R.A.C.E. Matters SLO, with support from the City of San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly’s Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, will open a groundbreaking community space and salon at a grand opening event. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. June 2 at 474 Marsh Street. A grand-opening reception will follow.
Inspired by the tradition of Black beauty and barber shops, Texture is a place especially intended for the Black community and other underrepresented cultures to connect and gather in a spirit of community and belonging. The embodiment of the mission of R.A.C.E Matters SLO – amplifying Black voices and matters of racial and social justice – Texture is a space to foster open dialogue, build authentic relationships, share stories of joy and resilience, and celebrate the beauty of culture, diversity and inclusion.
Beyond the community space, Texture will support SLO County residents of color, who often must leave the area to maintain their hair. For many people with textured hair, finding services and engaging in basic acts of self-care – a haircut, shampoo, or style – can be extremely difficult and requires traveling long distances. The salon, open by appointment only, will feature local and traveling stylists.
As a non-profit organization committed to uplifting local communities of color, R.A.C.E. Matters is thrilled to provide this vibrant community space. It will be open for public events in the future, and we invite the community to stay tuned.