It’s ‘Therapeutic’: Chop-it-Up Hosts Second Event
Trending
Chop-it-Up, a youth support group, hosted its second event at the Cut-N-Edge Salon recently.
Chop-it-Up is composed of minority community leaders, businessmen, and, of course barbers, and has taken it upon themselves to help mentor the next generation of men. On the agenda for the second group meeting was pizza, free haircuts, banking basics with a guest presenter, a live demonstration of how to change a vehicle's tire and a real talk session.
"This is my first time here, but I'm excited to learn new things and all these dudes – mentors – are pretty chill," said Legend Butts, a student at Bush Elementary School. "The pizza is pretty good too."
According to one of the founders of Chop-it-up, the program isn't just like other area programs, it's about having real and immediate impact.
"We're not your average, run-of-the-mill program," said John Kinder, a local youth advocate and professional. "We didn't have a bunch of meetings, we just decided to get involved and make a difference in local kids' lives. Immediate impact, immediate results and we found a way – utilizing the African American Barbershop setting – to make true, meaningful connections with our kids."
For Kinder and his team of mentors, the reward of giving their time, energy and knowledge is returned via the camaraderie and esprit-de-corps this cohort experience when they serve.
"We really do care about these kids," Kinder said. "We didn't do any fundraising, and we teach what we advertise ... tonight the kids got to see a tire get changed. They learned the difference between a checking and savings account, the difference between a bank and a credit union, real tangible, relevant skills and knowledge this next generation need to be aware of. The mentors and I enjoy the interactions almost as much as the kids. It's just as therapeutic for us as it is for the children."
While the term African American barbershop has been used to describe the backdrop and foundational support structure for this endeavor – all are welcome to join.
"We've got white kids, Hispanic children, you name it," said Kinder. "Yes, the "Black Barbershop" is historically a place where people come to get a haircut, but so much more happens. However, culturally, we want to share the benefits of 'barber shop' experience with all."