2024 -- H 7503

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LC004854

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE TRAGIC AND UNTIMELY PASSING

OF JOCELYN AZEVEDO DOCOUTO

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Cruz,
Henries, Hull, Giraldo, Voas, and Felix

     Date Introduced: February 06, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deepest sadness that this House of Representatives has learned of

the passing of Jocelyn DoCouto, the owner of JaeSlayed/Beatbymaggz Studio in Pawtucket, who

was tragically and suddenly murdered as she left the business she had worked so hard to grow,

leaving two young children without their mom; and

     WHEREAS, Jocelyn was a prominent role model throughout her community. Her

parents, Adeline Azevedo and Tito DoCouto, and much of her family, had hailed from Senegal

and Cape Verde. At the age of 11, she had first taught herself how to braid in front of a mirror,

and later at the age of 13, she began working in a local barber shop; and

     WHEREAS, Determined to open her own business, Jocelyn started her salon with a

cosmetologist as the manager in order to obtain a license, and over the next few years, she

championed deregulation of the hair braiding industry; and

     WHEREAS, Making hair braiding, a generational and practical African-style art-form,

into her dream come true, had brought Jocelyn to the State House on many occasions to testify

before the legislature, and when the bill subsequently reached the Governor's desk for signing,

she was there to celebrate; and

     WHEREAS, With talent and determination, Jocelyn became not only a successful

business owner and hair stylist but expanded as a Digital Creator and Influencer, becoming a

walking inspiration and role model to many in the community; and

     WHEREAS, Most recently, Jocelyn had launched JaeSlayed Haircare Products which

catered to women, men and children with natural hair; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to her children and parents, Jocelyn was the sister of Tito

DoCouto, Jr., Jamian DoCouto, Candle DoCouto, D'Andre DoCouto, Genneva DaSilva, and

Jaleen Azevedo; and

     WHEREAS, Jocelyn DoCouto was a devoted and proud mother to Shailynn Ross and

Preston DoCouto and a beloved daughter, who was working to achieve financial independence

for her family and she will be dearly missed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

extends deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jocelyn DoCouto; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copy of this resolution to Shailynn Ross and Preston DoCouto.

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LC004854

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