The barber shop, Black men and mental health
Black barbers are often a source of support and well-being for Black men. Can barbershops serve as access points for mental health care in New Orleans?
By Nia Woodside
How do barber shops help Black men talk about mental health? We sat in on a conversation between barber David Rankin and his long-term friend turned client Keith Bryant to learn more. The two New Orleans natives talked about how their barber shop talks help support both of their mental health and what New Orleans needs when it comes to mental health support.
David Rankin owns and runs Revelationary, a local barber shop and apparel brand. He has also worked as an educator and coach in the city. Bryant, who attended Eleanor McMain with Rankin, shared how he navigates raising his son and his own personal growth. Click below to watch their conversation.
Community Reporting Fellow Nia Woodside edited this video. Instructor Ejaaz Mason provided production and editing support.
Community Reporting Fellows Aretha McKinney, Skylar Stephens, Mandy Ortiz, Kila Moore and De’Anna Johns provided interview and production support.
This article is available to republish under a Creative Commons license. Read Lede New Orleans’ publishing guidelines here.
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