Cops and Barbers, an organization committed to making positive change in the young black male community, was founded in 2015 by Shaun “Lucky” Corbett in the midst of racial unrest after the murder of Michael Brown in Missouri. Incidents involving police officers and young black males made weekly headline news. Shaun launched Cops and Barbers to connect community police officers with young black males. The purpose was to move beyond differences and focus on gaining a mutual understanding. New officers in the Charlotte force are invited to meet these young men from the community. These interactions help decrease the fear between the two groups creating encounters that are more positive.
Shaun can point to several young men who have gained an insight into the police perspective while the police have a greater understanding of community issues. Police who have been through the program are now able to connect first to de-escalate situations.
Cops and Barbers also give full scholarships to young men who want to become a barber. This vocation provides the opportunity to make a credible living to support their families.
WIF has given Cops and Barbers two consecutive SPARK grants due to their impact in the city. Shaun says they are just getting started and they need help from organizations like WIF to continue their results. As it relates to racial unrest, he says, “Do you want to just be on the surface of the situation, or do you want to go deep and swim with us?
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