Paul Mitchell Schools have selected three nonprofit organizations as recipients of a $60,000 donation to strengthen and promote their culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The recipients of the donation are The United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BHLF), and 501CTHREE, which are all organizations that have made contributions and provided support to the Black community.

• Since 1944, UNCF has provided student scholarships and support services for both under-represented students and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

• Founded by actress Taraji P. Henson in 2018 in honor of her father, BLHF aims to eradicate the stigma around mental health in the African-American community and to provide support and bring awareness to the mental health issues that plague the community. 

• 501CTHREE was founded by actor Jaden Smith and Drew Fitzgerald to promote water and food justice in distressed and underserved inner-city communities by providing clean water and healthy food through the Water Box and Food Box initiatives.

John Paul Mitchell Systems co-owner Angus Mitchell also partnered with the schools by making a personal donation to help cover the cost of a Water Box.

“Having been raised on the beautiful islands of Hawaii and spending time on our Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Sustainable Farm, I never had to worry about clean, healthy water or food,” says Mitchell. “Once being exposed to Jaden and Drew’s presentation, I knew immediately wanted to get involved with the innovative, healing solution that could save countless countries and make the world a better place.”

“Whenever there is hurt, suffering, injustice, or wrongs, you’d better believe that our Paul Mitchell School leaders, team members, and future professionals feel it,” adds Winn Claybaugh, Dean and Cofounder of Paul Mitchell Schools. “It has become part of our company’s culture to do something—to bring hope, share kindness, and provide financial support to make a difference. We strongly feel the need to do our part."

For more information, visit paulmitchell.edu and follow on Instagram: @paulmitchelledu

[Images courtesy of Paul Mitchell Schools]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk