Sister Spokesman hosted “Caring for Our Crowns,” a hair care event, on Nov. 2 featuring a panel of hair care gurus and vendors dedicated to uplifting Black women and promoting wellness.
Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher and CEO of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, launched Sister Spokesman 20 years ago and hosts monthly events, with time off during the summer.
Williams-Dillard opened the event with her signature call-and-response: “Hey, sisters!” to which participants responded with a resounding “Soul sisters!” She then asked attendees to “Think beyond the product—consider how we’re building wealth in our community and empowering each other.”
Each Sister Spokesman event is structured to encourage connections and features activities to build community. Prizes are awarded during games and raffles, including subscriptions to the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
This month’s panel session included local experts in hair care: De’Vonna Pittman of Nature’s Syrup, Tiffany Blackwell of VIP Salon, and Tranese Brown of Natural Hair Designs. Each panelist shared their journeys in the hair care business, discussed the science of hair, and answered specific questions on hair growth, textures and treatments. They also touched on hair care product solutions and dove deeper into product choices, community impact, and business evolution.
Pittman divulged how she decided to embrace her natural texture in 2012 after coming to terms with the fact that using relaxers was damaging her hair and impacting her hair texture. “It’s important for us to think about the chemicals that we put in our hair. Those chemicals don’t just sit on your head; they travel through your body,” she cautioned.
A recent study from the National Institutes of Health linked the use of chemical hair straighteners to an increased risk of uterine cancer. The study indicated that women who used hair straightening products more than four times in the previous year were more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not.
This information resonated with attendees, prompting discussions about product safety and the need for greater awareness of the ingredients in hair products.
When Pittman began her natural hair journey, none of the products she bought worked for her, so she began making her own hair butter with naturally derived, socially responsible, and body-safe ingredients. Now, almost eight years later, she has a booming business. Pittman’s products, available at Macy’s and Walmart, aim to nourish and restore hair health.
Blackwell, celebrating more than 31 years in the industry, emphasized the importance of comprehensive care, saying, “Whatever is going on internally is going to be reflected in our hair and skin.”
She educated the audience on a variety of factors that could impact one’s hair texture such as hormonal changes, medications, aging, and the consistent use of chemical hair straightening products.
Brown added her voice to the conversation by highlighting the significance of respect and self-esteem in hair care. “I try to treat people equally and with respect. They come to me to feel beautiful, and everyone deserves to feel beautiful.”
After the Q&A, attendees continued exploring the Black-woman-owned businesses showcased. There were diverse offerings available from Lynn Holman’s business Pink Pearl Bliss, Rosa Mensa’s clothing line Batakali Fashions, Betty Sanders’ shop Unique Fashion & Accessories, Primerica representatives, and Bukola Oriola’s collection EWA Hair & Skincare.
Oriola’s community support surpasses skin care. A majority of the proceeds from EWA are donated to The Enitan Story (TES), a nonprofit Oriola founded in 2013.
TES focuses on training professionals and the public to recognize and support victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. TES offers individualized services, advocacy, and skill-building programs for individuals affected by both labor and sex trafficking, drawing from the insights of survivors to create effective outreach and support.
The event concluded with more networking opportunities, games and prizes. Lunch is served as part of the day.
Sister Spokesman’s next event will be held noon-3 p.m. on Dec. 7 above the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery in the NorthPoint building, 1256 Penn Ave. N., Suite 5100 in Minneapolis. The theme will be “Seasonal Wellness: Eating Smart for Mind, Body and Spirit.”
Alexzia Shobe welcomes reader responses to ashobe@spokesman-recorder.com.
