Community leaders of Abilene put on ‘Curly Crowns Hair Supply Drive’ to help students of color
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Several local organizations across Abilene have come together to collaborate on a new initiative they call the “Curly Crowns Hair Supply Drive.” It’s a campaign to assist students of color across the Big Country. Heading up the supply drive is a community leader known best for her work in Let us Breathe Abilene, Shawnte Fleming. She tells KTAB/KRBC the drive is meant to focus on representation and empowering students.
“When you look good, you feel well; you perform well. How we do our hair, how we take care of our skin, are big factors for the Black community,” Fleming explained.
A rising cost in personal care products, including those for hair, poses challenges to local students of color. Fleming continued, “Right now, with inflation, everything is high. Hair products are at the bottom of the totem poles.”
Justin Whiteley, Director of Community and Resource Partnerships at Community in Schools Big Country (CIS Big Country), highlighted the difficulty in finding multicultural hair products in rural areas.
“Sometimes they do have to come to Abilene to collect those products,” said Whiteley.
In an effort to bridge this gap, Abilene leaders are uniting. Whiteley noted, “We get a lot of stuff donated when it comes to shampoos and stuff, but when it comes to our students who are African American and other cultures, we don’t have those special products that they need for their hair.”
Organizers said the Curly Crowns Hair Supply Drive strives to put more importance on a student’s education rather than finding proper supplies.
“They can focus on their education and less on the problems they’re challenged with on a day-to-day basis,” Whiteley told KTAB/KRBC.
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Another goal of this drive is to alleviate financial stress for parents by providing essential products that may otherwise be costly.
“Something that may cost people $20, that’s a big deal when it comes to families who are hurting financially, trying to help multiple students in their household,” detailed Whiteley.
In addition to practical support, the initiative emphasizes teaching students about self-care. Fleming continued, “We want to focus on our health, our hygiene, our education… If we could get some edge control, some gel, and some products, and some shea butter, we’re going to do just that.”
Ultimately, what this drive aims to provide students with smiles and a sense of being understood.
The Curly Crowns Hair Supply Drive is accepting donations through Friday, March 29. Distribution is scheduled to take place the following day between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Oriental Afro Beauty Supply.
Donation locations:
NeeCees Cosmetology College – 1813 Industrial Boulevard
Wilkerson Barber Shop – 109 Sayles Boulevard
Oriental Afro Beauty Supply – 1257 North Mockingbird Lane
Beauty Plug – 3556 North 6th Street
The Peoples Plaza – 1290 South Willis St.
Dionne Enterprise – 704 N. 6th St.
Truly Blessed – 466 Butternut St.
“The things that they need, it’s not actually a want but a need,” added Fleming.
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Products and tools needed:
Eco styler hair gel
Cantu Natural Hair products
Ampro Styling Gel, clear or black
Mielle Hair Care products
Aunt Jackie’s Hair Care products
Miss Jessie’s Hair Care products
ORS Relaxers in regular and super
Edge control
Shea moisture
Rattail combs
Pin tail hair comb
Satin wide edge bonnet
Hair sponge brush
Boar bristle
Edge styler hair brush
Black stocking caps
For monetary contributions, email CIS Big Country. This hair supply drive is hosted by Let Us Breathe Abilene and CIS Big Country, supported by Emily Daye Events and QueensTakeYourCrowns.
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