Taking the summer months off from blogging has been extremely relaxing.
During this two month sabbatical, I have been able to gather new thoughts, enjoy a few new reads, and also assess the reason why I enjoy blogging so much. By this time, you may have noticed that the name of the blog has changed to "The Barber's Chair". Changing the name was easy. Sitting at the barbershop one day, I recalled a conversation with my grandfather before he passed. He mentioned that the barbershop, back in his day, was the primary outlet for black men (especially) to engage in open conversations without fear of being restrained by their counterparts. When black men felt isolated and their voices where not heard, they used the barbershop as an avenue to uplift each other. This was regarded as their “community”. And to date, the black barbershop remains the same.
Going into a black-owned barbershop at any given moment (except Mondays – when most are closed), you very well might witness barbers acting as unscripted facilitators while many patrons provide feedback on the many topics of the hour. Perhaps the conversation may have changed from earlier times in history, the ultimate outlet remains unbroken.
Further, the black barbershop often gives men a sense of culture. This is one place where black men are able to express their likes and disgruntles in a free environment. Often, you might see someone coming in the shop rendering their services, asking to post a business card or selling a bootleg. This is embraced and very much encouraged.
So I extend this invitation for you to gather around the barber’s chair (TBC), and engage in meaningful conversation!
I'm back!
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