Cutting away at Black Culture and Identity One Child at a Time

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth launches its call for youth submissions for "Hair Story".

For the Black community, the local hairdresser or barber shops are key hubs for information and the keeper of the community's stories.  More than local businesses, the hairdresser and barber hold within their small spaces the experiences - both good and bad - of the communities of people whose hair they care for.  As the barber / hairdresser nurtures your hair the conversations start and flow.  It is in these discussions that the Office of the Provincial Advocate's Office will continue its work to connect and be informed by young people living across Ontario.

On February 16, 2011 the Advocate's Office is hosting the launch of "Hair Story" a unique community engagement session with young people from Ontario's many Black communities.  Join us for an evening where young people and prominent members of the Black community will come together to share and inform others about the linkages between culture, identity, and how Black hair factors into key elements of self.  The focus of the evening is to bring increased attention to the project and encourage children and youth from the Black community to participate in the bigger Hair Story event.   As they share these stories with each other they will be invited into a series of discussions with guest visitors and prominent members of the Black community.  As with any barbershop experience, people are welcome to drop in and join in on the discussion and the experience.

The Advocate's Office is inviting media to join us at the launch of "Hair Story" February 16, 2012 6-8 pm.

Media Inquiries:

Laura Arndt, Director of Strategic Development, Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth (416)-325-6990 or [email protected]