Earlier this week, we told you about a growing call by some Black Americans online to boycott African braiding shops beginning August 1, citing poor customer service and outrageous policies as a reason to keep their money to themselves.
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“It’s time to boycott the braiding shops. Stop going. We know how to braid. Let’s braid our own hair. Support our own small businesses,” said @shea_thecreator in a post.
Now, one well-known African braider is responding and asking customers to give her and other African braiders another chance. Nadine of Nadine’s Hair Braiding, a 24/7 salon in Maryland, posted an emotional video on TikTok apologizing to those who have felt like they aren’t getting quality service when they’re getting their hair done.
“This is one of those videos that I have to make with a heart full of sadness,” she said. ” I took my time, I watched it, and I’m here today because deep inside me, my whole soul wants to say, ‘I’m sorry.’”
Nadine added that she was speaking on behalf of other braiders whose voices could not reach the masses and asked viewers to share her apology with a wider audience.
“I want us to change. This is the wake-up call for all African immigrants in America,” she added. “Respect is mutual, because at the end of the day, I don’t think Americans hate us. They want that unity.”
But not everyone is ready to close the door on African braiders for good. Nadine’s post received nearly 78,000 likes along with comments from viewers who think she had nothing to be sorry about.
“I really hate this. Why are we beefing with one another when the world hates ALL OF US,” wrote someone in the comments.
TikToker @mercurialluvr said she has no plans to boycott all African businesses based on one African American woman’s experience with bad customer service from a person who happened to be African. Instead, she suggests people just boycott the specific business they had the issue with, rather than causing unnecessary harm to hard-working African entrepreneurs who aren’t a part of the problem.
“Do you know how many mouths you are going to be stopping from being able to get fed? Do you know how many bills you’re going to now be helping pile up on a lot of small business owners, all because of one incident where you didn’t feel respected?” she asked in her post.
Most commenters agreed, saying Black Americans are focusing their energy in the wrong place.
“The only boycott I would join is the boycott against Lululemon and the boycott against Asian hair stores that follow us around and rush us to leave 😡,” wrote someone.
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