Louis Armstrong getting a haircut, Queens, New York, LIFE Magazine, c.1965

Since 1999, The HistoryMakers, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational institution has been committed to preserving and sharing the untold personal stories of both well-known and unsung African Americans. Their goal is to “educate the world on the accomplishments of African Americans through video oral history interviews.” In their most recent newsletter (January 29, 2021), they highlight the Black Barber - their histor and their impact on the African American community.

”Black barbers and barbershops have a long and unique history in the U.S., with roots in the era of slavery, where owners leased out enslaved men to cut the hair of local prominent white men. Over time, barbershops grew to become “safe” cultural and social hubs for black men while providing services to the community and financial independence for the owner.”

Read the full newsletter here