By Rina N. Risper
The New Citizens Press
Like Kanye West lyrically handling the mic “On Any Given Sunday”, Mo is a man who exhibits the same determined creativity with his hair clippers.
Mo Ogden is the owner of Mo Cuts located at 1600 S. Cedar Street, he knows all too well what it takes to be a successful business owner and that includes taking care of the community that he serves.
More than a place just to get a haircut
Located at the same storefront for 10 years, the small homegrown barbershop has a vested interest in the Baker/Danora community, which has been challenged by social and economic issues for some time. Mo says that accountability and responsibility is his number-one mission for his business, which has evolved into a magnet for social interaction among males.
Now in his mid-30s, Mo is so much the master of his craft, you can’t help but wonder what made him stay in a neighborhood that appears to be so economically depressed. When asked this question he just smiles and responds, “Because I love my customers and the people in the neighborhood.”
T
he ever present sound of vehicle traffic on Cedar Street faded away as a lively political discussion began: with the mention of one word, the topic seamlessly shifted and the men then began to discuss clothing and music. The intimate (note: I’d suggest substituting the word warm for intimate here if this piece is aimed at a male audience) friendly environment nestled (consider substituting that exists for nestled) between the walls of Mo Cuts is a place to share, learn and be groomed.
Mo said, “We are trying to raise up the community. People feel that this shop is a mainstay.”
Hair Wars
Growing up in Chicago where hairstyles were key to giving you credibility in the ’80’s, Mo learned early on to cut hair.
“Really, I have been cutting hair since I was 16. I needed a haircut and I let a friend of mine cut it, but it was under the stipulation that I cut his hair. When he went to school the next day every one wanted to know where he got his hair cut.”
“I would cut hair throughout high school. I went to college and I was still cutting hair. I decided that in between semesters at Michigan State University (I’d suggest losing University as it’s superfluous here and detracts from the flow of the sentence), I would go to barber college and I did…”
It was Mo’s plan to work for himself, so when he graduated from barber college he found a previously owned barber shop and obtained a 6 month lease, which he has renewed for the last 10 years. He didn’t finish college but his entrepreneurial spirit has taught him things that he couldn’t have learned in the classroom.
Customers of all racial backgrounds and ages were coming in and out of the shop at a dizzying pace that he shares with two other barbers. Mo said that he performs magic on all hair types.
“Some of the older men who used to come in before we owned it still come into our shop to get their hair cut and they are in their 70’s and the shop wasn’t African American owned.”
On this day 6 students from Shabazz Academy were invited in by Mo to get their hair groomed.
Magical Transformation
The young men ranging in age from 8 to 11 years old, sat quietly while they waited to get their turn in Mo’s chair. As each boy climbed into the chair, their demeanor seemed to change right before our eyes as Mo spun them around to put the cape around them to protect their clothing.
Like any seasoned barber, Mo would change tools without batting an eye, or breaking his conversation; neck dusters, after shave, liners, straight edged razors, talcum powder, clipper clean oil, Barbicide, an assortment of scissors and 3 different types of hair clippers were at his disposal. He moved like a surgeon, but without an assistant. It’s quite an amazing ballet really.
When the transformations were complete, it was as though the fresh new haircuts gave everyone a fresh new perspective. You could see the electricity surging through their bodies as if a “hey, I look great” smile washed over their faces, while staring into the oversized mirror at their new cuts.
Rami Marsh, an 8 year old, 1st grader, was especially enthralled with his new haircut; while staring in the mirror he said, “I like the way he cut my hair. You should always say thank you, when someone makes you feel good. I thought I was going to look funny but actually…I look really good.” Even though 90 percent of his hair was gone he continued to pat it down what was left and brush it.
An Important Social and Cultural Institution
Dr. Eugene Cain, Superintendent of Shabazz Academy said that his first memories of going to the barbershop in Birmingham, AL in the ’50’s are quite vivid. At 9 years old, he remembers hearing 2 older African American patrons talking about getting a loan and how difficult it was when he went to the “white” bank.
Haywood Edwards, Shabazz Academy Liaison, said, “Before we left (the school) we talked about entrepreneurship. Mo represents the hope of young people today because he is successful. He is successful but he doesn’t have to punch a
clock for anyone but himself.“
Mo considers himself a business role model in the community. “Overall I look to want young people to look up to me. I want to them to see someone that has made it.”
“Teenagers see that being a barber is more than just a job, we cut and we groom. I think that it is a privilege to cut someone’s hair. We strive to do the best that we can. We are not going to hurry or rush because we make a living by treating our customers well. It is important for younger men to see that type of dedication.”
The More Things Change
Mr. Edwards added, “The boy’s new haircuts along with the Shabazz uniform demonstrates how the school emphasizes dressing for success. We expect them to be presentable. ”
“I noticed that one of the students was carrying himself differently. He wasn’t slouching down and walked with purpose. He was even behaving more appropriately.”
According to Mo, the barber shop is a sanctuary in this generation. The shop is open from Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. He will even stay open for some of his appointments. It’s one of the few places, where men and boys interact with one another.
Mo’s final comment was, “Barber shops are more than just a place to get your hair cut. Barbers are pillars of the community and people trust us. It’s great to see people come back and we are still here. However, the best part of going to the barber shop is everything that is said in the barbershop stays in the barbershop.”
