As AfroTech previously told you, the mental health barbershop movement was founded by Lorenzo Lewis and stemmed from his upbringing. Lewis was born in prison to an incarcerated mother and later dealt with depression, anger, and anxiety. Lewis almost re-entered a correctional facility by the age of 17 before changing his life for the better.

“Being born in a prison to an incarcerated mother and facing my challenges throughout my childhood by going to a behavioral health hospital and being incarcerated at the age of 17, I recognized my challenges were unique,” Lorenzo said to AfroTech in an interview.

At the age of four, Lorenzo had the shared Black experience of going to the beauty salon, which was owned by his aunt at the time. Here, Lorenzo was exposed to a sense of community and good acts as it became a space to not only find grooming services but to feed those who were hungry. The supportive village was enhanced further for Lorenzo after he befriended a barber named Sylvester, who became his mentor and father figure. It was this encounter that catalyzed instilling a sense of belonging and community for more Black men.

“There was always a sense of belonging and a sense of support with him, and I always took that into my adult years. Even as I went to other barbershops growing up, I always looked for that Sylvester in other men for that same support, love, and gentleness and someone who also was a father figure. If we think about our incarceration rate, the substance abuse, families being displaced, people always looked at the barbershop to bring that sense of family and joy that we need in our lives,” Lorenzo said. “We’re hoping to allow the community to see that there is an opportunity to be heard and being seen by going to a barbershop. Also, it will impact and change the lifespan of Black community members daily.”

Lorenzo Lewis

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