Barbershop perspectives on what it’s like being black in Calgary

WATCH ABOVE: In honour of Black History Month, Global News reporter Stefan Keyes explored some sacred space. It’s not a church or a temple, but a barbershop. And it’s a place where the sanctity of debate is heavily protected.

CALGARY – Ask barbershop patrons in the city’s southeast what it means to be black in Calgary and some will almost laugh.

Not because they haven’t considered the question before; but because they’ve never been able to come up with the answer.

“We celebrate the milestones,” said Brotherz Kutz patron Devron Brown.

Brown said many have struggled so blacks can have a better life in today’s society, and that he’s enjoying some of the benefits gained from that struggle.

Even then, he and barbershop owner Ted Leslie said there is something different about being in a barbershop predominantly catering to black clients.

“Barbershop—you can be yourself,” said Leslie.

“I think everybody comes to the barbershop with a story.”

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It’s a space described as sacred; one where the sanctity of debate is heavily protected.

“You discuss things whether it is politics…race relations and you get to communicate in the ways you’re comfortable,” said Oneil Wint.

Some of those discussions are based around success stories. Others are tales of discrimination or feelings of exclusion.

“A lot of the younger guys at the night clubs: There’s an issue there,” said Leslie. “In terms of getting into the club, you have to look a certain way – dress a certain way.”

Leslie said when some of his clients are rejected at the door, they feel it has less to do with what they are wearing and more to do with the colour of their skin.

Still, the hope is that the black experience isn’t too different than anyone else’s.

Leslie’s barbershop, Brotherz Kutz, is celebrating its 23^rd year of business this February.