This year, the journey toward LOCnificent Fest took a powerful step forward with a pre-event photo shoot that brought together an inspiring group of participants. Designed to capture the pride, culture, and individuality behind locs, the shoot embodied the very spirit of what the festival scheduled for tomorrow (October 5th, 2025) represents.
On behalf of the LOCnificent Fest team, we are proud to celebrate this growing movement that uplifts and honors the stories woven into every strand of locs.
A Celebration of Identity and Culture
LOCnificent Fest, powered by Culture Unloc’d LLC (a Black woman-owned cultural production hub founded by Lovaeta K. Amoako), began in 2018 as a grassroots day party. It has since grown into a multi-day platform rooted in empowerment, storytelling, and collective pride.
For too long, locs have been stigmatized or misunderstood. LOCnificent Fest flips that narrative, showcasing locs as a powerful expression of identity, history, and community pride.
The 2025 theme, WE ARE THE BLUEPRINT, is a declaration of truth: Black culture sets the standard. From fashion and music to language and style, we are the origin, the trendsetters, and the blueprint for the culture.
“My locs mean everything to me. When I finally committed to loc my hair, I committed to embracing my full self. I didn’t know it at the time, but since becoming a loc queen, I have discovered my true identity, and I have embraced it.” – Shoni Alleyne @iamshoni
“My locs represent patience, resilience, confidence, and freedom to do whatever brings joy to this journey of life.” Melanie Brown @bodybymelanieb and @lipstick_lace_n_locs
The History of Locs
The tradition of wearing locs stretches back thousands of years. From ancient African civilizations to spiritual practices across the world, locs have long symbolized strength, identity, and connection to heritage.
In many African cultures, they were worn as a sign of royalty, spirituality, and status. Over time, they also became symbols of resistance and pride, particularly in the face of colonialism and cultural erasure.
In more recent history, locs gained global visibility through movements in the African diaspora, from Rastafarian culture in Jamaica to Pan-African activism in the United States. Today, they remain a living expression of culture, resilience, and individuality — a crown carried with pride by millions worldwide.
“My locs represent the moment I chose myself. For a long time, I held back from starting my loc journey because my family didn’t want me to do it, and even guys I dated had opinions. But one day, I decided I didn’t need anyone’s approval—I went for it and told everyone to accept me as I am. Since then, my locs have symbolized boldness, self-trust, and stepping into my own decisions. They’ve been a part of my self-discovery, reminding me that I’m beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside, no matter how my hair looks, because I am so much more than my hair.” – Kenya Clark @_Kenni.Dai_
“My locs reflect my journey, thick, unruly, resilient. They carry my growth, my Jamaican heritage, my resistance to standards that were never made for me. They’re low maintenance but full of life, sometimes chaotic, always real. They remind me that beauty isn’t about being polished. It’s about being true.” – Alexa Foote @mourning_people on TikTok
Behind the Lens: The Pre-Event Shoot
The pre-event shoot offered participants the opportunity to tell their stories through both imagery and words. Each photo captured the confidence and individuality of attendees, while their reflections on what locs mean to them added depth and resonance.
This special shoot took place at Atelier Artist, a new, affordable, and inclusive co-working studio and creative residency in Central Brooklyn. With its welcoming atmosphere, gallery backdrop, and commitment to inclusivity, Atelier Artist was the perfect location to host this shoot — amplifying the same values of creativity, culture, and community that LOCnificent Fest stands for.
“My locs are my rebellion; finding beauty in myself was the war, and my love journey helped me get there.” – LaTeciara “Venus” Gordon @venus.images_
“The greatest crowns are manifested when you push past the fear of the unknown. Loc in and embrace your greatness!” Adisa Adebowale Mullings @adisamullings
What to Expect at LOCnificent Fest
LOCnificent Fest is more than a gathering — it’s a cultural experience. Attendees can look forward to:
- Locs & Natural Hair Showcase: A runway-style celebration of locs, braids, and natural textures.
- Live Performances & Music: A lineup of artists who embody the creativity and soul of the community.
- Marketplace & Vendors: Black-owned and loc-friendly businesses showcasing beauty, fashion, and artistry.
- Locsanity Community Impact Awards: Honoring individuals with locs and natural hair, making exceptional contributions in the community.
- VIP Experience & Product Giveaways: Premium swag from our sponsors: Taliah Waajid Brand, Pattern Beauty, Jamaican Mango & Lime, Via Natural, Black Girl Vitamins, Love, Light & Locs, and Rucker Roots.
- Panel Discussions & Networking (Thursday, 10/2): Conversations on cultural leadership, hair care, and entrepreneurship.
The festival is designed to uplift local entrepreneurs, provide education, and create safe spaces for joy, networking, and cultural pride.
“It means true acceptance and appreciation of who I naturally am.” – Koree Woodley- Adjei @koree_
“My locs signify commitment and a journey. I hear all the time from people wanting me to cut my locs, how unprofessional locs appear, etc. I’ll never listen to the criticism. I wear my locs proudly, and the longer they grow, the longer the story.” – Olumide Ogunnubi @Olumide301
Words from the Founder
“LOCnificent Fest was born out of a desire to celebrate us — our hair, our creativity, and our culture — on our own terms. Every year, I see the impact it has on attendees who feel seen, celebrated, and connected. For me, this is more than a festival. It’s about honoring our legacy, affirming our identity, and creating a blueprint for the generations to come.”
— Lovaeta Amoako, Founder & CEO, Culture Unloc’d LLC
A Community Effort
The success of both the shoot and the festival wouldn’t be possible without the participants, partners, and supporters who continue to champion the vision of LOCnificent Fest. Together, we are building a legacy that ensures locs are celebrated not just as a hairstyle, but as a living expression of heritage and pride.
“Locs mean growth and discipline. Locs helped find my beauty and realize there is more to life to focus on. Locs are a part of my Caribbean roots, and I want to continue the tradition.” – Yasmine George @yourlocinspo
“My locs mean the world to me. They taught me patience, how to nurture, and the true flexibility of what it is to have back hair and locs in general.” – Aminata Ba @senegyall
LOCnificent Fest is proof that when culture, creativity, and community come together, the result is nothing short of magnificent.
Photo shoot Managed by The Pressplay Agency
