The barber shop, Black men and mental health
Black barbers are often a source of support and well-being for Black men. Can barbershops serve as access points for mental health care in New Orleans?
Behind This Story
This article is part of "Get Ya Mind Right," a multimedia content series and event exploring mental wellness and mental health care access in New Orleans. The series was produced by the Fall 2022 Lede New Orleans Community Reporting Fellows who spent 16 weeks researching, completing interviews and documenting local stories around mental health and mental wellness. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
By Nia Woodside
How do barber shops help Black men talk about mental health? We sat in on a conversation between barber David Rankin and his long-term friend turned client Keith Bryant to learn more. The two New Orleans natives talked about how their barber shop talks help support both of their mental health and what New Orleans needs when it comes to mental health support.
David Rankin owns and runs Revelationary, a local barber shop and apparel brand. He has also worked as an educator and coach in the city. Bryant, who attended Eleanor McMain with Rankin, shared how he navigates raising his son and his own personal growth. Watch their conversation below.
Editor: Nia Woodside; Production Support: Ejaaz Mason; Interview & Video Crew: Aretha McKinney, Skylar Stephens, Mandy Ortiz, Kila Moore and De’Anna Johns
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