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Aginah Carter-Shabazz was born to Donald and Elizabeth Carter in Philadelphia. Aginah
began her professional Career in 1978. She had an interest in criminal justice, but always wanted to discover the mysteries
of having beautiful hair. She attended LaSalle University with a desire to major in Criminal Justice. But a stronger
voice pulled her away, and she enrolled at Wilfred Academy Beauty School to pursue the study of Cosmetology. And as they say,
“The rest is history.” Aginah opened the first Natural Hair Salon on the east coast, and has served her
loyal customers for over three decades. She is an intuitive entrepreneur who uses her own experience and growth to fuel and
guide her vision.
Never one to shrink back from a just cause, Aginah has always conveyed strength of purpose to people of
all ages. Justice For Her, an award winning documentary, is the directorial debut of this Philadelphia native.
She was inspired to direct and produce her first featured documentary following her daughter's arrest and trial in a capital
punishment case. This documentary film reveals that the choices women make bring consequences never imagined in their
wildest dreams. For additional information please visit the website http://www.justiceforher.org.
Today her motto, “Working from the inside out,” has taken on an even greater meaning and a far
wider perspective. Aginah uses that message to influence the ideals of young people, helping them to understand that
the choices they make in their hearts and minds will affect their present lives as well as their ability to enjoy a positive,
productive future. Aginah is a mentor to aspiring cosmetologists and a member of the assessment panel and speaker for
the Wharton School of Business’s Young Entrepreneur Program at the University of Pennsylvania. She performs volunteer
services as a mentor to students in Philadelphia and Lower Merion. She is the founder of the Promising Enrichment Program
(PEP) that builds self-esteem in young women and girls. Also, she has taken the message of this program to the female
victims of Hurricane Katrina housed under Philadelphia Mayor John Street's relocation program by offering them a day of beauty.
Aginah teaches Cosmetology Career Planning to teenage girls at the HOPE Charter High School in Philadelphia.
Aginah has been featured in numerous hair care magazines and many newspaper articles.
She has received numerous awards, including the State Treasurer’s Award to African-American Female Entrepreneurs in
recognition of her contributions to society and the West Philadelphia Economic Development Award. In a fitting tribute
to her personal triumph and her professional achievement, she was awarded the 1996 Madam C.J. Walker Award by the National
Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. This places her among the nation’s outstanding African-American women who followed
the path of an African-American icon.
In December 2004, Governor Edward Rendell of Pennsylvania appointed Aginah to the State Board of Cosmetology.
Also on behalf of Stedman Graham & Associates, he extended warm congratulations to Aginah for her nomination for the Anita
T. Conner Award of Achievement for outstanding leadership. Making It Happen!
After 25 years as a hair salon owner, Aginah closed her salon doors in June 2001, to heal after fighting
the criminal justice system to free her daughter. Today she continues to provide holistic hair health education to her
community. For additional information please visit the website http://www.Aginah.com
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