• The Office of Equity Affairs is thrilled to celebrate DPS CROWN Act Week 2025 from February 24 – February 28! This week is dedicated to honoring the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) and celebrating the beauty, culture, and significance of Black hair. We invite all staff and students to join in this important initiative through a variety of activities and events, which are detailed below and presented in our CROWN Act Week Toolkit.

    A Letter from a Pioneering Leader of DPS CROWN Act Week, Jovania Lewis

    Take a moment to read a letter from a pioneering leader who amplified the necessity of DPS CROWN Act Week in promoting healthy and affirming identity development among students and staff.

    CROWN Act Letter from Jovania Lewis

    CROWN Spirit Week

    CROWN Spirit Week provides students and staff with the opportunity to showcase their hairstyles with pride at school and on social media. Each themed day celebrates an aspect of Black hair culture, encouraging self-expression and community engagement. Share your school’s participation using #DPSCrownWeek2025 to celebrate and amplify the movement!

     

    “Keepers of the CROWN” Hair Care Drive

     

    As part of CROWN Act Week, Durham Public Schools is hosting the ‘Keepers of the CROWN’ Hair Care Drive to support students and families in need. Hair care is vital to self-confidence and well-being, yet many students lack access to essential products. Your donations will help provide students with shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, and other necessary hair care items, ensuring they feel valued and empowered.

    How You Can Help

    • Donate essential hair care products such as shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, and styling items.
    • Donations can be dropped off at designated collection sites in participating schools from Monday, February 24, to Tuesday, March 4.
    • Spread the word! Encourage friends, family, and community members to contribute.

    All donated items will be collected and distributed to students in need.

    For questions or more information, please contact Dr. Iwinosa Idahor at iwinosa_idahor@dpsnc.net.

    Thank you for your generosity and for helping us celebrate confidence, culture, and community through CROWN Act Week!

    Cuttin’ Up at Holton Career & Resource Center (Free Services to students & staff)

     

    In celebration of DPS CROWN Act Week, Holton Career & Resource Centers' Cosmetology and Barbering programs will provide FREE services to the winners of the CROWN Act Week raffle! Through these services, Holton hopes to empower students and staff to embrace their natural hair and promote healthy hair care practices.

     

    • From Monday, February 24, to Wednesday, February 26, DPS staff may complete this form to enter a raffle for FREE services from our students at Holton Career & Resource Center. **Students are supervised by licensed professionals.

    • Come to the Holton Career & Resource Center (401 N. Driver Street, Durham, NC 27703) on Friday, February 28, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. to receive your hair service. 

    • If you are unable to come on Friday February 28, you can redeem your services by the end of the 2024-25 school year from Monday-Thursday (1:30 pm-5:30 pm) by making an appointment at (919) 560-2219

    • Styles provided are: Retwists, large braids, blowouts and haircuts. Services are provided by DPS students under the supervision of licensed Cosmetologists and Barbers. 

    • This opportunity is open only to Durham Public School students and staff.

    • For questions, please contact Mario Little (Mario_Little@dpsnc.net), Danielle Barrino (Danielle_Barrino@dpsnc.net), and/or Kaaren Greene (Kaaren_Greene@dpsnc.net)

     

    If you are a DPS School Counselor/Social Worker who would like to recommend a student to take advantage of these free services, please complete this form. A Holton educator/staff member will contact you directly about student recommendations.

     

    DPS HairStories

    We want to capture the many hair stories within DPS! Share your experiences about:

    • Your hair journey.

    • Your favorite hair memory.

    • What makes your crown unique.

    • How your crown empowers you and others.

    If you would like to submit your story, please fill out this form.


    Thank you for celebrating identity, culture, and self-expression with us during DPS CROWN Act Week 2025!