It’s More Than Hair: The Deeply-Rooted Meaning of Hair in the Black Community

Description

The session will focus on the ethical responsibility of professionals and the commitment of adoptive/foster parents to serving the whole person, including the importance of Afro-textured hair. It will provide a brief historical overview of Afro-textured hair and its relationship to self-esteem. The session will conclude with recommended resources. This session will increase awareness of the importance of human relationships and the role of afro-textured hair in serving the whole person, explain how treating and communicating with the whole person, including their hair, is tied to dignity and worth, and help attendees understand how commitment to ongoing training is tied to ethical competency.

Terria Roushun Epting

Terria Roushun is the owner of The Hair Essentials Company, director of Love & Coils membership, and host of the online private community, Adoptive & Foster Parents of Kinky, Curly Haired Kids. Terria has established herself as a veteran in the hair and makeup industry with over 25 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist, freelance beauty artist, and textured hair expert. More recently she received certification in Trauma Informed Care and began to work with the transracial adoptive and foster community to help them overcome the anxiety of caring for highly textured hair, identify undiscovered bias, build their confidence as parents of a Black child, and understand the cultural nuances at play. Hair Essentials Company is designed specifically with this community in mind. Today, Terria is celebrated for spreading positivity, empowering families, and helping transracial adoptive and foster families thrive!