In towns like Tyler, Beaumont, and Prairie View, Black-owned barbershops and beauty salons have long been more than places for a fresh fade or a press and curl—they’ve been sanctuaries. These shops have served as safe spaces where Black Texans gather to talk politics, uplift each other, and share local news away from judgment or censorship. From hosting voter registration drives to mentoring youth, these institutions have quietly shaped community culture and resilience for generations.
