Call for Speakers & Educators
Afrikan Intelligent 2026
The Evolution of Hair Show & King of Locks
We’re gathering elite stylists, barbers, locticians, and cultural educators from across the diaspora to teach, inspire, and celebrate. Share your craft and your voice on a global stage.
Event Dates: Feb 15–16, 2026 · 10 AM–7 PM EST · Zoom
2026 Speakers
Keturah (K Slay) Smith
Loc N Slay
I am excited to introduce the "Loc N Slay" session, hosted by K Slay, where I will serve as your guide and facilitator. As a professional Loctician and Loc Stylist, my passion is to empower attendees with the skills and creativity needed to master the art of loc styling.
In this session, I will educate participants on how to perform a loc retwist with precision, while also exploring innovative and unique styles that reflect personal identity. Attendees will learn essential tricks and tips that elevate their styling techniques, enabling them to choose between simple, extravagant, classy, cute, or professional looks.
One of my primary goals is to challenge common stereotypes associated with locs, demonstrating that versatility is key. Through live demonstrations, I will showcase a variety of loc styles, proving that you can express yourself creatively, regardless of the length or texture of your locs.
Join me in celebrating the beauty and diversity of locs as we dive into the world of styling with creativity and confidence at "Loc N Slay.”
Lyric Daugherty
The Future of Loc Care: High-Touch Craftsmanship, Sacred Scalp Health & Global Innovation
In this session, Lyric — The Global Loc Specialist — explores the new era of loc care through a holistic, luxury, and culturally rooted lens. Blending advanced technique, sacred scalp practices, and high-performance client experience, Lyric unveils the systems she uses to cultivate long-term retention, premium clientele, and transformative results. She will share the philosophies behind her global expansion journey, the psychology of high-ticket loc services, and the wellness-centered approach that has positioned her as a trusted authority for clients and stylists around the world. Attendees will leave empowered with practical frameworks, mindset upgrades, and elevated strategies that align with the future of our industry.
Marla fatal
Wickology 101
WICKOLOGY CLASS with “TheWickLady™️”
Beginner class
-introduction to wicks
-safety guidelines
-formation of wicks
-basic needle size to use
-brief lesson on texture
- what wicks mean to us
-hands on wicks with
Cinque Brath
BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL WAS ABOUT HAIR
DISCUSS THE HISTORY OF THE BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENT AND HOW NATURAL HAIR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE AFFRICAN COIFFURE SHAPED OUR COMMUNITY AND EVENTUALLY THE WORLD
Afiya Mbilishaka
From Roots to Mind: The Unspoken Power of African Hair
This talk explores the deep connection between African history, hair practices, and mental well-being. This talk invites stylists to look beyond technique and trends, uncovering how African hair carries stories of identity, resistance, and healing. By understanding the cultural roots of hair and the psychological impact of styling spaces, stylists gain the tools to create more informed, respectful, and emotionally supportive experiences behind the chair—transforming hair care into an act of empowerment and care for the whole person.
Carlissa Daniels
The V.I.P Retwist
This session is designed to support working locicians and hairstylists by reinforcing the fundamentals of retwist maintenance. Taught from the standpoint of a practicing professional, the focus is on building systems that protect loc integrity, support scalp health, and improve service consistency. The V.I.P. Retwist is presented not as a trend-based service, but as a core maintenance offering that, when executed with intention and proper technique, strengthens client trust and elevates professional standards within the loc community. This session emphasizes shared knowledge, honest workflow refinement, and collective growth, aligning with the continued advancement of our industry.
Marion Council-George
Loc Comp
Judge fur loc comp
Sharing my hairstory into the natural hair industry
Nabilah Thames
Keisha Felix
Jane Carter
Why Speak
______
Spotlight before a global audience
Educator landing page & promo assets
Affiliate link to earn commissions
Networking with top industry leaders
What We’re Seeking
______
Advanced techniques & live demos
Business/brand growth trainings
Culture, identity, and wellness topics
Competition judges & showcase leaders
Key Dates
______
Apply by: Dec 15, 2025
Speaker Orientation: Jan 10, 2026
Tech Rehearsals: Feb 6–9, 2026
Event: Feb 15–16, 2026
Speaker Benefits
______
Featured session (live or pre‑recorded)
Promotion via Juneteenth NYC + partners
Affiliate link (20% commission on referrals)
Digital educator profile & resource links
Access to private speaker community
Expectations & Deliverables
______
Headshot (hi‑res), bio (150–200 words)
Session title + 3 bullet takeaways
Slides or demo outline (optional)
2 short promo posts (IG/TikTok/FB)
Availability for one tech rehearsal
Competition judges: include rubric notes and category focus.
FAQs
______
Do speakers receive compensation?
Some roles may include honorariums; all educators receive affiliate links and premium exposure.
Can I pre‑record?
Yes — pre‑recorded content with live Q&A is encouraged for quality and timing.
Will I get a copy of my session?
Yes — replays are archived and available to speakers.
Contact
______
Email [email protected] with “Speaker – AI2026” in the subject.
Presented by The King of Loc × Juneteenth NYC × Umoja Events.
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