On February 5, U of T’s Black Students’ Association (BSA) hosted a barbershop event at the newly created Black Student Lounge. Approximately 16 individuals attended the event on the third floor of the 21 Sussex Clubhouse. 

The event aimed to create a “safe, judge-free space where self-identifying Black men can come together and openly discuss what matters most to [their] community.” Attendees were also able to receive free haircuts from barbers at the event.

Chopping it up

The event started off with a presentation by BSA members: Equity Officer Favour Adegboro, a second-year life sciences student and Vice-President (VP) Internal Mesai James, a third-year neuroscience and immunology student. They asked the attendees: “What does it mean to be pro-Black?” 

After a moment of reflection, attendees began discussing the nuances of being passionate about one’s identity, while still celebrating and embracing the beauty in diversity and multiculturalism.

The rest of the questions posed throughout the presentation were in the same vein. The group considered the challenges associated with navigating one’s Black identity in various environments, including at U of T.

Elijah Gyansa — a fourth-year student studying health studies and global health — was one of the more outspoken participants. After the discussion, he shared his reasoning for attending the event with The Varsity.

“I feel like I can feel seen and heard. I [can] get a haircut to make me feel more confident but also… have discussions with other Black students about how they’re doing in school and just relate to them,” said Gyansa. “I just wanted to come out to meet other Black students, Black [men], and build community and bonds.”

The Black Barbershop

Beyond the presentation and discussion, a key part of the event was of course, the haircuts. 

Students who attended had the opportunity to receive a free haircut, similar to other initiatives on campus, such as the university’s Hart House Black Futures Barbershop — which offers specialized monthly services for students with Afro-textured hair.

Barbershops are significant locational fixtures in Black communities, drawing on decades of history and cultural significance.

Since the 19th century, barbershops have served as places for Black people to not only receive hair care services but also be vulnerable and talk about issues of importance in their communities. For Black communities, hair once existed simply as a tool of oppression at the hands of colonizers, but now serves as a symbol of pride and self-expression for many.

The Varsity has previously reported on how Black students’ hair and culture intersect with the challenging representation barriers that Black members of the U of T community face. 

Nathan DeGuire — a third-year student studying architectural studies in the technology specialist stream — shared his thoughts on the significance of the Black barbershop as a whole. 

He wrote in an email to The Varsity that the barbershop is a rare place in the mainstream that’s built by Black people, for Black people. 

“There’s no judgment; you’re surrounded by people who want to build you up and leave you looking the best you can be,” he explained. “It’s the type of place where you don’t feel the need to explain your existence in, but instead, a place where you’re actively wanted.”

The Varsity also later sat down with James. He spoke about his desire for Black men on campus to become more comfortable bonding and forming tighter-knit relationships, believing that events like this help make that vision a reality.

In celebration of Black History Month, James emphasized education and personal initiative in a message to U of T community members.

“Support Black-owned communities or organizations, whether that be a small bracelet-making organization or even just a cafe down the street who’s owned by Black individuals,” he said. “Educate yourself… learn about Black Canadian history.”