SON. Barbershop

Founded 2017, SON. is a platform that showcases the multi-dimensional experience of the black male identity on a global scale. SON. was established to provide an innovative space in media for the creative excellence and activism of black male-identifying bodies. Our intention is to transform how these bodies view themselves, how they view women, and how they view the structures and systems that operate around them. Through dynamic content and the dissemination of vital information on developments in music, film, art, culture and activism, SON. aims to inspire creative leadership and contribute to a cultural shift that reframes, re-energizes, and reimagines the black male body. 

With a growing team of young creatives and community leaders, developing programming and a space to call our own, we're taking SON.'s mission to the next level.



We've partnered with Touched By An Angel, an historic barbershop and community hub in South Central, to bring vital conversation, art accessibility and resources to our community. 

Since 1989, Bob Morrison, father of SON. founder Justen LeRoy,  has stood as an integral part of the community. Always providing affordable fresh cuts, emotional support and a home for his customers, Bob is a true example of a community leader and the biggest inspiration to the mission of SON.

Today, we are moving to expand upon the experience that Bob has established by bringing further access to focused conversations and programs focused on identity, wellness, social issues, art and culture; as well as presenting resources to address  our community's needs.

 

The barbershop has always been a space of intimacy and conversation. It only feels right that we get in on the action and further the possibility of what a barbershop can be. We're committed to creating a space that holds court for all bodies that exist along the spectrum of black male and beyond. 

Our line up of programming includes:

MONTHLY DISCUSSION SERIES

AN ON-GOING STREAM OF CONVERSATIONS THAT WILL ASSESS CURRENT THEMES OF CULTURE AND IDENTITY WITH AN ARRAY OF CREATIVE VOICES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. THE GOAL IS FOR THOSE WHO ARE VISITING THE SHOP FOR A CUT TO FIND THEMSELVES INVOLVED IN THE DISCOURSE AND THEN LEAVING WITH A NEW WEALTH OF INFORMATION TO TAKE WITH THEM.


BOOK CLUB

A WEEKLY SESSION AND CHANCE TO BOND OVER A  BOOK SELECTION CHOSEN BY A PARTICIPATING GROUP, LED BY LOCAL EDUCATOR AND OUR FRIEND ADAM DAVIS. RECEIVING INFORMATION THROUGH LITERATURE  IS IMPORTANT TO US AND WE WANT TO SHARE THAT WITH OUR COMMUNITY. FIRST BOOK: AUDRE LORDE’S SISTER OUTSIDER.


EXHIBITIONS

THE BARBERSHOP WILL OPERATE AS A SPACE THAT EXPOSES OUR COMMUNITY TO THE VISUAL PERSPECTIVES OF LOCAL, EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED ARTISTS THAT REPRESENT THEM AND THEIR NARRATIVES. WE BELIEVE THAT ACCESS TO ART  IS ACCESS TO THE MULTIDIMENSIONALITY OF THE WORLD AND IT’S POSSIBILITIES. WE WANT TO TAKE ART OUT OF THE WHITE CUBE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DESTINATIONS FOR IT ARE PLACES WE CALL HOME. 

NTS RADIO SHOW

OUR MONTHLY PODCAST AND DJ MIX ON NTS WILL NOW BE RECORDED LIVE FROM THE SHOP, AS WE’LL EXPAND THE CONVERSATIONS AND INCORPORATE THE PARTICIPATION OF OUR COMMUNITY, TAKING THEIR IDEAS FROM SOUTH CENTRAL AND BLASTING THEM OUT TO THE WORLD.

RUNNING CLUB

OUR SHOP IS LOCATED IN AN HEALTHCARE DESERT WHERE ORGANIC FOOD AND OPTIONS FOR EXERCISE ARE SCARCE. EVERY SUNDAY MORNING AT THE SHOP WE’LL BE GATHERING FOR RUNNING SESSIONS THROUGH THE CITY. THESE JOGS ARE TO BUILD COMMUNITY AND VISIBILTY AROUND HEALTH IN SOUTH CENTRAL. MAYBE SOMEONE WHO SEES US WILL BE INSPIRED AND JOIN IN. SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A PUSH.


But we need your help!

We want to create the ultimate experience for our community. The shop needs some love though! Since it's opening, there have been very few resources available to keep it in the shape it deserves. 

Renovations ($14,000)
- Flooring
- Plumbing 
- Walls
- Barber booths
- Install of new merch area
- New furniture 

Operation Costs ($23,000)
- On-site Management / Payment for interns
- Buying of books for reading/purchase
- Programming (2019)

Art Installation ($13,000)
- Shipping work
- Framing
- Design


Join the journey. This space means the world to us here at SON. and to so many in our community. We have so much we want to share with you all and so many areas we can 't wait to grow in. You're support is greatly appreciated.

This is for us.

The world is yours.


Love ,
SON.