Milwaukee barbershop teams up with national organization to go beyond the cut, focusing on mental health of Black men

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Monday, Nov. 7, Gee's barbershop on Milwaukee's north side took their look good, feel good mission a cut further.

The shop teamed up with Andis Company and The Confess Project of America, a nationwide organization, equipping hair stylists from across the city and county of Milwaukee on how to notice when their clients, Black men, need more than a haircut, but mental health advocacy.

"Our goal is to continue to employ barbers and stylist to be the gatekeepers in the community, because it's so important, mental health is important," said Darnell Rice, chief membership and engagement officer of Confess Project of America.

Andis foundation is a sponsor for the Confess Project of America, in Milwaukee, funding the teaching seminar for Gee's Clippers.

Confess Project of America has trained more than 18,000 barbers across 48 cities, covering close to 27 states.

The organization said their mission is to provide tools of communication to stylists nationwide.

"Connect with their clients and provide resources, and get them to a focus group, get to therapy, to an AA group, because at the end of the day, that client and barber have a significant and important relationship," said Rice.

According to the American Psychological Association, in 2021, only 26.4% of Black and Hispanic men ages 18 to 44 who experience daily feelings of anxiety or depression are likely to use mental health service. That’s compared to 45% of non-Hispanic white men.

These numbers drove community leaders into a mission of healing.

"It's time that barbershops and beauty salons go back to how barber shops and beauty salons were back in the day, we truly were the heartbeat of the community where we truly helped heal our community," said Gaulien “Gee” Smith, owner of Gee's Clippers.

This is the first time Gee's Clippers and Confess Project of America have teamed up.