Craig’s Closet Opens at Obama

By Sean Gaines, Orli Trumbull (Freshmen)

Cam Heyward is mostly known as a titan on the football field, but in recent times, few Pittsburgh figures have become more involved with the community than the Steelers defensive end. One of Heyward’s most recent projects was the grand opening of Craig’s Closet here at Obama. 

Craig’s Closet is named after and influenced by Heyward’s dad, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. Craig was one of six kids in a single-parent home, and only had a single suit moving from his teen years to college. Understanding his fathers struggles, Heyward was inspired to create change. During a press conference about the purpose of this new project, he spoke with his father in mind. “Some kids don’t even have a suit, so we wanted to be able to provide a suit, whether it’s for a college interview, a job interview, or prom. Give these young men a chance to look good so they can feel good.”

The ribbon-cutting event for the opening of Craig’s Closet at Pittsburgh Obama 6-12 was held on September 27. It was attended by Cam Heyward along with Superintendent Wayne N. Walters Ed.D. and Pittsburgh Obama students. Heyward’s foundation, The Heyward House, will allow Craig’s Closet to provide high school boys with access to new and pre-owned clothes for internships, banquets, and other special occasions at no cost.

The collaboration of Heyward House and Sport Clips, in the form of Craig’s Closet, will allow students to become more confident while having guaranteed access to formal wear. By 2023, there will be closets at nine other schools, including Allderdice, CAPA, Carrick, Brashear, Perry, Sci-Tech, Miliones, Student Achievement Center, and Westinghouse.

If you have interest in donating new and gently used items, or volunteering at Craig’s Closet, please reach out to Nicole Williams at nwilliams@theheywardhouse.org.