Category: Atlanta, Georgia Local News

It’s never too early to start teaching values, and local journalist and author Allison Entrekin’s new book, The Goose Who Talked to the Wind, accomplishes that with a subtlety children won’t even notice. Targeted at ages 3 to 5, the 32-page illustrated story tells a tale of an unnamed goose who hears a message from the wind, guiding him to go in a different direction from his flock. Although he ignores it at first, something in the voice resonates with him and he off he goes in search of his true purpose. The Goose Who Talked to the Wind is a captivating story of courage with a rhythmic refrain that will have both children and adults thinking about it throughout the day.

An award-winning writer whose work has appeared in USA Today and Travel + Leisure, Entrekin wrote her first book, For the Love of Dogs: An A-Z Primer for Dog Lovers of All Ages, in 2013, but never set out to author a children’s book. As features editor for Atlanta’s sister magazine Southbound, her work takes her around the Southeast. It was on a trip to Pensacola, Florida, when inspiration hit. She shares her story below.

How did you come up with the story?
I was journaling outside by the water, and I saw a flock of geese flying in formation. Suddenly, one of them broke away and started flying in a different direction. I had this burst of creative energy. The entire story flowed from pen to paper, without me thinking or analyzing, adding, or deleting. As I wrote the final words, I got bubbles of excitement—it felt like a story I was meant to tell.

What is the message you’re trying to convey?
Something bigger than us is speaking to us. We don’t have to see it to hear it. We can tune in and follow its guidance, even when others don’t understand. 

What about this story do you think appeals to people, young and old?
I truly believe every single person can relate to sensing a quiet voice of love and wisdom. We all know it’s much easier to ignore that voice than to build up the courage to follow it. What if people think we’re crazy? What if we take a risk and fail?

Of course, little kids also seem to love the book’s rhyming refrain and the silly squirrel peeking at them on many pages! 

You didn’t set out to write a children’s book. How does it differ from your usual work as a magazine journalist?
I’ve been a journalist for two decades, so that’s my comfort zone. Children’s books are pretty much uncharted territory to me! I must have watched a zillion podcasts and YouTube videos about everything from formatting my book to marketing it on Amazon. It’s an entirely different world and very humbling.

Although you had options from traditional publishers, you chose to self-publish. What did you learn in this process? What challenges did you have to overcome?
Traditional publishers asked for me to add more drama to the book. I decided to self-publish so I wouldn’t have to make any changes I didn’t believe in. What I learned is that self-publishing a children’s book requires a lot of risk—including paying an illustrator and a designer out of pocket! I also had to make a ton of decisions about stuff a traditional publisher would handle, from the book’s size to its page count to its sales price. I definitely made a few blunders along the way—some more expensive than others—but man, did I learn a lot. I have a working note in my phone entitled “Lessons I’ve Learned Publishing This Book.” Let’s just say, it isn’t short.

Why doesn’t Goose have a name?
There are some things I changed about the book after that initial draft I wrote in Florida, like adding a rhyming refrain, but I never changed the fact Goose is just called Goose. It’s simple, and I think simple is usually best.

The book ends in an ambiguous way. What do you envision Goose and his friend doing next?
The ambiguous ending is intentional. When we take the risk to follow unseen guidance, we usually aren’t clear on our final destination—just the next step. We know Goose has found a friend who also hears the wind, and we know they’re heading off on big adventures. I hope they meet even more animals who are on similar journeys. I know in my life, those kinds of companions have given me the courage to keep going when I feel like turning around and playing it safe.

When should we expect a sequel?
I love this question! On many pages of the book, there’s a silly squirrel who won’t climb trees because he’s afraid to fall. On the final page, there’s an illustration of him looking longingly up at the branches. I think he deserves a book of his own so we can see if he ever works up the nerve to snag an acorn before it hits the ground!

Anything else we should know?
In the course of publishing this book, I’ve met so many people who have dreams they’ve not yet gone for, be it starting a business or writing a novel. I hope my personal story and the book’s theme encourage them to follow the wind!

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“It wasn’t easy to do, but I turned Vegas into Atlanta,” Usher revealed while in Las Vegas for his highly-anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show. 

In the days leading up to the big game and performance, it has become evident that Atlanta culture will play a prominent role during Usher’s set. 

Although born in Dallas, Usher moved to Atlanta at 12-years-old with his mother and younger brother to pursue a career in music. It was the correct decision as Usher came of age in Atlanta during a time when the city’s music scene began to flourish. 

