join us on juneteenth for a special donation drive!
- friendsofyouth
- Jun 10, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 12, 2024
Did you know that quality hair care products for Black and textured hair are often hard to find? This issue is especially significant for the Black community experiencing homelessness in King County. Although only 6% of King County’s population identifies as Black, 19% of those experiencing homelessness identified as such.
This Juneteenth, Friends of Youth is partnering with Sophia Way, Mary’s Place, Porchlight, Treehouse, and YouthCare for a special donation drive. We are collecting Black hair care products to ensure clients have access to the products they need.
Please support this initiative by donating hair care products. Make it a double win by purchasing from local Black-owned hair stores and local brands (see list below).
In-person drop-off on Wednesday, June 19 from 9:00am to 5:00pm at:
Bellevue: The Sophia Way at 11061 NE 2nd Street, Bellevue, WA 98004
Seattle: Mary’s Place at 720 Blanchard St, Seattle WA 98121
South Seattle: YouthCare at 2500 NE 54th St., Seattle, WA 98105
Local Black-Owned Hair Stores
Local Black-Owned Hair Brand
Beyond the Curls, Retail at Marlene’s Market & Deli at Federal Way
Popular Black Hair Brands
Alaffia, Retail at Amazon, Safeway
Camille Rose, Retail at Macy's, Target, Walmart
Cantu Beauty, Retail at Fred Meyer, Sally Beauty, Target, Walgreens, Walmart
Curls, Retail at Sally Beauty, Target, Ulta Beauty
Mixed Chicks, Retail at Sally Beauty, Target, Ulta Beauty
PATTERN Beauty, Retail at Amazon, Macy’s, Sephora, Ulta Beauty
Shea Moisture, Retail at Rite Aid, Sally Beauty, Target, Ulta Beauty, Walgreens, Walmart
Why Black Hair Care Matters
Black hair types encompass various textures and protective styles. Hair has long been considered sacred in African culture and society both past and present. During the slave trade, it was a common practice for captured Africans to have their heads shaved – the beginning of the dark history of cultural erasure and hair discrimination. Hair played a significant role in communication and survival during slavery. Enslaved Black women often used specific braid patterns to represent escape routes for freedom. Furthermore, enslaved Black women frequently braided seeds and rice into the hair of those who were in bondage so they could have food on their journeys. As we celebrate Black liberation on Juneteenth, we seek to honor the legacy of Black hair that has carried on for generations.
Such a meaningful initiative—community efforts like this really show the power of coming together for a positive cause and making a real difference in people’s lives. It’s inspiring to see how awareness, support, and shared participation can build stronger and more connected communities.
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Community initiatives like the Juneteenth donation drive show how collective support can make a real difference for youth and local programs. In everyday life, even simple choices around practical essentials such as tools and accessories from Gentlemen Republic can reflect a mindset of preparedness and responsibility. Both community giving and mindful living connect through the idea of showing up with intention and contributing where it matters.