LaGuardia Community College’s New Barbershop Series Offers Free Haircuts, Real Talk, and Community for Black Male Students
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (January 24, 2026)—As colleges nationwide grapple with declining retention and graduation rates among Black male students, LaGuardia Community College/CUNY is taking a bold and culturally grounded approach—one that begins in the barbershop.
Launched in October, LaGuardia’s new Barbershop Series transforms a familiar cultural space into a biweekly forum for conversation, connection, and community-building. Hosted by the college’s Black Male Empowerment Cooperative (BMEC), the series brings students together for free haircuts, facilitated dialogue, and candid discussions about college life, career pathways, mental health, and personal growth. Lunch is provided at each event.
“Barbershops have long been places where Black men gather, share stories, and support one another,” said Rachel Romain, Student Life Manager at LaGuardia and creator of the series. “We wanted to meet students where they are, honor that tradition, and use it as a gateway to deeper engagement and support.”
While waiting for haircuts from Jorge Perez (pictured above in action), a professional barber and staff member at LaGuardia’s Fatherhood Academy, students participate in guided conversations led by faculty and staff. Topics range from goal setting and financial literacy to healthy relationships, stress management, and professional image.
Recent sessions have included Dr. Sultan Jenkins, Associate Professor of Biology, who led “The Fade of Stress: Barbershop Therapy—Mental Health, Stress, and Resilience.” The discussion focused on well‑being, stress, and self‑care, with some students speaking candidly about academic pressure and the struggle to find balance between school and their personal lives.
The Barbershop Series was developed to connect more students with BMEC, which offers mentoring, tutoring, and wraparound support services. Each session also introduces students to LaGuardia’s resources, which include mental health counseling, an on-campus food pantry, and academic advising.
Since its launch, the series has gained strong momentum, with attendance steadily increasing. Students cite the welcoming atmosphere, authentic conversations, and sense of belonging as reasons they keep coming back.
Although designed with Black male students in mind, the sessions are open to all, and women students have participated as well.
“Students stay because it feels real,” said Perez, who frequently stays late to accommodate demand for haircuts. “It’s not just about the cut—it’s about the conversations and community that happen.”
One regular attendee is Claurens Zephirin, 24, a Therapeutic Recreation major who hopes to become the first member of his family to earn a college degree in the United States.
“I wanted to come because I wanted to socialize and connect with other people who are going places,” said Zephirin. “I was looking to meet other students who have goals, like I do.”
The free haircuts and food contributed to the appeal, he said. Zephirin noted that the series has motivated him to seek a mentor through BMEC to help him stay focused as he works toward transferring to a four-year college and building a long-term career.
“I want to start a business someday—maybe a gym,” said Zephirin, who expects to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring or Fall 2026. “I’m doing this not just for me, but for my family.”
Another regular attendee is Jonathan Mark, a Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management major who was raised in Flushing, Queens, by his Chinese-born mother and Chinese‑Canadian father.
“I really enjoyed meeting different people and listening to the topics being discussed,” said Mark, who attended sessions in October and November. “The students were engaged, the speakers were fascinating, and honestly—the food was great.
Mark plans to graduate from LaGuardia in Spring 2026 before transferring to City Tech to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. He plans to build a career as a hotel concierge or in banking and credits the Barbershop Series and other campus resources with helping him build confidence and overcome academic challenges.
“At LaGuardia, I’ve learned how to manage anxiety, seek help from my professors and resources like campus tutoring centers, and advocate for myself,” Mark said. “College isn’t just about making friends; it’s about learning how to face challenges that are hard and learn to adjust with resilience.”
The next Barbershop event will take place on Thursday, February 5, from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Dr. Jason T. Hendrickson, Professor of English, will lead a discussion titled “Love & Leadership,” focusing on healthy relationships and Black masculinity.
A closing celebration on February 19, led by Athletic Director Marquee Poole, will highlight student growth and brotherhood.
Barbershop Series Schedule
Every other Thursday, 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Black Male Empowerment Cooperative (BMEC) Office, M-Building, Room M-114, LaGuardia Community College
Upcoming Sessions:
- February 5, 2026 — Love & Leadership
Discussion: Healthy relationships and Black masculinity
Facilitator: Dr. Jason T. Hendrickson, Professor of English - February 19, 2026 — Closing Cut: Legacy & Brotherhood
Discussion: Reflection, celebration, and next steps
Facilitator: Marquee Poole, Athletic Director
Previous Barbershop Sessions:
- October 9, 2025 — Kickoff: The Shop Is Open
Discussion: Brotherhood, community, and goal setting
Facilitator: Childerick Barthelus, Director of Community Standards - October 23, 2025 — Freshman Fade to Graduation Shape Up
Discussion: College navigation tools and resources
Facilitator: Dr. Jason T. Hendrickson, Professor of English - November 6, 2025 — The Fade of Stress
Discussion: Mental health, stress, and resilience
Facilitator: Dr. Sultan Jenkins, Associate Professor of Biology - November 20, 2025 — Money Fades Fast
Discussion: Budgeting, credit, and financial literacy
Facilitator: Ron West, Special Events Coordinator, CUNY Black Male Initiative - December 4, 2025 — The Crown We Wear
Discussion: Hair, identity, and self-expression
Facilitator: Jamie P. Corrodus, Coordinator, CUNY Fatherhood Academy - January 22, 2026 — From the Chair to the Boardroom
Discussion: Career readiness and professional image
Facilitator: Marquee Poole, Athletic Director and Ron West, Special Events Coordinator for the CUNY Black Male Initiative
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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