An African American Mainstay…

There’s an African American community mainstay that has stood the test of time. Through segregation, the pitfalls of integration, and the aspirational pursuit of black families following their once former neighbors to the suburbs in search of better schools, shopping, dining and the like.

This community mainstay is even more prevalent than the church. It’s the one place where preachers, pimps, and pushers might have gathered at one time. In fact, over the years I have seen preachers test out their sermons on the gathered crowd, and, it was not unusual to see them glean inspirational nuggets for their upcoming Sunday morning sermons. So even if everyone didn’t show up on Sunday morning, at least they got a taste. Every two or four years, politicians would make a point to stop by to press the flesh and remind their constituents that it’s that time of year and they were counting on support from the brothers.

For many young men, long before they got their first “real” job at McDonald’s, they got one here sweeping floors, where they learned to work, learned how to work. This destination has oftentimes served as both a lab of sorts and a launching pad. Would-be entrepreneurs worked on their ideas here, pitching to a no-nonsense audience. For those who successfully ran the gauntlet of brotherly truth and honesty, would usually seek their first clientele in this very spot. This mainstay has given rise to rapper, singers, actors and a host of other entertainers; oftentimes being the first stage on which they performed on a regular basis.

There are those moments when this destination feels very much like an informal all boys club, where the kind of causal and at times raucous conversation that men have in the company of other men would occur. There were, of course, exceptions to the rule, because all the men in attendance knew how to respect the single mom who would occasionally drop in with her boys, doing what single black moms do; holding it down and getting it done. The men were mindful of the presence of women and children and conducted themselves accordingly.

This community mainstay is uniquely ours, a neighborhood institution. Through the years, they have become more polished, technology has become very much a part of the environment, with cashless payments and online scheduling appointments, it's hard to see the glory of it once former self. Nevertheless, if you hang around for just a little while, you will find traces of that old feeling and start to imagine yourself all over again, back in the day, sitting in the chair, talking about whatever comes up next, and patiently taking your turn in the chair to get fresh for the coming week. Enjoying your time at the Barbershop!!!

Mr. Barberman, the latest song by Atlanta Rapper King Jai. A very gifted and talented artist, speaks to those bygone days.

Take a listen and enjoy!