My Hair My Health PDX began as a bold idea rooted in community and culture. In 2015, the concept was adapted from the My Hair, My Health Conference developed by the San Bernardino County Public Health Department and brought to Oregon through the Family and Community Health Program at Oregon State University Extension.

From the beginning, the vision was clear: to use hair—an essential and deeply cultural part of Black women’s lives—as a platform to talk about holistic health. The goal was not only to promote physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption, but to create space for connection, joy, and collective care among Black women.

In the summer of 2016, a small but mighty coalition came together to bring this vision to life. The My Hair My Health PDX planning committee formed with representatives from Oregon State University Extension Service, the Oregon Department of Education, and the Oregon Health Authority—each committed to addressing health inequities in culturally meaningful ways.

By the winter of 2017, the work moved directly into community. Partnering with Sah’Rah Stylz, the planning committee launched salon pop-up tours across Black-owned salons in the Portland Metro Area. These gatherings brought Black women together in familiar, affirming spaces to talk openly about movement, nutrition, self-care, and the realities of navigating health in systems not built for us. What emerged was more than education—it was sisterhood.

That energy became the foundation for My Hair My Health PDX as it exists today. Our annual gatherings and programs have grown to include keynote speakers, panels, workshops, movement sessions, cultural food experiences, vendors, and community conversations—all centered on healing, celebration, and connection. What started as a public health initiative has evolved into a collaborative village where Black women and families are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive—together.

Our Journey

2015 — The Seed Is Planted

My Hair My Health PDX is adapted from the My Hair, My Health Conference developed by the San Bernardino County Public Health Department and introduced to Oregon through Oregon State University Extension. The idea is simple but powerful: use hair as a culturally meaningful entry point to talk about holistic health for Black women.

2016 — A Collective Forms

A small but mighty planning committee comes together, including partners from Oregon State University Extension Service, the Oregon Department of Education, and the Oregon Health Authority. The group shares a common goal: addressing health inequities through culturally grounded, community-centered approaches.

2017 — Taking the Work Into Community

My Hair My Health PDX moves beyond planning and into lived experience. In partnership with Sah’Rah Stylz, salon pop-up tours are launched across Black-owned salons in the Portland Metro Area. These gatherings create space for honest conversations about movement, nutrition, self-care, and the realities of navigating health systems that often overlook Black women. Sisterhood, trust, and momentum begin to grow.

2017–2020 — Building the Village

Annual events and community programming expand, incorporating keynote speakers, panels, workshops, movement sessions, cultural food experiences, vendors, and giveaways. What began as a public health initiative evolves into a space of healing, celebration, and connection—by and for Black women.

2021 — Becoming a Nonprofit

Guided by community need and long-term vision, My Hair My Health PDX officially becomes a nonprofit organization. This milestone allows the work to deepen, scale, and sustain the village that community members helped build.

2022 — Formal Recognition

My Hair My Health PDX receives its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, strengthening its ability to partner with funders, organizations, and community leaders while remaining rooted in its original purpose.

Today — A Living, Growing Village

Today, My Hair My Health PDX continues to center Black women and families through culturally grounded wellness programming, community gatherings, and collaborative partnerships. What started with hair has become a movement for generational healing, collective care, and thriving—together.

Where We’re Headed Next

We are building toward a future where Black women and families across Oregon have consistent access to culturally grounded wellness spaces that honor rest, joy, movement, and connection. As our village grows, we will continue deepening partnerships, expanding accessible programming, and creating opportunities for leadership, healing, and collective care—ensuring that what we build remains rooted in community voice and shaped by those we serve.