It is with heavy hearts that members of the natural hair community mourn the loss of fellow vlogger and Black Girl with Long Hair contributor Domineque Banks, who passed away due to complications from lupus. She was 27.
Not only was Domineque a staple on YouTube and BGLH, she was also an avid participant in forum communities like Black Hair Media. Due to her illness, Domineque began taking a serious interest in caring for her tresses. She documented her amazing natural hair journey from 2004 onward, with readers and subscribers enamored, impressed, and inspired by the growth of her tailbone length mane. Beyond dispensing tips and advice using her personal experience, Domineque was also a cosmetology student in Los Angeles.
According to her personal friend Macy Jimenez, Domineque had been a longtime sufferer of lupus, and had in recent months taken a turn for the worse. On the night of April 7 Domineque fell out of consciousness and later in the hospital was placed on life support. She passed away on the afternoon of April 9 after suffering a heart attack. Domineque is survived by her partner, sister, and a host of friends and family.
Currently, Domineque’s family is aiming to raise $10,000 to help with funeral and cremation costs, along with flights to California for her sister and nephew who cannot afford the travel expenses. So far, the GiveForward fundraiser has raised over $5,300. If you would like to make a donation, please click here.
Please join us in sending your prayers, condolences, support, and positive vibes to the family that Domineque leaves behind. She left a lasting impression on the natural hair community, and most certainly will not be forgotten.
Young black women are at the highest risk for lupus, read about our unique risk here. If you or a friend has the disease, or if you want information on testing, start here.
