Every year on May 1, National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day is observed. This day recognises the significance of barbershops for African people. The 19th and 20th centuries were a difficult time for African Americans in America. The persistent harassment, public humiliation, and discrimination made life difficult for the majority of black Americans. Slavery has been abolished, but the chains’ scars are still visible, and both parties remember the past. It required the efforts of eminent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. to combat discrimination and end the dark periods. Consider the significance of barbershops for black people during these difficult times.
The background of National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day
Barbering is one of the oldest professions on the planet. Barbers can be traced as far back as the Egyptian civilization. We are all aware that barbers did not precede these occupations. However, these exchanges were essential and inevitable for any civilization. However, personal grooming is possible, and it is a surprise that a barbering profession developed in ancient times.
Prior to the 19th century, barbers did not only perform hair-cutting and hygiene services. In addition to extracting teeth, branding captives, tattooing, and removing our gallstones, they were responsible for a vast array of other duties. As medical science progressed, these professions demanded increasingly sophisticated individuals.
After slavery was abolished in the United States, prejudice was at its height. Blacks were discriminated against by society. Going outside always posed a risk, and you could be arrested for something you did not understand. The majority of black people avoided gatherings due to the inherent dangers involved. This is when barber businesses became the community’s saviours. Black barbers began to establish barbershops, which provided a safe space for black people to congregate. Within the walls of the barbershops, they found a secure place to be free. The institutions established a free environment and became a symbol of black people’s freedom.
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NATIONAL BLACK BARBER SHOP APPRECIATION DAY ACTIVITIES
Attend a black barbershop.
Should you get a haircut? Ensure that you visit a black barbershop at this time.
Style your tresses
Create a style that complements curly hair with originality. Ensure you perform this action from a black barbershop.
Throw a celebration for black barbers.
Invite black barbers at random to a gathering. Show them your gratitude.
5 FACTS ABOUT BARBERS THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Priests and healers are the earliest Egyptian barbers documented in history.
There are approximately 14,880 barbers in the U.S.
25.7% of barbers in the United States are of African descent.
Truefitt & Hill is the world’s oldest barbershop.
Barbering is one of the world’s earliest professions.
NATIONAL BLACK BARBER SHOP APPRECIATION DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | May 1 | Monday |
2024 | May 1 | Wednesday |
2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
2026 | May 1 | Friday |
2027 | May 1 | Saturday |