With the exposure provided by LaFace Records, spearheaded by L.A. Reid and Babyface, multiple artists from Atlanta such OutKast, TLC, and Toni Braxton all experienced worldwide success. Usher arguably shined the brightest. 

The city of Atlanta would shape Usher’s upbringing and rise to becoming one of the most celebrated entertainers of this generation. 

“That was the influence that Atlanta has had on me,” Usher shared during the press conference. “So much so that I collected everything that I experienced and I’ve benefited from in Atlanta. And I brought that culture to Las Vegas. And now to the rest of the world with the Super Bowl Halftime Show.”

During the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Usher will only have to 13 minutes to give the world Atlanta and his journey through music.

“It definitely has been a challenge to squeeze 30 years into 30 minutes,” Usher said. “You know this is when these fantasy lists that have been going out, and people trying to figure out what song I’m gonna perform first, middle, and last. And who’s going to come on the stage. I was very mindful of my past and celebrating my present, which is here in Las Vegas. And I’m thinking about where we’re headed in the future. And that was really the idea. What songs do I feel people know me for? What songs have been a celebration of all of the journey of what life and love and emotion has been offered in music? I thought about a few moments that was special in dance. I thought about some things that I had created here in Las Vegas and to be able to share that with the world.”

Usher also revealed that his entire Super Bowl journey is being captured by a film crew that will soon present a documentary of this moment. 

And while Atlanta culture will be prominent throughout his show, Usher continued to give props to Las Vegas for playing an important role in his career. 

“It was great that Jay-Z and the Super Bowl would have me entertain the world,” Usher said. “Las Vegas has been amazing for me. Having 100 sold out shows in a residency and to have the next one, be the crescendo, which is the Super Bowl. It’s really given my time in Las Vegas an incredible button at the end.”

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According to a survey released Thursday by the Pew Research Center, regardless of income, a majority of Black Americans feel at least somewhat successful but also experience financial pressures.
In seeking the views of over 4,700 Black Americans, the survey aimed to understand their perspectives on success. It examined various aspects, including their own definitions of success, how they perceive themselves within that framework, and the challenges they face in attaining it.

In their analysis, researchers from Pew wrote that 66% of Black Americans perceive themselves as somewhat successful.
According to their findings, a staggering 26% of the surveyed population considered themselves to be highly successful. It was observed that individuals with higher incomes tended to fall into this particular category more frequently.
A majority of respondents, when asked about essential factors for feeling successful, cited the ability to provide for their family (82%), happiness (80%), having enough time for personal pursuits (65%), enjoying their job or career (56%), owning their own home (52%), and utilizing their talents and resources for assisting others (50%).
Jay King, the EO/President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, has initiated the “Everybody Pitch In” GoFundMe campaign to help sustain small black businesses located in California during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jay King, the CEO/President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, has launched a GoFundMe campaign named “Everybody Pitch In” in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this campaign is to provide support and save small black businesses based in California.
Financial success is often measured by one’s ability to be debt-free.
A majority of individuals, when asked to define financial success, specifically selected certain factors as “essential.” These included being free of debt (67%) and having sufficient funds to pursue their desires (65%). Additionally, nearly half (49%) considered owning a home as significant.
Chosen by over two-fifths were passing down financial assets to the next generation (44%) and having multiple streams of income (43%).
22% of the respondents chose “owning a business,” while 35% selected the option of “retiring early.”
Pew noted that, concerning gender, Black women prioritize certain aspects of financial success over Black men. Specifically, they place a high importance on being debt-free, passing down financial assets, and retiring early.
Income differences exist. Black adults with lower family incomes are more likely to prioritize being debt-free and owning a business, compared to those with middle or upper incomes.
In an office lobby, near a window, stands a serious and confident African American businesswoman. She looks directly at the camera, presenting a captivating portrait. Her hair is straight, long, and black, tied back in a ponytail. In a black suit, she is dressed.
In an office lobby, near a window, stands an African American businesswoman looking at the camera with a serious and confident expression. With straight, in a ponytail, she has long black hair. In a black suit, she is dressed.
Confidence matters more than college degrees and mentors when it comes to success.
In their view, survey respondents selected several factors that contribute to success. Self-confidence (79%) and financial stability (75%) were at the top of the list.
According to Pew researchers, the role of personal relationships in success is seen as significantly diminished by a smaller number of people.
Supportive family members were deemed necessary by a small majority (54%), followed by connections (41%) and mentors (39%) as essential. Only 20% possessed a college degree.
Success brings with it a multitude of pressures, especially on the road to achieving it.
According to the survey, 54% of respondents said they worry almost daily about various financial concerns. These include paying bills (31%), their level of debt (29%), saving enough for retirement (28%), affording enough food (24%), paying rent or mortgage (23%), and healthcare costs (22%).
Most Black adults, regardless of income, reported feeling financial pressures.
64% of upper-income respondents and 70% of low-income respondents felt pressure to provide for their families, while 50% of high-income individuals and 53% of low-income individuals felt pressure to own their own homes.
Notable differences between income groups were observed in terms of emergency savings. If they lost their main income, 28% of respondents said they could not cover expenses for three months. Low earners were significantly more likely (41%) than those with high incomes (7%) to express this sentiment. Only 18% of middle-income earners shared this sentiment.
Of course, a higher paycheck can greatly facilitate the ability to save for emergencies. Pew’s analysis in July revealed that just 6% of Black adults in the US earned $100,000 or above in 2021, when examining their income. 62% of those who said they would require $100,000 to lead their desired lifestyle expressed confidence in achieving this income threshold in the future.

