More Than a Cut

Recognizing the economic and social significance of Black barbershops, many celebrities and companies have invested into the barbering enterprise. Michael Render, better known as rapper Killer Mike, has invested into a franchise of barbershops called The SWAG Shop (Shave Wash and Groom). He is known for powerful public statements in Black communities concerning violence, protection against covid, and local economies. His support for these Barbershops provides both a space where Black men can educate one another about such issues, and keep local paychecks circulating in the Black community instead of going to chains owned by big corporations outside it.

NBA superstar LeBron James has also illuminated the importance of barber shop culture through his HBO debuted show, The Shop. He said he picked that setting because "when I was a kid, being in barbershops meant listening to adults talk about sports, clothing, politics, music, everything happened in the shop. It was so real and so candid — no one had a sense of, well I can't be myself here.” Barbers Risking Everything to Have Everything, better known as BRETHE, is a brand created by Birmingham, AL barber Tommy “TJ” Dudley. The brand features barbers being mentors, community activists, parents, and entrepreneurs. And they give great haircuts too!

President Obama's barber Zariff, The First Barber of The United States.