Alderwoman Diesha Contee continues to give back to the community in Annapolis and support residents through her leadership and proactive approach.  She recently added “alderwoman” to her title.

“I am a community leader/navigator and newly elected Alderperson for Ward 6 and also the organizer for the last seven years of this back-to-school effort,” said Alderwoman Contee, referencing her 7th Annual Braid-A-Thon. 

Community events boost family engagement and help to keep community members connected to resources and their neighbors. For example, over 400 school-aged boys and girls have received free grooming services ahead of school to date.

Expansion of a Community Project

Alderwoman Contee strives to make a significant impact on children in Annapolis while recognizing the importance of the village model, which is a community-based approach of connection and supportive practices. She added that children are always in need of back-to-school grooming services. It is essential to boost their confidence before they enter the next grade.

This year, Alderwoman Contee is collaborating with Glen Burnie, Maryland resident JoQuann Brooks (Jay Brooks) to add the 3rd Annual Back 2 School Haircuts component to her community endeavors. 

“I will have barbers that will be there providing a service. I will also have a braider as well that will be there with me,” he said.

Brooks shared that Alderwoman Contee’s event date aligned with his vision to support youth in a time that would allow their haircuts to stay fresh closer to school doors opening this year. He feels that it is important to give back to youth because he grew up going to a Boys & Girls Club, experiencing the feeling of knowing people cared about him. After growing up, he realized sacrifices were made, such as time, resources or money, to make his life seem as normal as possible.

Stylist Kolbie Booth discusses Skylen Saunders’ hair with her.

“My goal is to make everyone feel not exempt,” said Brooks, mentioning that many people all over the world experience financial issues. “I try my best to eliminate a financial problem.”

Participation Requirements

 Youth must come to the scheduled event in August with washed and blow-dried hair. Only styles that can be completed within two hours or less will be completed. Registration is required to keep the braider-to-client ratio comfortable during free service to students. Prizes, games, and food items for youth will be provided free of charge. 

A Call for Additional Volunteers and Donations

Events such as the 7th Annual Braid-A-Thon and 3rd Annual Back 2 School Haircuts require response from people who can help however they are able.

“Volunteers are needed for serving food, check-in and overall help. Donations can be made via Zelle, Apple Pay, or Venmo,” Alderwoman Contee explained. 

She wants to provide food and gift cards to braiders, too, to provide tokens of gratitude for their hard work.

Alderwoman Contee could use a hand with gathering additional supplies, resources, and volunteers to help for the August 23, 2026, event that supports youth and families. Additional stylists, braiders and barbers who can donate time will help to support a meaningful cause.

Stylist Tyesha Glover styles Avery Miller’s hair ahead of school reopening. The 7th Annual Braid-A-Thon and the 3rd Annual Back 2 School Haircuts collaborative event will be held at the American Legion, located at 1707 Forest Drive, Annapolis, Maryland on August 23, 2026 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Call to register until slots are full.

Make a Difference

Asia Williams serves as Alderwoman Contee’s event co-host and assistant. She will assist with organizational operations, stocking and distributing supplies to stylists and barbers, providing breaks and day shift changes to volunteer staff, and pitching in however she can to maintain an organized, peaceful and safe environment for the duration of the event.

Williams stated that it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Alderwoman Contee in the community over the years. She has witnessed children feeling more confident as a result of previous Braid-A-Thon events, and parents have also been less financially burdened because of Alderwoman Contee’s assistance.

“I believe in her mission to provide the community with this type of event as I have seen so many lives changed as a result year after year,” she explained.

Event Details

Barber Christopher J. Hewett-Easton cuts a student’s hair at JoQuann Brooks’ 2nd Annual Haircut Drive.

The 7th Annual Braid-A-Thon and the 3rd Annual Back 2 School Haircuts event will be held at American Legion, located at 1707 Forest Drive, Annapolis, Maryland, on August 23, 2026, from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Barbers will be in attendance to assist from 1-5 p.m. Call Brooks at 410- 979-3377 for more information or reach Contee at 443-694-2723. Families can call to register their children until appointment slots are full. 

Braiders and stylists are welcome to contact Alderwoman Contee to volunteer their time to support local youth. She will happily accept monetary donations or supplies. Call her to discuss how you can help if you would like to get involved.