Mábel Lara and Edna Liliana Valencia in conversation with Camila Osorio

Edna Liliana Valencia and Mábel Lara were pioneers in showing their Afro hair in a natural manner on Colombian television. Valencia did so first on Noticias RCN, becoming the symbol of an entire community. In 2016, after almost 15 years on the screen, Lara decided to appear for the first time with a more natural hairstyle, breaking with the dominant canons of beauty. These gestures challenged the stereotypes and lit up a minor revolution. Ten years later, Lara published Pelo libre, alma libre, about a decision that underlined the value of hair in Afro identity. Valencia, in turn, has looked at the roots and racial dynamics of the continent in La diáspora perdida. Both journalists, role models for a change that many colleagues have followed, will talk to Camila Osorio about a natural decision that is also a political one.

All events on Saturday, January 31st will be free for people with ID from the department of Bolívar. Complimentary tickets can be requested —up to capacity— at the box office of the Hay Festival (Centro de Convenciones) showing your identification on the same day the event is taking place.