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Joyce Farmer, a candidate for Fulton County Sheriff, has two distinct memories embedded in her brain regarding why she is running for elected office for the first time in her life. In an interview inside The Atlanta Voice building earlier this week, she recalled both moments with vivid color. 

Moment one: Farmer was in her East Point Police Department uniform when a mother and daughter approached her. Zoe, an eight-year-old girl, walked over to Farmer and asked her why she was running for sheriff. The girl recognized her from a campaign poster and asked her mother if they could meet the lady in uniform. Farmer, a mother of three adult children and grandmother of two, wanted to make sure she took a moment to answer the girl. “I told her the reason why I want to be sheriff is to protect little girls like her,” Farmer remembered. 

Moment two: The death of Lashawn Thompson within the walls of the Fulton County Jail on Sept. 13, 2022. The 35-year-old was found dead inside his cell in the psychiatric wing of the jail covered in bed bugs. The thought of Thompson’s death still bothers Farmer despite her not working at the jail since her retirement in 2018 after nearly 30 years with the department. She’s currently a lieutenant with the East Point Police Department. “That incident really bothered me because that is unacceptable,” she said. “Mental health is not a crime, it’s a sickness, just like someone with high blood pressure. Part of my platform will be to educate the community because a lot of people deal with mental health issues in their family.” 

Black unemployment across the country is as low as it has been in years, according to the latest White House economic report.

Last year, Black unemployment levels reached record lows and is now just 5.3% compared to 9% three-plus years ago. No one person, administration or event can solely be given credit for this record level of Black employment, but these numbers are reason for optimism.

“It was really a strong year for Black workers,” Deputy Director of National Economic Council Daniel Hornung told The Atlanta Voice during a recent phone interview on Thursday afternoon.

The pull of familial ties is strong in many industries. But in Atlanta, nowhere is this more true than in the jewelry business. Many local companies span decades and generations, often deeply rooted in their communities. Sara Beth Brown Prendeville, president of Brown & Co. Jewelers, thinks clients gravitate toward independent and family-owned stores because of their experience, which is often predicated on core values set generations before. When investing in fine jewelry, buyers value longstanding relationships. “Purchasing a piece of jewelry is so much more than a transaction,” she says.

Ronnie Agami, owner of Universal Diamonds, also stresses that “the relationships you make in this industry are priceless, from the client all the way to the supplier. We now work with children and grandchildren of our father’s original clients. It’s a privilege to work in a family business.”

Photograph by Wedig & Laxton

Here are seven family-run Atlanta-area jewelry stores to browse this Valentine’s Day.

Brown & Co. Jewelers
Brown & Co. Jewelers celebrates 50 years this year with big news, such as the Roswell location’s addition of the largest David Yurman boutique in the state, and the Buckhead location’s recent move to Buckhead Village District. The company has been helmed since May 2022 by president and second-generation Brown family member Sara Beth Brown Prendeville (her father, Frank, still serves as CEO). The Buckhead outpost offers Rolex, Cartier, and designer watch boutiques—and is adding a Patek Philippe boutique this year.

D. Geller & Son
Founded in 1939 by Dan Geller, D. Geller & Son was the first jewelry wholesaler and diamond dealer in the Southeast. (The family’s industry ties go back 15 generations, and a branch of the Geller family served as jewelers for a czar of Russia.) Three retail showrooms are in Kennesaw, Atlanta, and Sandy Springs, offering bridal and retail jewelry, repairs, and appraisals. Mike Geller is the current owner and CEO, with son Jonathan serving as managing director.

