“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” – Frederick Douglass
This quote is so important to me. I can hear my mother’s voice when I read it. My mom was a an educator for over 30+ years in the public school system. She always stressed the importance of reading. Even to this day she continues to stress how strong literacy skills are important. A few times a week she reads with my son to make sure it’s engrained in him as well. He’s starting to enjoy books more and more to the point where he brought a book to the barbershop with him once.
The barbershop is an unique place that is sacred in the black and brown communities. The level of comfort that a person feels in that setting goes beyond the haircut. I’ve always admired how a barber is basically a “community counselor” for many people. Which leads me to my most recent project, a children’s picture book titled, “Cheesteaks and Clippers: The barbershop where you can learn about you, me and we!”
Cheesesteaks and Clippers is an endearing look at important life lessons learned during a visit to a beloved local barber shop. Told from the perspective of a young boy, the humorous story and engaging illustrations capture the warmth and friendship between multi-generations. Values of respect, service and social integrity are reinforced in a tale that resonates with people of all ages. Your turn is next! Welcome to Champions Barber Shop.
Pre-order from either Barnes and Noble or Amazon
This project hits the World Wide Web on May 28, 2020 (my son’s birthday)! With the help of my creation team, I tried to capture the lessons that many of us learn while in the barbershop. The barbershop is family. The barbershop grooms young men. The barbershop protects our culture.
I hope this book helps children to understand that we can learn great lessons from a book in the barbershop.