Publisher's Synopsis
Barbershop Wisdom: Lessons from a D-1 Dad is the life story of Justin Johnson into manhood and fatherhood. "My first child got me off the streets. My second child taught me how to love, and the third taught me to expand my arms wide." From the the streets of North St. Louis to the suburbs of Edwardsville, Illinois, Justin shares his struggles, insights and victories into manhood and fatherhood. Always honest, he takes the audience on his journey, a journey that is ever on-going. Central in his story is the role of the barbershop, the only place where he felt safe and nurtured growing up, while surrounded by violence, poverty and longing in the streets and at home. He has continued to offer that safe haven by having his own barbershop. Once street hustler, turned entrepreneur he has always had a barbershop where he could offer a safe and nurturing space for men in the black community. In writing this book with Dr. Aminata Cairo, a connection has been made with Turkish and Moroccan barbershops in the Netherlands, where the barbershop also offers a safe haven for men in marginalized communities. This beautiful photo book, in sharing Justin's story is not just an insight into one man's life, it offers hope for men and all those who love men and boys all over the world. "People need to know that men have feelings too.", said one participant in a barbershop story circle talk session that was organized inspired by this book. Indeed they do, and we need to hold space for their stories. Justin Johnson has opened the way by sharing his story.
