In the third annual event titled “Books and Barbers,” local barbers served as mentors to students, contributing to a vision of mentoring, literacy and social support by social worker Nikita Richardson-Lowe of James Matthews Elementary School.
The event on Monday sought to establish a nurturing environment that promotes personal growth and well-being, emphasizing literacy through innovative partnerships with local barbers. Richardson-Lowe believes literacy forms the basis for academic success and lifelong learning.
Amid the hum of clippers, students shared their stories with the barbers, creating a harmonious ambiance. Approximately 45 students received free haircuts in the elementary school gym transformed into a barber shop. The mascot for the “15 Minutes” children’s book by Re-Gina Barnes, interacted with the boys as they read books and ate free food.
“The haircuts alleviate financial pressure from families, as haircuts for young kids are now $25 every two weeks,” said Richardson-Lowe, who added the efforts of the program get the scholars excited about reading. “Research shows that literacy is the basic building block for academic achievement and a lifetime of self-support. Literacy is also the foundation for all learning endeavors.”
In the first barber chair was Gregory Farris, the owner of Pine Bluff All-Stars Barbershop. For the past three years, Farris has been involved in the Barbers and Books program providing free haircuts. He finds joy in mentoring the students and making them smile.
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Barber Jerrold Glee, a member of the Kappa Upsilon Tau Barber Fraternity Inc., has been with the program since its inception. Kade Cartwright, who was receiving a fresh fade from Glee, expressed his appreciation for the event’s assistance to children like him. “It helps the community and we get to look good,” he remarked.
J’Mari Allen eagerly anticipates the program each year because it allows him to learn from his mentors while receiving a free haircut.
“I might want to be a barber one day,” he said.
With a passion for serving the community, barbers like Foster Richardson, aim to positively impact children’s lives. Richardson — who had just passed his licensing exam that morning – immediately came from testing to provide free haircuts, demonstrating his dedication to making a difference.
Latecia Barnes, from the People Advocating Transition Center, focused on self-emotional learning and classroom struggles while providing mental health support to the boys during their wait time. The center collaborates with local agencies, institutions, and organizations to address the effects of mental illness, substance abuse and addiction. Their treatment approach emphasizes mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral issues, offering services in various settings and promoting stable home environments.
According to Barnes, interacting with students while they wait for their haircut provides an opportunity to address behavioral issues and coping mechanisms, fostering a supportive and open dialogue. “A student told me he had gotten into a fight so we talked about coping skills and managing self-control,” she said.
In regards to mental well-being, Barnes emphasizes the widespread neglect of its significance saying many individuals fail to recognize the crucial role of prioritizing their mental health.
“Even though they’re kids, they still go through different things and they need someone to talk to,” she said. “We provide the guidance so they can become better individuals.”
Participating in the program since its inception, 11-year-old Jaylen Williams finds the environment enjoyable and conducive to growth. He also mentioned he loved the complimentary snacks.
Jaylen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage in conversations with Jasmine Hence, a center representative, appreciating the freedom to express his thoughts and share his experiences. “This helps me out by not getting in trouble and to behaving in class,” he said.
Barnes acknowledged the work of Richardson-Lowe, emphasizing the significance of the Barbers and Books event, specially designed for boys. She highlighted that the event serves as a valuable platform for boys to engage in open communication and express their feelings. Barnes stressed the crucial need for emotional support and communication in empowering boys who may struggle to articulate their emotions effectively.
“Some kids don’t know how to communicate their feelings,” said Barnes, adding the interactions and teaching can be beneficial for their emotional well-being. “This program helps them get some one-on-one time.”
During a school tour with the board members, Pine Bluff School District Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree said the program brought the community and school together in an extraordinary way, offering a remarkable opportunity for collaboration.
“When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you learn,” she said. “Our barbers are taking time out of their day and community workers are taking the time to bring an opportunity for our students that they wouldn’t always get.”
Richardson-Lowe emphasized the significance of the partnership between the community and the school, highlighting its mutual benefits. She believes that this collaboration ultimately serves the well-being and educational advancement of the students. Richardson-Lowe also mentioned her plans for the upcoming year, which may include organizing an event specifically for the young ladies.
The success of the event could not happen without generous food donations and help from the social work department, volunteers and barbers, Richardson-Lowe said.
Jaylen Williams and Jasmine Hence, a P.A.T. Center Representative, converse while Williams waits to get his hair cut. (Pine Bluff Commercial/Eplunus Colvin)