KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Teens filled the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA on Friday for the “Reclaim Your Crown” community giveback hosted by the Knoxville Royal Teens of Jack and Jill of America.
The youth-led event brought together volunteers, barbers, and community partners to provide free haircuts, skincare and hair care workshops, groceries for families to take home, and a Secret Santa exchange for children.
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Organizers said the goal was to create a space where kids feel supported, celebrated, and confident in who they are.
“This event is a good way to share this message because especially in youth, a lot of young African Americans like to wear protective hairstyles, which is great for your hair,” said Chelsea Myles, president of the Knoxville Royal Teens. “But they also need to learn how to take pride in their hair and how to take pride in it carefully.”
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Organizers said the impact of the giveback is not measured only by what families receive, but by the conversations it starts among young people. That message includes raising awareness about Tennessee’s CROWN Act, a law passed in 2022 that makes it illegal for schools or workplaces to discriminate based on natural hair or protective hairstyles…