NEW ORLEANS — The inaugural Barbers and Beauticians Collective Fellowship concluded with a graduation ceremony Monday at Gallier Hall. The program is one of four “interventions” overseen by the recently created Office of Gun Violence Prevention through its CURE Violence initiative.
[WATCH: Barbers and Beauticians Collective Fellowship Graduation]
Joshua Cox, Director of Strategic Initiatives, and Patrick Young, Director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, offered an overview of the Collective, which trains barbers and beauticians to leverage their unique position in their communities to engage residents and help de-conflict and de-escalate to prevent violent interactions in their neighborhoods. It is the first known initiative of its kind in the state.
[WATCH: Remarks from Oliver Thomas, Darlene Cusanza, Patrick Young]
Mayor LaToya Cantrell served as keynote speaker after an introduction by Brian Pierre Jr.
Oliver Thomas of WBOK (1230 AM) served as master of ceremonies. Calvin Pep of CeaseFire New Orleans presented the certificates. NOPD Supt. Shaun Ferguson and Darlene Cusanza of Crimestoppers GNO also offered remarks, while spoken word artist Indie Wrytes offered a moving performance of her work, “STOP the Violence.”
The Spring 2021 graduates were:
|
Dorian Baham |
Picture Me Rollin’ |
|
Tobias Bolton |
UnderCUTstruction |
| Raquel Dawson | The Candy Shop Nola |
|
De’Jon Hardges |
Picture Me Rollin’ |
|
Tanya Haynes |
Friends Salon Nola |
|
Edison Henry |
Star Plus Barber & Beauty |
| Demetrius Twymon | Razor Kutz |
|
Donnell Vaughn |
Creative Hair Studio |
|
Christopher Womack |
Case Closed |
|
Jayden Womack |
Case Closed |
The Office of Gun Violence Prevention also acknowledged the support of the New Orleans City Council, CURE Violence, WBOK, Roots of Music, Black Men Build, PJ’s Coffee, Gniche Catering, Urban League of Louisiana, David Lee Simmons, Sharmaine Russ, JOB1, Full Circle Nola, KeShawn Harris, Mike Franklin, and City of New Orleans staff.
[LOOK: Images from the graduation ceremony]
The ceremony was followed by a reception. The next cohort will be announced at a later date.
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