Barbers Continue to Give Back to the Community

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – What started off as a series of community readings and conversations about the rich history of barbers and their shops has evolved into something so potently beautiful, even its originator could not have envisioned.

The third Annual Newburgh Barbershop Appreciation Day welcomed in several energetic and talented barbers as well as an excited contingent of clients to the City of Newburgh’s Broadway and Liberty Streets, Safe Harbors Green, Thursday evening. An eclectic mix of City of Newburgh barbers, carrying the tools of their craft filled the impressive outdoor space. They were surrounded by a network of other entities, including local DJ, TeeWhy, spinning catchy tunes, a Fidelis healthcare worker, providing critical information as well as refreshments and an entourage of colorful balloons. As people walked by, their brewing interest quickly surfaced.

D.J. TeeWhy was spinning tunes at the Third Annual Newburgh Barbershop Appreciation Day Thursday night.

“Today, we are giving free haircuts to children and those less fortunate; it’s also an opportunity for local barbers, eight right now, to come together,” explained Gabrielle Burton-Hill, Founder and Organizer of the event as well as a lifelong City of Newburgh resident. “This is a day of celebration, civic engagement and connections; it’s all about shaping our community and making a difference every day, what barbershops are all about.”

Attesting to that integral community-based, bonding piece was one of the event’s veteran-dedicated barbers, Gordo, owner of Faded, located across the street from the Appreciation Day’s happenings. Lending a hand to blow up balloons before the event’s official opening, Gordo was full of appreciation and joy about being involved in such a transformative venue.

“A barber here for 10 years, I didn’t even know how many different barbers were in my area until I got involved with this,” said Gordo, who also pointed out the appeal of the mixed cultural backgrounds and kinds of barbers involved. “I always went to events outside of Newburgh relating to my profession, but it’s so nice to have one right here; it really brings us all together.”

Brandon Santiago, a barber at Faded in the City of Newburgh, was one of eight lending their skills to the Third Annual Barbershop Appreciation Day.
Here, he works on a client inside the shop just prior to the event across the street.

Another one of those barbers who is deeply grateful for having and being involved with the Annual Appreciation Day is Swiss, a City of Newburgh-based freelance barber, who was also lending his skill set to the day.

“What’s so great about this event is the networking; you can really learn from other barbers, and it helps build community,” said Swiss, who was preparing for his second year contributing to the Appreciation Day. “I can also learn about the different types of products out there, and it’s just such a good, overall atmosphere.”

That vibe could be seen, heard and felt throughout the Safe Harbors Green Space, where Movie Night was also preparing to take place later that night. Here, smiling, proud children having their locks cut and shaped by caring, skilled barbers could be spotted. The uplifting images were a testament to all that Burton-Hill aspired to and continues to envision about the growing, popular and critical community event.

“When I look around and see the smiles on kids’ faces after receiving a haircut, I realize that it also has the power to change their self image and outlook,” said Burton-Hill about the Day’s impact. “I want to expand this to additional barbershops to reach even more community members.” Reflecting further, she added, “This day shapes and transforms the community from the inside out.”

To be a part of this growing annual event, send inquiries to: gabriellehill1965@gmail.com.