Barbershop Bonding

Throughout their COVID-19 vaccination efforts, Arts Alliance Illinois has relied on the voices of trusted community members. Some of these voices have been heard in conversation at a Carbondale, Illinois barbershop, where Black men of all ages often gather. As part of the Arts Alliance project, a local artist painted a mural on the side of the barbershop’s building, commemorating the many generations of men who have found their community at the barbershop. Inspired by their surroundings, community members held weekend cookouts in the parking lot and gathered in front of the mural. At these cookouts, information about COVID- 19 was shared and COVID-19 vaccinations were offered.