February 14, 2025 — During the Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks game on January 21, 2025, Erna Blackman and her team were brought onto the court to celebrate her nonprofit Butterflies By Blaq Inc. What was already an exciting evening turned into something monumental for the PEF Retiree, as her now 13-year-old nonprofit was given a spotlight.
“It was amazing to be honored,” said Blackman. “I had no idea that this little nonprofit I had was going to grow the way it did. I started this out of my own pocket, as my way of giving back. And it took off and grew wings.”
Blackman was a parole officer and PEF member from 1994 until her retirement in 2016. During her State service, she found moments in her busy work schedule to volunteer with the American Cancer Society, where she fitted wigs for people who were affected by the disease.
“I got involved with the Cancer Society because I saw so many people who were affected by it, and I’ve always had a passion for cosmetology,” said Blackman. “This is such a horrible disease, and I wanted to do something to help. This was the way I felt I could do it and I felt led to it.”
While she was happy to provide for people who needed it, she noticed a disparity in wigs for people of color.
“A lot of the wigs for people of certain ethnicities were in short supply, and there really wasn’t much variety,” said Blackman. “There was even less variety for children from underserved communities.”
This gap sparked the inspiration for her to start Butterflies By Blaq Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free hair replacement and hair solutions for children who are dealing with medical conditions that cause hair loss.
Now, 13 years later, Blackman’s mission has exceeded expectations, and she’s delivered wigs to hundreds across the New York Tri-State area. Having the opportunity to share information on the Jumbotron at Barclays and spread awareness of the work being done to empower underserved children of diverse ethnic backgrounds made her feel special.
“This was an unforgettable milestone,” she said. “The recognition affirms the importance of our mission, and the love and support we received inspires us to continue making a difference for children in need.”
As a PEF member, Blackman always felt that the union had her back. Parole officers, she said, work a difficult job and a dangerous one. Having PEF behind her during her time as an officer helped her feel part of a community.
“I’ve always felt like the union was standing behind us, and parole officers need that kind of support,” said Blackman. “And I’ve always felt like PEF was with us when we needed them.”
Butterflies By Blaq Inc. is always looking for donations, including hair donations. Their website includes details about how to donate and support the business as well as how to request services. Blackman also maintains an Etsy store whose profits are put back into the nonprofit.
“We are also launching Blaq Butterflies Wellness Boutique, again as a way to help people and also help boost the nonprofit,” said Blackman. “We plan on having items that help with one’s wellness as well as artwork for sale with a regularly changing inventory.”
Thanks in part to being welcomed onto the court during the January 21 game, Blackman now feels that there is even more room for Butterflies By Blaq Inc. to grow and expand, including into more states than just New York.
“I’ve had mothers from all across the country find us here in New York,” she said. “They’ve all said that they felt like there was no door open to them, no access. But we’ve held that door open for them and now I feel like we can really reach them.”