi. At this event, they discussed relationship advice, dating and natural hair care.
To celebrate Black History Month this February, CurlFriends members are using vision boards to help set their hair goals on February 12th in Bessy Hall, room 106, from 6:30-8:30. CurlFriends plans to host a fundraising event for Black History Month, where members will decorate cookies and other baked goods to raise money for their organization.
Black History Month is an important time for many RSOs like CurlFriends, whose members are predominantly Black students.
“Black History Month is where we get to look at the great achievements of Black people. This can be a time for people who never got the credit they deserve or the continuance of celebration because of one’s achievements. It’s a month to look back at many great Black people who have helped society and helped with Black elevation,” says Pruitt.
MSU proudly celebrates Black History Month, honoring the rich legacy and contributions of Black communities. This month and beyond, we join in support of programs, scholarships and campus initiatives that serve the Black student community at MSU and honor the invaluable and extraordinary impact of Black Spartans.