Guven Fine Jewelry
The Guven family has been serving customers for 40 years at its Buford location. Started by Isa Guven, who originated his trade in Turkey in 1969 before coming to the Atlanta area, it’s now a full family affair, with Isa’s wife, son, and daughter joining in. Retail jewelry, custom pieces, watches, appraisals, and more are on offer, with fast turnaround times.

Icebox
Brothers Zahir, Rafi, and Mo Jooma run Icebox, the jewelry store originally founded by their parents in 1976. The brand is known for its custom designs for celebrities like Ludacris, Grady Jarrett, Lil Baby, and more, and scores social media views in the millions. In 2024, the 24,000-square-foot store will add a boutique focused on preowned luxury watches. The brothers have also expanded into wholesale for Saks Fifth Avenue, e-commerce, manufacturing diamonds, and leather goods.

Pickens Jewelers, Inc.
Hays Pickens is the third generation looking after his family’s jewelry business, one of the oldest established jewelers in Buckhead. He now serves as a vice president, having joined officially after college in 2010. Pickens Jewelers started as a trade shop serving other jewelers and continues to do so today, in addition to selling retail and custom work. They have nine bench jewelers—a tribute to Pickens’s grandfather, who began creating fine jewelry in the ’40s.

Solomon Brothers
Brothers Ivan, Howard, and Anthony grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. Ivan came to Atlanta first and started the jewelry business in 1982. The brothers joined soon after, and now Ivan’s son Jaron serves as president. They have locations in Buckhead and Alpharetta.

Universal Diamonds
One of the largest diamond wholesalers in the Southeast, Universal Diamonds specializes in engagement rings and diamond jewelry. Amos Agami founded the business more than 40 years ago and now runs it with his two sons, Ronnie and Jonathan. The Buckhead boutique also offers estate and loose diamonds, which can be made into custom pieces.

This article appears in our February 2024 issue.

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Established in 1786, Columbia is South Carolina’s oldest planned city, but it feels more in its prime today than ever before, marked most strikingly by the recent renaissance of the Main Street district. Exploring its compact downtown streets, visitors will find a fresh crop of chic bars and eateries, as well as historic markers that commemorate key events of the civil rights movement. Every Saturday, the palmetto-lined Main Street is transformed into the Soda City Market—so named because Columbia is affectionately called “Cola”—a producer-only market that stretches over four city blocks. Come evening, the area is at its most picturesque, lit up by an undulating canopy of string lights at one end and punctuated by a majestic view of the State House at the other.

A Rare Find
Hotel Trundle is as whimsical as its unicorn mascot. The 41-room boutique property blends playful, midcentury modern furnishings with preserved historical elements and art deco touches. Locally sourced amenities add the perfect touch, including complimentary room-service breakfast from the Sandwich Depot and gourmet Carolina Kernels popcorn served at turndown.

Wine and Dine
Lula Drake Wine Parlour reverberates with history, seen in the building’s original 1873 brickwork and the prominent portrait of its namesake, a trailblazing eccentric whose 1920s hat shop was once located on Main Street. The rotating wine list is adventurous yet approachable and best paired with the crowd-pleasing blue cheese board.

Grand Gallery
The Columbia Museum of Art is the cultural nexus of the downtown district. A massive blown-glass Chihuly sculpture hangs overhead in the atrium, while upstairs, the 17-room permanent collection houses masterworks by Monet and Rembrandt, arranged thematically rather than chronologically.

Hot Hideaway
Hidden in the basement of Smoked restaurant is the Burnline, a sleek speakeasy that draws its name from the scorch marks left by Sherman’s March in 1865. Moody lighting and cozy leather armchairs set the tone for sipping on seasonally rotating cocktails and beer from the in-house microbrewery.

Something for Everyone
Uptown Gifts on Main offers a wide selection of South Carolina–themed souvenirs, including palmetto tree–shaped butter knives and locally made products such as stone-ground Adluh grits. No visit is complete without ordering chocolate truffles—key lime, if they have it—to munch on while browsing.

Silver Screen
Founded by University of South Carolina students more than 40 years ago, the Nickelodeon Theatre is the state’s only nonprofit arthouse cinema. The intimate venue specializes in first-run independent films and community-developed productions but really shines with its 11 film festivals.

