How Free Haircuts Are Empowering Black Men at LaGuardia College
At LaGuardia Community College, a simple haircut has become something much bigger. Every other Thursday, students gather for free barbershop sessions that blend grooming with open discussions on finance, mental health, and career growth. What began as a practical service has turned into a vital space for young Black men to connect and share experiences.
The biweekly sessions launched in October 2025 under the Black Male Empowerment Cooperative, part of CUNY's Black Male Initiative. Over 20 students regularly attend, drawn by the chance for a free haircut and meaningful conversation. Jorge Perez, a professional barber and staff member at the college's Fatherhood Academy, leads the sessions, cutting hair while guiding discussions.
Students like Jonathan Clauzel, a music recording technology major, see the sessions as more than just grooming—they're a place to talk about issues that matter. Charlie Hall, a business administration student, credits the mentorship there for boosting his grades and mental wellbeing. Even athletic director Marquee Poole has stepped in, offering advice like 'a closed mouth never gets fed' to encourage students to speak up.
The sessions often run longer than planned, a sign of their popularity, according to Rachel Romain, the student life manager. She highlights the need for culturally relevant approaches to support Black male students, especially as colleges face challenges with retention and graduation rates. Similar programs already exist at universities like Virginia Tech, the University of Mississippi, and Queens University of Charlotte, proving the model's wider appeal.
The barbershop sessions at LaGuardia have grown into a key resource for students seeking both community and guidance. With free haircuts as the starting point, the programme fosters discussions that help young men navigate academic and personal challenges. Its success reflects a broader effort to create supportive spaces tailored to students' needs.
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