Dominic Durley, a 19-year-old barbering student at Houston Community College (HCC), has long dreamed of becoming a barber. “I never knew what I wanted to do with my hair, so I always had it cut low. I just enjoyed getting my hair cut, and that’s what I wanted to be,” he said.

Durley, along with 22 classmates from HCC's Barber program, participated in a community outreach event at Blackshear Elementary School, providing haircuts to students in need. The initiative was prompted by Dr. LaTonya Brown, associate dean of HCC Central Student Services, who reached out to Shenesse Britton, chair of the Consumer Arts and Sciences-Workforce department, to see if the students could help underserved children.

“I immediately agreed,” Britton said. “It shows collaboration for communities that may be facing challenges and HCC’s commitment to support our local residents and surrounding schools.” She coordinated with the school to understand the haircut preferences of parents, who filled out permission slips detailing desired styles.

Jesseye Brown, principal of Blackshear Elementary, expressed her gratitude for HCC's involvement. “I was extremely excited to hear HCC would be supporting our scholars,” she said. “When you look good, you feel good, and you do well. We want them to encourage them to succeed.” Brown noted that parents were thankful for the opportunity, and she hopes the HCC barbers can return regularly.

As each student approached their barber, the atmosphere was filled with the buzzing of clippers and the scent of hair tonic. “I wanted to cry as I saw the joy on the kids' faces,” Britton remarked. Many students had never experienced a professional haircut, making the event particularly meaningful.

Durley added, “They can leave my chair with confidence and feeling good about themselves. It means a lot to me, and I appreciate being able to give back.” One second-grade scholar shared his excitement after the haircut: “I was nervous at first, but I felt good after seeing the mirror. I can’t wait to show my mom and teacher how good I look.”

Blackshear Elementary, a Montessori Magnet School in the Houston Independent School District, is dedicated to empowering students to become critical thinkers and active contributors in their community.