Introduction

Scammers are targeting clients looking to get their hair braided by using real stylists’ work and creating fake social media pages.

Reports of Scams

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is receiving reports of scams targeting individuals wanting braids. Scammers take pictures from legitimate stylists and post them on fake social media pages.

Modus Operandi

Potential clients find the fake pages and book appointments, often making small deposits. Clients realize they have been scammed when they do not hear back from the supposed stylist on the appointment day.

Impact on Legitimate Businesses

Real stylists like Porsche Hensley, who has been braiding hair for over 10 years and owns Divine Innovation 615 in Nashville, are affected. Hensley reported instances where clients arrived for appointments, only to find out they were scammed.

Precautions to Avoid Scams

BBB advises not to pay for the service in full before the appointment. Visit the stylist’s location before booking. Verify the stylist’s work by searching for them online and including the word “scam” after their name. Ask for the stylist’s license number and verify it.

Continuing the Business

Despite the scams, stylists like Porsche Hensley remain undeterred and continue their work.

Conclusion

Scammers exploiting the popularity of hair braiding are causing issues for both clients and legitimate stylists. Clients are advised to take precautions to ensure they are booking authentic services.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovRNa1msWYU

Monday, May 12, 2025

HUD Grants $5.5M for HBCU Housing Research

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HUD Announces $5.5 Million Award for HBCUs to Conduct Housing and Community Development Research

Funding a part of HUD efforts to diversify housing research


Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced awards totaling $5.5 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Texas Southern University and North Carolina A&T University to establish or bolster existing Centers of Excellence (COE) that conduct housing and community development research. The Biden-Harris Administration has delivered a nearly $6 billion cumulative investment in support of HBCUs.

Group of teenage friends jumping rope together in front yard on summer evening

“HBCUs create economic opportunity both for their students and throughout the communities they serve. At HUD, we are proud to partner with HBCUs to expand the voices in the housing research space to support strong communities, build affordable housing, create job opportunities, revitalize neighborhoods, and promote homeownership,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “This funding will bolster efforts HBCUs are making to expand opportunities for underserved communities and strengthen community development.”

Texas Southern University was awarded $3 million to expand the work of the Center of Excellence for Housing and Community Development Policy Research (CEHCDPR). The research conducted by the CEHCDPR will focus on individual and community wealth building, and housing security and stability in addition to planning and infrastructure inequity affecting underserved communities.

North Carolina A&T University was awarded $2.5 million to establish a center with research that will focus on the production of affordable housing, homeownership, renewable energy, sustainable communities, and post-disaster recovery.

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HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
More information about HUD and its programs is available at www.hud.gov and https://espanol.hud.gov.

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