Our HAIRstory

In 2015, My Hair My Health PDX (MHMH PDX) was adapted from San Bernardino County Public Health Department’s My Hair, My Health Conference under the Family and Community Health Department of Oregon State University Extension Service. 

One of the foundational aims is for local organizations to work collectively and use hair practices as a platform to increase physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption among Black women.

In the summer of 2016, a small but mighty coalition, known as the My Hair My Health PDX planning committee formed, consisting of representatives from Oregon State University Extension Services, Oregon Department of Education, and Oregon Health Authority. Beginning in the winter of 2017, the planning committee partnered with Sah’Rah Stylz to host salon pop-up tours at several Portland Metro Area Black salons. These events brought Black women together to discuss ways to incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives. It also ignited sisterhood and the need to continue this platform while discussing and exploring cultural topics that bring women together. Past My Hair My Health PDX annual events have consisted of keynotes, panel presentations, documentary screenings, vendors, workshops, food sampling, movement breaks, demonstrations and give-a-ways.