Four young Toronto women, three of whom are of Caribbean heritage, have created an event called AfroChic,

According to Natassia Parson, one of the four women, who is of Trinidad origin and also Media, Communications, and Sponsorship Coordinator of AfroChic, "it is an event for women who appreciate, embrace and celebrate their natural beauty. It is also a show for women who are curious, in transition or in full bloom of displaying their natural elegance."

She told The Camera that she along with the three other women started a friendship while attending the Etobicoke School for the Arts and continued that friendship after school by starting a book club called "knowledge is power."

Jamaican-born, Amoye Henry, said the event is needed in Toronto. "For a lot of black women who have depended on weave, relaxer, texturizer, etc, most of their lives, going natural can be scary and sometimes you lose your willpower."

Parson added that they decided to cut off their hair because they wanted to grow it naturally. "Two years ago we all cut off our hair and it was really difficult to maintain it properly."

"The old school perception of black female beauty and especially the 'good' hair 'bad' hair debate are issues that the women of AfroChic wish to tackle at this event," said Natasha Morris, who is of Jamaican heritage.

Parson said they realized that there are many Black women in Toronto who are facing challenges with their hair, so they decided to create this event, which they hope could be held annually.

Award winning author of "The Politics of Black Womens Hair" Antiguan-born Dr Althea Prince will be the guest speaker at the event schedule for Saturday, June 12 at the Libra Lounge, 391 King Street, W, Toronto.

For more information visit www.afrochic.ca.