“Crown is a word that holds great meaning, particularly in Black culture, where many have adopted the word to pay homage to their hair. Throughout history, Black women have regarded their hair as a form of personal identity, cultural pride, political protest, and cultural awareness. When Black breast cancer survivors experience hair loss from cancer treatment, they must redefine their crown.”
Ava Purkiss, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women’s and Gender Studies, and American Culture, has brought her work with Versha Pleasant, M.D., MPH, to the Lane Hall Gallery.
A brilliant project including an article in Cancer, a panel discussion, a photo essay, and this exhibit, Redefining the Crown takes on a multimedia awareness campaign for Black breast cancer survivors and their experience losing hair to chemotherapy.
In Lane Hall, six survivors tell their stories through the photography of Tafari Stevenson-Howard and offer an intimate glimpse into their battles with breast cancer.
This exhibit explores “the profound impact of hair loss caused by chemotherapy, inviting the audience to witness their stories with radical empathy,” and emphasizes, “the cultural pride and personal identity intricately tied to their hair, and how these elements are redefined amidst their battles with breast cancer.”
The exhibit will be on view until August 8, 2025. This exhibition is presented with support from IRWG, the Department of Women's and Gender Studies, and Michigan Medicine.
Located on the first floor of Lane Hall (204 S. State Street), the Exhibit Space is free and open to the public, M-F, 9am-4pm.
Read more about the project here.
