(RAE3) Utilizing the Barbershop Setting to Discuss and Challenge Anti-Blackness

Event Flyer

Despite the resilience of Black communities, the detrimental effects of anti-Black racism on mental health are becoming increasingly evident. For Black people, the sobering reality involves enduring exposure to trauma-inducing discrimination based on skin colour, which significantly impedes their pursuit of equitable access to basic resources. However, identifying the persistence of anti-Black racism impact on Black people is also acknowledging how this type of discrimination can lead to traumatic experiences which interfere with psychological response, inciting mental health issues. The normalization and misinterpretation of mental health issues among Black people in mainstream society often go unnoticed, resulting in many of them grappling with social tension and unresolved trauma alone. This situation significantly affects their capacity to maintain mental well-being and lead healthy lives. It is vital to foster a more inclusive and culturally sensitive dialogue on mental health issues. Hence, society needs to provide a special space for Black people to break their silence.

How can we better support young Black men and boys? 

Utilizing the barbershop setting as a platform to discuss and challenge anti-Black racism provides a unique and culturally resonant space for candid conversations and critical reflections. In this dynamic environment, where young black men and boys converge, individuals engage in dialogue that transcends mere grooming, delving into the complexities of systemic oppression, stereotypes, and experiences of discrimination faced by Black communities. Barbers, often seen as close friend, play a pivotal role, leveraging their close relationships with clients to foster dialogue and introspection. The barbershop, a hub of social interaction, frequently stirs conversation among young Black men on topics ranging from sports, politics, and relationships to confronting stereotypes and navigating societal pressures. By harnessing the familiarity and trust inherent in the barbershop, participants can openly confront biases, share personal narratives, and collectively strategize towards dismantling racism, fostering empowerment, and cultivating a more inclusive society.

This event will be hosted as a workshop during the 2024 Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) Congress Conference themed: Challenging Hate.

On Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, between 1 pm and 3:30 pm EDT, The Barbershop Talk Series will host both in-person at Mr. P’s Barbershop in Montreal and online event via zoom. This event will encourage our Canadian and international Black community and non-Black communities to speak with one another while creating a space to appreciate and learn about impact of anti-Blackness among Black men and boys. The ask from everyone is to establish and maintain solidarity among people in our communities with those of different races, ethnicities, sexualities, genders, ages and any social characteristics a person subscribes with.

**This event will be available via Zoom technologies for those who are unable to attend in-person** 

Small groups of Black men and boys will be invited to receive free haircuts during the discussion.

Raffling two pairs of Jordan Ones!!

Program details

When: Wednesday, June 5th, 2024

Time: 1pm to 3:30pm EDT

Where:

• In-person location: Mr. P’s Barbershop. 8618 Rue Centrale, LaSalle, QC H8P 1N4 (Only 30 tickets available for in-person).
• Virtual/online: Zoom link will be provided.

REGISTER HERE (In-person/Zoom)

This event will encourage our Black communities and non-Black communities to speak with one another while asking folks to appreciate our vulnerabilities. The ask from everyone is to establish and maintain solidarity among people in our Black community and those of different races, ethnicities, sexualities, genders, ages, and any social characteristics a person subscribes to.

Itinerary:

1:00 pm to 1:15 pm

• Greeting and welcoming the audience
• Land acknowledgement
• What is the Barbershop Talk Series?

1:15 pm- 2:15 pm

• Panel discussion

2:15 – 3:15 pm – Barbershop Talk Series Discussion 

• The event will encourage many voices to speak and share experiences.

Closing – 3:15 pm – 3:30 pm

• Giveaways
• Concluding remarks
• etc

REGISTER HERE (In-person/Zoom)

Organizateur: Warren Clarke, University of Manitoba