Level Up
Transmission Arcade is a nostalgia-inducing watering hole with more than two dozen vintage arcade games, including pinball and Skee-Ball. The colorful mural—reminiscent of a Super Mario World map—and an easy-to-love menu of pub grub (among its options the peerless bahn mi fries), drive home the convivial atmosphere.

Good Eats
Health-conscious cuisine—avocado-mango spring rolls, eggplant “bacon” wraps—is the main draw at Good Life Cafe, identifiable by its vivid green storefront and leafy front patio. But the beans are just as good: Its cheerful coffee bar serves expertly crafted espresso drinks, such as the pink latte with beet juice.

This article appears in the Winter 2024 issue of Southbound.

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After the holidays, we recommend a getaway that’s the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and opportunities to unwind. Find all this and more — but without all the crowds — in Jackson County, NC. Secret Season is the perfect time to visit the beautiful and quaint mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva, just three hours from Atlanta.

Secret Season in Jackson County is when the crowds thin out and it feels like you have the mountains all to yourselves. Being just a tank of gas away, it’s easy to pack up the car and make Jackson County home for a long weekend. And with exclusive Secret Season deals, finding affordable and comfortable accommodations close to all the fun takes no time. Here’s how we spent our 3-day Secret Season getaway.

Day 1 – Hitting the Slopes

Getting some ski time in on the first day is a must for us. Just a few minutes from Cashiers, sits Sapphire Valley ski resort which offers ski lessons for beginners and snow tubing. After lessons and nailing a few runs without falling, we had really worked up an appetite. It was time to refuel and warm up with a delicious meal at the nearby Library Kitchen + Bar where Michelin star-trained Chef Johannes Klapdohr shows off his culinary artistry. With less crowds, we got the best seats in the house, at the bar with a view of the kitchen so we could see all the delicious action up close.

Day 2 – Exploring The Smoky Mountains National Park

Less than an hour away from Cashiers in the Smoky Mountains is the town of Cherokee and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nearly 850 miles of trails help make this park a great choice for hiking, waterfall viewing, and camping. At the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, we learned about the history of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. While hiking some trails in the Park, we got to see a ton of wildlife! The Park boasts over 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians. This includes an estimated 1,500 black bears and a small herd of elk! If you’re looking for some easy hikes, we recommend The Oconaluftee River Trail which traverses the crystal-clear waters. Keep your eyes peeled for elk along this path, too!

Day 3 – Discovering Unique Boutiques, Brews, and Bites

On the last day, we checked out the charming towns of Sylva and Dillsboro. We grabbed coffees and pastries on Sylva’s Main Street and popped into unique boutiques for Appalachian art and gifts for friends back home. For dinner, we had options, including award-winning restaurants like upscale Ilda and casual Haywood Smokehouse. And talk about the craft beer! Jackson County is home to numerous breweries offering local craft beers throughout the county.

3 Days Well Spent

From skiing to hiking in the great outdoors to exploring the small local towns, Secret Season is all about experiencing the most for the least. No matter what you choose to do, Jackson County’s Secret Season offers all you need for an unforgettable mountain getaway. You’ll love your trip so much, it might just become your new secret tradition.

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The Perfect Winter Escape 

As the dark and dreary days of winter take their toll, it’s natural to seek out the warmth of the sunshine. Nestled on the warm emerald waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast, St. Pete/Clearwater boasts more than 35 miles of sugary white-sand beaches. Whether you’re seeking pure relaxation, a bit of adventure, or a mix of both, these vibrant communities have something to offer everyone. Soak up the sun during the day and enjoy al fresco dining all year long. With St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach named in the top 25 U.S. beaches by Tripadvisor, the communities of St. Pete/Clearwater have something to offer everyone. It’s the kind of place that brings people back year after year. 

Trust the Locals 

With so many amazing beach destinations, what makes St. Pete/Clearwater so special? The answer is best given by longtime locals, who welcome visitors to their hometown year after year. Lisa Chandler, founder of the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, believes that the natural beauty combined with a welcoming atmosphere is what sets this area apart. “Our sunsets are like no other. It’s a very family friendly, wholesome atmosphere. That’s what continues to bring people back,” she says. This community celebrates its beauty on a regular basis. Chandler is passionate about the nightly sunset celebration that has taken place in Pier 60 Park for the last 28 years: “Each night we celebrate the sunset two hours before until two hours after sunset and the festival features artisans, crafters and street performers.” 

