Only we have the right to control how our culture is presented andexploited. Social media has made it easier than ever to see the ubiquity of cultural appropriation, the act of a person or group of one culture adopting the style, mannerisms, or anything of unique cultural value from another group without context or understanding. … Continue reading Black Barbershops and Beauty Shops Matter
Category: Culture
Some African American Executives Make a Silent Agreement with White Corporate Hierarchy
Many Black men and women who choose to follow their dreams inside of large corporations still find their hopes shoplifted by a rigged system. I’ve always been a big fan of boxing. I appreciate the subtleties of how prize fighters balance brute strength with finesse and endurance. I love watching old footage of Mike Tyson … Continue reading Some African American Executives Make a Silent Agreement with White Corporate Hierarchy
Hollywood Should Rethink Their African American Stereotypes
Current movements are asking corporations to show the diversity and inclusion statistics within their own ranks—especially in leadership and C-suite roles. Now Hollywood is being asked to give African Americans a deserved seat at their table. Regardless of whether or not they do, the curtain has opened, and our show will go on.
Corporations That Say They Stand in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter Must Be Ready for a 150-Point Inspection
Black Lives Matter protests have now occurred in at least 1,700 locations across the United States since George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in May of 2020. In response, brands—including giants like Target, Ben and Jerry’s and NIKE—have made statements offering their support. But is their solidarity solid? Now a new non-profit Pull … Continue reading Corporations That Say They Stand in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter Must Be Ready for a 150-Point Inspection
Black Men and Women Have for Centuries Put Themselves in Social Quarantine
We must always wear a mask in public that can only be removed at home, in church or in segregated spaces such as salons and barbershops. Salons and barbershops provide a safe space for combing through the tangled emotions of being black in America. George Floyd’s recent murder has brought much needed attention to … Continue reading Black Men and Women Have for Centuries Put Themselves in Social Quarantine
Coronavirus Is Changing the Film Industry and How It Markets Entertainment to African-American Consumers
Many studios are finding that African-American salons and barbershops offer a unique platform for reaching black communities—even when they can’t open for business. You might not think that Hollywood and black beauty venues have much in common, but these days businesses of every size all share the same threat—social distancing. It is just as difficult … Continue reading Coronavirus Is Changing the Film Industry and How It Markets Entertainment to African-American Consumers
African-American Salons and Barbershops Are Told Its Time to Open Up. Many Are Saving a Seat for Their Customers Instead.
As black business owners weight the risks and rewards, their reputations lie in the balance. Few industries have felt the effects of COVID-19 as acutely the salon, nail and barbershop industry. Currently, there are 147,406 barbershops, 50,000 nail salons, and a staggering 289,277 beauty salons in the U.S. That doesn’t include shops that operate without a … Continue reading African-American Salons and Barbershops Are Told Its Time to Open Up. Many Are Saving a Seat for Their Customers Instead.
It’s Time for Streaming Services to Get Serious About Reaching African-American Millennial Consumers
Even during coronavirus isolation, black barber and beauty shops offer unique, creative options for marketing film, television, and music. Fox Corporation recently launched a new streaming service called FOX Soul, which is aimed at African-American millennials. They did it for one very good reason: Black millennials spend about $7.3 billion dollars a year on streaming … Continue reading It’s Time for Streaming Services to Get Serious About Reaching African-American Millennial Consumers
Salon and Barbershop Owners and Stylists Struggle to Catch Their Breath as the COVID-19 Shutdown Continues
But what if it is a huge opportunity in disguise? If you’re one of the 1.7 million Americans who own or are employed by a hair and nail care business, you may feel like you just lost everything. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, IbisWorld forecast that the industry would generate $64 billion and take in … Continue reading Salon and Barbershop Owners and Stylists Struggle to Catch Their Breath as the COVID-19 Shutdown Continues
It’s Time for Streaming Services to Get Serious About Reaching African-American Millennial Consumers
Black salons and barbershops are the perfect venue for doing it. Fox Corporation recently launched a new streaming service called FOX Soul, which is aimed at African-American millennials. They did it for one very good reason: Black millennials spend about $7.3 BILLION dollars a year on streaming services. Why wouldn’t a major network want a … Continue reading It’s Time for Streaming Services to Get Serious About Reaching African-American Millennial Consumers