State Rep. Robyn Porter looked into six-year-old Sienna’s wide eyes, studying the face of one of her youngest constituents. She paused for just a moment, letting the warmth of the room around her sink in. Two seats away, Sienna’s mom, Alisha Crutchfield, listened to every word.
“You are a princess, ok?” Porter said. Applause filled the room. “You’re perfect.”
That exchange came out of the LAB at ConnCORP last Sunday afternoon during “How Do You Wear and Care for Your Crown,” a community conversation celebrating and centering Black hair. For three hours, attendees listened, gathered advice, and told some of their stories at the Hamden space.
State Rep. Robyn Porter
It was moderated by Krystal Harris, who founded Free Your Scalp five years ago. Speakers included Blush Beauty and Wellness Founder Winter Carson, Nia Clemons of Capture, barber Rachel “Roqkandy” Graziano, filmmaker Lydia Douglas, and Sharon Joy Salon Owner Joy Brown and stylists Ranada Morrison and Mona Davis.
Many times throughout the afternoon, it doubled as a tribute to the late Sharon Clemons, a beloved community champion and co-owner of Sharon Joy Salon, who passed away in November 2020 of Covid-19. In the months and years since her death, her family has established both an educational fund to support Black women and a “Community Cultivator” award in her honor.
Her husband, ConnCORP CEO and President Erik Clemons, thanked attendees for keeping her memory alive. Multiple times, Brown also remembered her sister fondly, and brought her spirit into the room.
“It’s Your Crown. And It Is Sacred.”