Attractiveness: Attractiveness to the Block brings the warmth to Trenton

Diane Bellamy says when she opened In His Image Hair Studio in Trenton with her husband Antonio five years ago, she included a plan to bring “beauty to the block” by setting aside a day each year to offer free hairstyles for the needy.

“I knew this is something I wanted to do for the community,” she said. “Me and my husband, we live here with our children. We have hearts for the city.”

The Bellamys have seen their initiative grow from serving 20-30 people at their salon on Brunswick Avenue to serving over a hundred people with hairstyles and more in the new outdoor location of several blocks on Ewing Street, right next to the Rescue Mission of Trenton, a hub for people in need.

In its current form, the completely free event now also offers health screenings, games and activities, breakfast, lunch, and shoes and clothing.

Seles Morris was being helped finding something in her size by a volunteer who held up a pair of skimpy denim shorts. Morris balked at those as “not her style” but was eventually able to find a few things that suited her.

“I’m glad they did this,” said Elizabeth Altland, who was sitting outside under a canopy, having braids added to her short hairstyle by independent volunteer stylist Maree Hoeun.

“A lot of us don’t have the type of money to get our hair done and make yourself look nice and enjoy yourself, so I appreciate everything they’re doing.”

“I know what it’s like to only have a dollar and a dream,” said Bellamy, who credits her “purpose partners” in helping fulfill her vision to bring Beauty to The Block at its new larger scale.

“Shout out to my In His Image Hair Studio Team,” she said, “Transformation Church of Trenton, Salvation and Social Justice, The Trenton Restorative Street Team, The Black Ivy League, Brezzy Transportation, Stonehill Church, Faith and Favor Ministry, From The Block To The Boardroom, The Trenton Health Department, Jamar/Soul Covenant Productions, I Am Grace, and a host of other community members and friends.”

The carnival atmosphere of the event, which lasted from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., was not diminished by the high temperatures. There were sufficient canopies set up and some local trees provided shade from the summer sun. And when the DJ began playing the ubiquitous “Cha Cha Slide” a song by American artist DJ Casper, people took the asphalt dance floor and enthusiastically followed along, with a “slide to the right… slide to the left” and “everybody clap your hands.”

“I genuinely believe it takes a village to make a difference,” said Bellamy. “This is about collaboration over competition for the purpose of loving on the block one neighbor at time.

This is hope. This is healing. This is Trenton. In a city known for bullets on the block, this is how we showcase God’s Beauty on the Block.”

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Michael Mancuso may be reached at [email protected]