Rooted in Slavery: The Story of Black Barbershops

While Black barbershops today are often hang out spots for men to talk sports, relationship, and life, the earliest Black owned barbershops were very different. Black barbers did not serve Black customers. But despite this troubled history, barbering has become a reliable path for entrepreneurs. 

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Black barbershops. We speak to Quincy Mills, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Maryland College Park. He’s also the author of the book Cutting Along the Color Line: Black Barbers and Barber Shops in America. 

Guests:

Quincy Mills, University of Maryland College Park

Host: 

Femi Redwood, Managing Producer of Podcasts

Credits: 

Anddy Egan-Thorpe, producer