Black Crowns: Help Myriam's Braiding Business after Wildfire

Hair is a centerpiece of Black culture–it symbolizes who and where we come from, what we stand for and stand against, and who we are. For Black women who have been restricted, misunderstood, and condemned in every single domain of our lives since being trafficked into this country, hair is more than another chore or responsibility to maintain–it is and has been, a rare site of freedom to express our creativity, to stand proud in our truth, and a lifeline to connect us to the people, places, and rituals we have been displaced from.

With the recent tragedy of the Eaton fire in Altadena impacting its predominantly Black community, attention has been aptly given to meeting the basic needs of folks who have lost their homes and livelihoods. And while Myriam was fortunate enough to have her residence spared from the fire, the hair salon she runs her business through and the dear customers she depends on to make a livable wage have been deeply impacted, thus deeply impacting her.

With her customers focusing on finding shelter and basic provisions, Myriam is in need of financial support not only to support herself, but to allow her to continue serving the local Black women she calls clients and close friends. As one of the clients who has become a close friend, I am writing this to ask for help on behalf of someone who gives so much and asks for so little.

Despite being a full-time student and small business owner with no family in the area to help cover these emergency costs, Myriam has spent her time volunteering at her church and local community center, giving to others, putting her faith in God and the goodness of people.

Many of us have heard the saying “heavy is the head who wears the crown” and while it has never been more true for the Black women in the Altadena community, it is especially true for the Black hairstylists who are the keepers of our crown.

As we come together to rebuild and restore the Black community in Altadena from the ashes of this tragedy, we ask that every single person is supported, even those who so often work behind the scenes.

Please consider donating to support Myriam in getting her business back on track, allowing her to continue her studies and entrepreneurial career, pay her bills and have groceries, and most importantly to show her that she is a valued part of our community and that who she is and the work she does is not just important, but essential to all our lives.