Black-Owned Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs in Gresham: Standing Strong Despite Racist Vandalism
In the heart of Rockwood, situated on 185 between Stark and Burnside, Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs stands as a beacon of confidence and empowerment. Founded by Lewis, her primary objective has always been to uplift individuals and enhance their self-esteem. With a passionate belief in the transformative power of a wig, Lewis states, “With a good wig, one can never go wrong.”
What sets Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs apart is its distinction as the only Black-owned wig store in the Northwest. The store is a touching tribute to Lewis’s late mother, Callie, who introduced her to the world of wigs, and her daughter, who tragically passed away before birth.
However, the store recently faced a devastating act of hatred. Security footage from 2 a.m. last Tuesday revealed a masked individual maliciously vandalizing the storefront. The perpetrator targeted the words “black-owned” and the poignant image of Lewis’s mother.
Such acts are not isolated incidents. Reli’s neighboring business faced similar bigotry when vandals smeared a racial slur and feces on signposts last summer.
Despite these challenges, loyal customers like Julie Randall remain undeterred and vocal in their support for Callie’s Custom Hat Wigs. The store’s significance goes beyond commerce. For many, especially cancer patients suffering hair loss, the store offers solace and a sense of belonging.
Lewis remains resilient, emphasizing the ease of kindness over the exertion required for hate. With a plea to the community, she hopes for unity against racism and vandalism, especially since small businesses often struggle to recover from such setbacks.
In response to the incident, Gresham police have opened an investigation. Friends and well-wishers have also initiated a GoFundMe campaign for the shop. Yet, what the local businesses desire most is recognition, patronage, and support from the community.
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Source: KGW News