By Omari Salisbury

Barbershops and beauty salons have long been cornerstones of the Black community, serving as more than just places for haircuts and styling. They are vital social hubs, where people gather to connect, share stories, and find support. In many ways, barbers and beauticians act as unofficial counselors, providing a listening ear and offering guidance. Recognizing this crucial role, organizations like Northwest Credible Messenger are implementing programs to provide these community healers with formal training and certifications, enhancing their ability to support community well-being.

The Unofficial Therapists of the Community

For generations, Black barbershops and beauty salons have been safe spaces where individuals can openly discuss their problems, seek advice, and receive encouragement. These establishments are often the first line of support for community members facing personal challenges, mental health issues, or difficult life circumstances. Barbers and beauticians, with their unique positions, are able to offer a non-judgmental ear and provide comfort. This organic support system has been a crucial, though often unacknowledged, aspect of community resilience.

Khalia Williams-O'Neal, Operations Manager at Northwest Credible Messenger, highlights this phenomenon, stating, "They're already unlicensed therapists already doing so much work. So let's get the state to recognize what is already in our community, and let's empower that part of our community." This statement encapsulates the core idea: recognizing and amplifying the healing work already happening within the community's existing social fabric.

Formalizing the Role: Training and Certification

To further equip these community leaders, programs like the Barber and Beautician Behavioral Health Project have emerged. This initiative, supported by the Community Reinvestment Project and Washington State Department of Commerce and implemented by Northwest Credible Messenger, provides training and certification opportunities for barbers and beauticians. The goal is to enhance their skills in behavioral health support and empower them to better serve their communities.

The training includes Certified Peer Counselor certification and healing-centered engagement, which, as Johnny Cheng, an Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at Northwest Credible Messengers, explains, "gives them language and the understanding of how to document the work that's already happening." This formal recognition not only validates the existing efforts of barbers and beauticians but also provides them with additional tools to address community needs. It provides structure and credibility to the work they already do.

Highlighting Community Healers

Aisha Ellis, the organizer of the annual Reign of Style Hair Show and Competition happening this Sunday at the Seattle Center, is a prime example of how this training can amplify a community leader's impact. As a participant in the Northwest Credible Messenger program, Aisha has been able to expand her efforts and receive support for her event. "It's already there. It's already great. Let's make it even bigger," Khalia Williams-O'Neal says, underscoring the program's goal of empowering and enhancing existing community initiatives.

Beyond Aisha Ellis, countless other barbers and beauticians are making a significant impact. One such individual is Sabrina Gray, owner of The Curl Garden in Milton, Washington. Sabrina's approach to hair styling goes beyond aesthetics; she aims to create a safe space where clients can feel rejuvenated mentally and emotionally. Her motto, "It's deeper than hair," reflects her commitment to addressing the emotional and mental well-being of her clients.

Sabrina's dedication to her community led her to participate in the Barber and Beauty Shop Behavioral Health Project. Through this program, Sabrina gained invaluable training and resources to support her clients' mental health, learning about self-advocacy, boundary setting, and trauma healing. Sabrina has integrated these learnings into her business, creating a therapeutic salon environment. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, mentally nurturing environment where clients can decompress and be heard, integrating spiritual and mental health care at The Curl Garden.

Sabrina’s participation in the program deepened her understanding of her work. “I recognize that even though I've always thought about this, is deeper than hair, that literally is my motto, it's deeper than hair. But I think it took me even further,” She also discussed how the training has helped her communicate better with her clients and set boundaries. “I feel like there is not for me, there's not a safer space that a woman can walk into than the curl garden, because you're gonna get God and you're gonna get your mental health taken care of in all the ways,” she added.

These examples illustrate how deeply embedded these roles are within the fabric of the community. Barbers and beauticians often know the details of their clients' lives – the challenges they face, their dreams, and their fears. This intimate knowledge allows them to provide targeted support and resources. For example, if a barber notices a client struggling with job loss, they might connect them with local employment services or offer words of encouragement to help them through a difficult time.

The Ripple Effect of Support

The support offered by these community healers has a ripple effect. When individuals feel supported and empowered, they are more likely to thrive, which strengthens the entire community. By providing training and certifications, programs like Northwest Credible Messenger are amplifying this positive impact and creating a more robust support network.

The Future of Community Healing

The work being done by Northwest Credible Messenger and similar organizations is paving the way for a future where community-based healing is recognized and supported. By providing training and certifications, these programs are not only empowering individuals but also building a stronger, more resilient community. It's about leveraging existing community strengths and resources.

As Johnny Cheng emphasizes, "The time is now for us to come together." By acknowledging and supporting the vital role that barbers and beauticians play in the Black community, we can create a brighter, more connected future. These spaces are more than just businesses; they are essential community assets that deserve recognition and investment.