Neutral Zone's Men of Color Barber Shop Centers the Culture of Black Hair

R. Reed provides haircuts for D. Bigham, and young men of color at Neutral Zone

Thanks to Generator Z, a project of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, we have been given the opportunity to host a series of special events for our Young Men of Color at the Neutral Zone: The Barber Shop.

Our guest barber is Romney Reed, an Ann Arbor native and former student at Huron High. He is an audio engineer in addition to his barbering expertise and small business “The Taper Truck” (a mobile barber service). Romney’s experience as a young man of color in Ann Arbor gives him a special insight into what the young men of this generation experience. He promotes discussion among the Gen X/Millennial Black Ann Arbor alumni, always sharing information, and positive insight to his large cohort of Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti followers on social media. The ability to inspire meaningful conversations among Black men makes Romney a dynamic collaborator with our Men of Color group.

Our Educational Coordinator Daniel Bigham curates these events and stresses the importance of retreat from “the white gaze”, or the feeling of being watched from a lens of otherness. The default perspective of white culture, whether subtle or obvious, creates a deep-rooted urge for some people of color to be constantly aware of, and adjust to being watched and judged.

Black hair has been a means of discrimination in educational settings and workplaces. Federal laws like “The CROWN Act” have been passed recently to protect people of color, and challenge the oppressive concepts of refined or professional appearance. Bigham seeks to connect teens of color to each other and reinforce cultural pride in the non-conformity of Black hair.

Aesthetics have long been a vehicle for creativity, and expression of identity for Black people. The varied texture, curl, and kink of Black hair, and the distinct effort and process of maintaining it, is a source of pride. Black hair care is an opportunity to establish individual style, make a statement, participate in current trends, and reimagine retro trends. From the blown-out afros of the 70’s to the high-top fades of the 90’s; from tapered lineups to intricate part designs, Black Barber Shops have been the catalyst for many hair revolutions and innovative hairstyles. The ritualistic process of grooming is equally as important as having a place to retreat and speak candidly about life, love, and the Black experience. We hope to provide both, so that our teens of color leave the chair feeling improved, renewed, and confident.

Thus far, our Barber Shop events have been full of laughs, food, conversation, and even jam sessions. We look forward to the next one!

-Danielle Yarmoluk