February marks one of the most important, both cultural and historical, and significant months of the year– Black History Month.
Best defined, Black History Month is a yearly recognition and celebration of the achievements accomplished by Black Americans and their integral and central role in U.S. history. This celebration has grown over the years. Initially recognized as "Negro History Week," Black History Month has evolved over the decades, recognized by each and every president since 1976.
Black History Month isn't just an American celebration anymore, either. Countries like Canada and the United Kingdom also have designated their own months for the celebration and recognition of Black History.
The contributions and influences the Black community has had on America are too substantial and varied to detail every facet. That said, the Black community has dramatically impacted and shaped something very near and dear to our hearts here at NAOB–the barbershop.
In this blog, we'll explore the historical context of Black barbershops, discuss the significance of these shops on barbering as a whole, and share the wide scope of influence Black barbershops have had on the barbering community.
A Historical Overview of Black Barbershops
To understand the impact Black barbershops have had on the United States and the barbering community alike, it's important to first glance backward to understand the history of Black barbershops.
It's tough to put a hard date on the inception of Black barbershops, but it's believed that sometime in the 19th century, Black barbers were first introduced to America.
The inception of Black-run barbershops was hardly a happy tale at this time. Because Black barbers were inhumanely and unjustly enslaved, they began working in local establishments as "leased property."
These Black barbers specialized in the grooming and care of white men, as Black men and women were not permitted inside these shops unless they were working.
When slavery did eventually fall, Black barbers continued to cater to white men as an economic necessity. It would take years post-slavery for Black-owned shops to cater predominantly to Black people.
Two things soon happened that changed the course of Black barbershops. First, around the mid-1860s (1863 to be exact), Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation. Shortly after that, many states transitioned their laws to require formal training to run barbershops.
Black barbers slowly began opening their shop doors directly in Black communities, creating a space for and by Black men.
In 1934, Henry M. Morgan created the Tyler Barber College, a school for Black men seeking barbering training. Black barbershops have become more than spots for premium grooming services; they've become cultural meccas, gathering places, and community hubs.
At all points in time, Black barbershops were a place for the Black community to gather, share ideas, discuss societal reform, plan strategy, promote unity, and find comradery during times they needed it most.
Black Barbershops Have a Significant Impact on Black Communities: Here's Why
Stellar Examples of Black Success
Black Americans have contributed to and elevated almost every single industry that exists in America. That said, Black impact on the barbershop industry has been substantial, overtly obvious, and impossible to deny. Since the inception of The Tyler Barber College, Black barbers have dominated the barbering industry, showcasing their talent, building successful businesses, and lead
Cultural Gathering Places
Black barbershops were in the past–and continue to be–community havens. Acting as cultural meccas, barbershops have always been a symbol in Black communities of safety, comraderie, and influence. In the past, Black barbershops were a place where the community could hear important information quickly–about health, about local government, about federal changes. Now, barbershops continue to offer that same "heard through the grapevine" communication that ensures the community is informed.
Confidants & Counselors
Black barbershops often act as an informal method of therapy for Black men in their communities. Many articles cite the concept of barber's chairs being a more welcoming, less fearful space for Black men to open up, seek counsel, and ask for advice than a therapist's chair.
Social Function Opportunities
Black communities continue to rely on barbershops as a safe space for social encounters, function opportunities, and a mecca for their community. Historically, Black barbershops encouraged healthy and open dialogue, safe debate, and social chatter. To this day, many communities continue to count on their local barbershop to provide this same platform.
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FAQs
At this point, Black barbers began opening shops in the Black community specifically to serve Black men. These barbershops quickly became a gathering place where Black men could gather to socialize, play chess and checkers, and discuss politics.
What was the significance of Black barbershops during the Great Migration? ›
A GLIMPSE INTO THE HISTORY OF BLACK BARBER SHOPS
During times of segregation, these establishments served as safe havens for African Americans, offering them a space to freely express themselves and discuss important issues affecting their communities.
During what period did Black barbershops begin to emerge in the United States? ›
19th Century Barbershops: Industry-Changing Shops Arise
Though it's hard to put an exact date on the first Black barbershops, it's said that it was during the atrocities of slavery in the 19th century when Black barbers were first introduced to America.
Who started the celebration of Black History Month? ›
Carter G. Woodson was a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people led to the establishment of Black History Month, marked every February since 1976.
What are the benefits of barbershop in the community? ›
Barbershops have long been an integral part of local communities, serving as more than just a place to get a haircut. These establishments play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging, promoting social interactions, and providing a space for community engagement.
Why are barbershops important? ›
Barbershops play a significant role in various cultures worldwide. They serve as places to celebrate and maintain cultural traditions, from specific hairstyles to grooming rituals. Barbershops also play a role in preserving cultural history and identity.
What is the history of the barber symbol? ›
The bloody bandages associated with bloodletting inspired the red and white stripes, while the barber pole itself symbolises an instrument people gripped onto during the procedure to encourage blood flow. Barbers would place the barber pole outside their barbershop, to let customers know they were open for business.
What is the significance of hair in the black community? ›
Hair was, and still is, an important symbol of pride. It was a symbol that oppressive systems often sought to take away. When an estimated 12 to 15 million Black men, women and children were sold into slavery between 1500 and 1800, it was common for slave owners to shave the heads of the people they captured.
What race has the most barbers? ›
The most common ethnicity among barbers is White, which makes up 60.0% of all barbers.
What is the history of barbers? ›
Archeologists have found razors dating back to 3500 B.C. in Egypt. In the beginnings of barbering, barbers in ancient Egypt and Greece were highly respected individuals, often being priests and medical professionals. Right from the start, “barber shops” were places for public discourse, and social interaction.
The barbershop has been around for centuries and has served as an important social institution. The earliest origins of the barbershop can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where barbers were highly respected members of society. In fact, the Roman Emperor Nero had his own personal barber.
What was the first Black hairstyle? ›
One of the earliest expressions of Black hair would undoubtedly be cornrows. Commonly cited as far back as 3000 B.C., cornrows symbolized status, ethnicity, wealth, and rank amongst other socioeconomic spheres in Africa. Conversely, hairstyles such as locs and bantu knots also have deeply rooted origins.
What is the main purpose of Black History Month? ›
Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.
What was Black history first called? ›
Negro History Week (1926)
The precursor to Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week".
What does the barbershop quartet symbolize? ›
Only after remembering—not traveling through time—does Billy see that the barbershop quartet resembles the four German soldiers standing together, along with the 100 US POWs, in the slaughterhouse during the bombing.
What does the barbershop symbol mean? ›
The bloody bandages associated with bloodletting inspired the red and white stripes, while the barber pole itself symbolises an instrument people gripped onto during the procedure to encourage blood flow. Barbers would place the barber pole outside their barbershop, to let customers know they were open for business.
What is the story behind the barbershop logo? ›
The look of the barber pole is linked to bloodletting, with red representing blood and white representing the bandages used to stem the bleeding. ... By the mid-1500s, English barbers were banned from providing surgical treatments, although they could continue extracting teeth.
