The Impact of Tariffs on the Black Hair Industry
#tariffs #black hair industry #cultural appropriation #exploitation #support
About the People Mentioned
Brittanee Sims
Brittanee Sims is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Fairburn, Georgia, where she has been practicing for about five years[2]. She holds a Master’s degree from Clark Atlanta University and is currently licensed in the state of Georgia, indicating a professional focus on mental health and therapeutic services[2][4]. While specific details about her clinical specialties or the populations she serves are not publicly detailed, her credentials and professional standing as an LCSW reflect a commitment to providing mental health support in her community[2][4]. In addition to her clinical work, Sims has been featured in news reporting as a community member impacted by broader economic trends affecting Black women, particularly in the context of rising costs for hair care services and products[6]. In a 2023 Associated Press article, she discussed the personal and practical challenges faced by Black women due to increased tariffs on imported hair products, highlighting how these economic pressures force difficult choices about personal care spending—a topic of relevance given ongoing inflation and the significance of hair care in Black culture[6]. Her comments in the article offer a firsthand perspective on how national policy decisions can affect everyday life for specific communities. There is no widely available information indicating that Brittanee Sims holds notable public roles outside of her clinical practice or that she is involved in high-profile advocacy or media beyond this news feature. Her current relevance appears tied to her professional practice as a therapist and her representation of the experiences of Black women navigating economic and cultural challenges related to personal care[2][6]. No recent events or public statements beyond the 2023 AP article are documented in the available sources. In summary, Brittanee Sims is a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia with several years of professional experience, recognized for her clinical role and, more recently, as a community voice highlighting the intersection of economic policy and cultural practices affecting Black women[2][6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
AP
The Associated Press (AP) is a **global, not-for-profit news cooperative** headquartered in New York City, founded in 1846 by five New York newspapers to provide faster news delivery during the Mexican-American War. It operates as a cooperative unincorporated association, distributing news to its members, major newspapers, broadcasters, and subscribers worldwide[1][2][4]. AP is one of the oldest and most respected news agencies with a vast global presence: it maintains about 235 bureaus in 94 countries and publishes content in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Its journalism reaches over four billion people daily, with more than 400,000 stories, 80,000 videos, and 1.2 million photos produced annually[2]. As of 2025, its website attracts over 128 million monthly visits, ranking it among the top 10 U.S. news websites[1]. Known for its **unbiased, fact-based reporting**, AP champions press freedom, journalist safety, and intellectual property protection. It has won **59 Pulitzer Prizes**, including 36 for photography, reflecting its high journalistic standards and impact[1][3][4]. AP’s content spans breaking news, sports polls, election coverage, and enterprise reports, and it also publishes the widely used *AP Stylebook*. Throughout its history, AP has been a pioneer in journalism, covering major historical events from Abraham Lincoln’s assassination to contemporary global conflicts. It has successfully navigated 21st-century challenges, including the decline of local newspapers and political controversies, while maintaining editorial independence[2][3]. Governed by an executive leadership team and board of directors, AP continues to innovate and uphold its mission to advance “the power of facts” for a worldwide audience. It also supports journalists through initiatives like the AP Emergency Relief Fund to assist colleagues affected by conflict or disaster[2][4]. Its reliability and minimal bias have been recognized by independent media rating organizations, confirming its position as a