As a tribute to this unique community, Chandler founded The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. “We decided to create a 21,000 square foot art museum made out of sand and water,” she says. “The whole idea was to celebrate what we consider to be Mother Nature’s two best assets, which are our sugar sand and our sunsets.” The 17-day festival features not only the sand exhibits but concerts, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences. It’s a family-friendly environment that takes place every April. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you’ll find a community that is ready and welcoming. “We have year-round lifeguards, our beaches are groomed 365 days of the year, and there’s a plethora of nightlife and restaurants for people to choose from. We’re surrounded by water, so there’s a host of water activities that all ages and demographics can enjoy,” says Chandler. 

Something for Everyone 

St. Pete/Clearwater truly has something for everyone. Whether large families traveling together, couples, or groups, there is no shortage of things to do and see. Misty Wells, owner of Paddle Pub Clearwater Beach, agrees: “The cool thing about Clearwater is that it’s for everyone. Anyone that wants to have fun in their own way on the beach or in the outdoors is drawn to Clearwater because we just have so much to do here.” Wells, who is also an avid outdoor enthusiast, also thinks that this part of Florida has a unique offering. “We have the best beaches in Florida, we truly do,” she says. “We have the sugary sand beach with clear, calm waters. We also have the intracoastal as well, so we have those nice safe areas for paddle boarding and boating.” Beyond that, Wells says that the people and atmosphere are truly welcoming: “We love our visitors. We want people here. We get to see some of the same people once or twice a year and we love that.” 

Easy Access and Accessible 

Whether it’s a short drive or a quick flight, this gem on the Gulf Coast is an easy trip. AC Hotel Clearwater Beach Senior Sales Manager Garvey Johnson emphasizes that “Clearwater Beach is such a tranquil, tropical destination. It’s an easy destination to get to both for the fly and drive market. Flying in, travelers can choose from both St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA), which have hundreds of affordable non-stop flights a day from across the country. For the second year in a row this year, TPA was named the best large airport in the country by USA Today.” 

Once you arrive, it’s easy to explore the surrounding communities and destinations. “A lot of visitors that stay in Clearwater Beach will discover that there are tons of great destinations close by for day tripping,” says Johnson. “There are little hidden gems all around us. Honeymoon Island, St. Pete, downtown Clearwater…there are endless places to explore in this gorgeous Gulf Coast region of Florida.” 

When the winter weather has you seeking a warmer climate, look no further than the beaches of St. Pete/Clearwater. It’s a destination where you’ll be warmly welcomed by locals. Brimming with beautiful beaches and calm waters, St. Pete/Clearwater will welcome you time and again. 

Let’s Shine—plan your next getaway at VisitStPeteClearwater.com 

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The barbershop is an essential aspect of Black communities across America. Alvin Irby, a New York-based educator, realized that barbershops would be the perfect space to get youth to become more engaged with reading. 

In 2013, Irby founded Barbershop Books, a nonprofit that has brought over 50,000 children’s books to over 200 barbershops. 

In collaboration with NFL Inspire Change social justice initiative, Irby launched Barbershop Books during Super Bowl week in Las Vegas. 

Held at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, the event featured NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and several former players who helped to introduce the program to youth who are members of the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada. 

Irby provided insight on how a visit to the barbershop in 2008 inspired the program. 

“One of my first grade students walked into the barbershop, plopped down on the sofa, and started getting antsy,” Irby recalled. “All I kept thinking was, ‘man he should be practicing his reading right now.’ All these years later, Barbershop Books has created more than 250 child friendly reading spaces at barbershops across more than 50 cities and 20 states. I’m so excited that we now have spaces and barbershops right here in Las Vegas. And we are announcing to the world during Super Bowl week.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shared why it was important for the league to collaborate with Barbershop Books. 

“We’re all exited to be in Las Vegas and appreciate the hospitality and support,” Goodell said. “We’re here today because there are a lot of young faces who will truly benefit from this. So from all of us at the NFL, including these great players, we thank you. We thank Barbershop Books for their work and the library district for its leadership. Reading is fundamental. Reading is critically important for everything you do in life. This is a chance for you to understand more about the world and to learn. This is a great program and a lot of people have led the way on this.”

Youth who attended the event got a chance to read their favorite books, get free haircuts, play video games, run football drills, and participate in art and crafts.

Along with help from NFL players, cheerleaders from the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Las Vegas Raiders gave a hand to support the youth. 

About Post Author

A.R. Shaw, Executive Editor

A.R. Shaw serves as Executive Editor of Atlanta Daily World. His work has been featured in The Guardian, ABC News, NBC, BBC, CBC. He’s also the author of the book “Trap History: Atlanta Culture and the Global Impact of Trap Music.”