Cutting Across Communities: African American Barbers & Community Leadership in Central Appalachia, 1800s-Present
Abstract
This project explores how African American barbers in Appalachia were more than business owners—they were community leaders, mentors, and economic anchors, even during segregation. This project examines the historical and contemporary contributions of African American barbers in Central Appalachia from the late nineteenth century to the present. While Appalachian scholarship has often portrayed the region as culturally homogeneous, the role of African American entrepreneurs—particularly barbers—remains underrepresented. Historically, barbering provided one of the few professional pathways for African American men to achieve economic independence, business ownership, and community leadership during periods marked by segregation and limited opportunity.
Drawing on archival research, oral history interviews, and demographic analysis, this study explores how barbershops functioned as more than commercial enterprises. Instead, they operated as vital community institutions where mentorship developed, information circulated, and social networks were sustained. Preliminary findings suggest that African American barbershops served as key sites of economic mobility, leadership formation, and cultural continuity within Appalachian communities.
Grounded in both historical investigation and the researcher’s professional experience as a barber and educator, this project contributes to a more inclusive understanding of Appalachian history. In addition to a master’s thesis, this research will support the development of public humanities materials, including a documentary film and future scholarly work.
Start Time
15-4-2026 1:20 PM
End Time
15-4-2026 1:35 PM
Room Number
Reece Museum
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Community Engagement Showcase
Cutting Across Communities: African American Barbers & Community Leadership in Central Appalachia, 1800s-Present
Reece Museum
This project explores how African American barbers in Appalachia were more than business owners—they were community leaders, mentors, and economic anchors, even during segregation. This project examines the historical and contemporary contributions of African American barbers in Central Appalachia from the late nineteenth century to the present. While Appalachian scholarship has often portrayed the region as culturally homogeneous, the role of African American entrepreneurs—particularly barbers—remains underrepresented. Historically, barbering provided one of the few professional pathways for African American men to achieve economic independence, business ownership, and community leadership during periods marked by segregation and limited opportunity.
Drawing on archival research, oral history interviews, and demographic analysis, this study explores how barbershops functioned as more than commercial enterprises. Instead, they operated as vital community institutions where mentorship developed, information circulated, and social networks were sustained. Preliminary findings suggest that African American barbershops served as key sites of economic mobility, leadership formation, and cultural continuity within Appalachian communities.
Grounded in both historical investigation and the researcher’s professional experience as a barber and educator, this project contributes to a more inclusive understanding of Appalachian history. In addition to a master’s thesis, this research will support the development of public humanities materials, including a documentary film and future scholarly work.
