Best Sellers

360 Waves

Scalp Care

Pomade

Razor Bumps

Clean, Natural Ingredients

2,000+ 5 Star Reviews

Frederick Benjamin

Barbershop Quality

30-Day Risk Free Trial

‘Tis The Season to Support | Get Familiar with Barbershop Books

‘Tis The Season to Support | Get Familiar with Barbershop Books

Posted by Janell Hickman on

The holidays *might* look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t impact a child in need. This year, we’re partnering with Barbershop Books, a 501(c)(3) community-based organization that inspires young Black boys — and other children of color—to identify as readers, and to eventually read for fun! 

Season to Support 1

For just $25 you can give a reading packet featuring age-appropriate, culturally relevant books to a household at risk. Barbershop Books will receive 100% of the profits from your generous donation. This partnership is close to our heart because Frederick Benjamin Grooming Founder, Michael James, serves on the board of directors. 

“Frederick Benjamin's commitment to serving the grooming needs of men of color with quality and intentionality aligns with Barbershop Books' efforts to partner with barbers and barbershops to inspire more Black boys and other boys of color to read." — Barbershop Books Founder and Chief Reading Inspirer, Alvin Irby 


Below, we caught up with Irby to learn more about this important organization — and convince you to support this more than worthy cause. 


Q: Why did Barbershop Books decide to zero in on young boys ages 4 to 8—is this group prone to literacy issues?

A: Ages 4-8 is a critical period for reading. If children read proficiently by the end of third grade, they are more likely to graduate from high school and experience a host of other positive life outcomes. Early positive reading experiences and support help ensure that children make a smooth transition from learning to read to reading to learn. 


Q: School is remote for most children, do you have any advice for parents who want to encourage their children to read more? 

A: Let children read any age-appropriate content that they want to read. Carve out time for family reading routines where children have an opportunity to see you reading and engaging with both print and digital text. Pick up physical books regularly because it signals for children the importance of reading in a way that reading on a device cannot (i.e., many children assume parents or playing games or texting on their phones because that's what they want to do on a phone.)

Q: With visits to barbershops a bit more limited due to COVID-19, how are you carrying out your mission virtually? 

A: Barbershop Books has launched a variety of new digital programs designed specifically to support young readers outside of the barbershop. This summer we launched, a 3-week virtual literacy program for boys ages 6-8 called Reading So Lit and Barbershop Books Storytime, a free online video series for families and educators that showcases fun and engaging read alouds by Black men and boys.Responding to parents and educators' requests for free diverse online content for children, this fall we launched the Reading So Lit eLibrary, a free online collection of engaging ebooks and all of our Barbershop Books Storytime videos. 


Q: On that note, tell us a bit more about your e-library — how does it work and how is it accessed?

A: Our Reading So Lit eLibrary is a free online collection of diverse children's ebooks featuring Black and brown protagonists and engaging read aloud videos by Black men and boys. Caregivers and educators can access our eLibrary on the Barbershop Books website at barbershopbooks.org/elibrary  

DSC square


Q: Are there any specific cities that Barbershop Books is targeting or plans to target in 2021? What makes these communities take precedence right now? 

A: As many communities deal with the many challenges resulting from the pandemic, Barbershop Books is working to support the 56 cities and 23 states where our 200+ participating barber shops reside. Our goal in 2021 is to ensure that our barbershop barbers have the materials and training they need to continue providing critical early literacy support for Black boys and other vulnerable child populations.


Q: Other than donations, how else can the Frederick Benjamin Family support your organization?

A: They can recommend children's books or barbershops via our website, share the link to our eLIbrary with parents of young children, and they can encourage independent and self-published authors of diverse children's books to donate their ebooks to our eLibrary. 


Q: Tell us more about "gender-responsive" books, why is this important particularly with young boys? 

A: Far too often, the books that many boys like to read aren't considered quality children's literature and thus don't make it into the classroom. Creating boy-centric reading experiences that are driven by the  interests of boys is key to inspiring boys to identity as readers and to read for fun.


Q: What is your best barbershop memory and why? 

A: The chance encounter I had with one of my first grade students in a barbershop in the Bronx that sparked the idea for what is now Barbershop Books. 

← Older Post Newer Post →

Leave a comment

The Journal

RSS
Shaving for Black Men: Best Practices & Product Recommendations

Shaving for Black Men: Best Practices & Product Recommendations

By Antonio Wells

Shaving for Black men requires specific care. Discover tips to avoid razor bumps & achieve a smooth shave using Frederick Benjamin products available at Walmart.

Read more
Recommended Curly Hair Products for Men

Recommended Curly Hair Products for Men

By Antonio Wells

Curly hair products for men by Frederick Benjamin Grooming offer moisture, definition & hold without build-up. Perfect for healthy, well-defined curls.

Read more

Best Sellers

Upgrade your hair routine

Start Here
files/360_Waves_on_Shine_16x9_1.jpg
files/360wavecheck_cd9575cb-6c9f-4f49-82d6-5c223afadd05.jpg
 
Sold Out
 
best hair care moisturizer for black men
 
Sold Out
 
 frederick benjamin post shave bump clear, best shaving product for black men, best product to eliminate razor bumps, best razor bump treatment for men of color, best shaving product for men of color with sensitive skin