Black History Month: Barbershops' role in Milwaukee's Black community
Barbershops' role in Milwaukee's Black community
Gee’s Clippers on North MLK Drive in Milwaukee is much more than a place to get a haircut. It’s a community hub where conversations flow just as smoothly as the clippers.
MILWAUKEE - Gee’s Clippers on North MLK Drive in Milwaukee is much more than a place to get a haircut. It’s a community hub where conversations flow just as smoothly as the clippers.
Gee's Clippers
Local perspective:
"Through those doors, walk all kinds of professions," Ceree Huley, a longtime barber, said.
There’s a strong sense of brotherhood and shared experience.
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Gee's Clippers
"I always say it’s two businesses in the urban community that can truly change the trajectory of that community: one being the barbershop, the other being the Black church, "Gaulien "Gee" Smith, Owner of Gee’s Clippers said.
For Gee Smith, his shop isn’t just a business—it’s a ministry.
"I believe to whom much is given, much is required. I learn a lot from this client and give it to this client," Smith said.
The role of the barbershop has been crucial in the Black community since the early 20th century. It’s a place where people feel safe to share their thoughts on everything from politics to personal matters.
Barber's pole
What they're saying:
"The barber should have experience on what’s going on. He’s a good source of getting information on a good lawyer, a good neighborhood, good politician, what kind of car to buy," Ceree Huley said.
Ceree Huley, alongside his brother Charles, has been cutting hair for more than five decades.
"We bring a history of the Huley family with us whenever we come to work five days a week," Huley said.
Monk's Barbershop
Local perspective:
At Monk’s Barbershop on 27th and Atkinson, 89-year-old William Campbell also takes pride in being a barber. He’s been cutting hair since he was around 21 years old.
Monk's Barbershop
Over the years, Campbell has seen countless styles come and go, including during the Civil Rights era when Afros became a symbol of Black pride.
"Afros was showing that we had pride in being Black and we weren’t ashamed of our hair anymore," Campbell said.
Throughout his career, Campbell has also been the go-to barber for athletes, politicians, and everyday people alike.
"[I cut] Hank Aaron’s hair," Campbell said. He used to hang out at the tavern next door to my shop when I was on Walnut Street."
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Getting a haircut at Gee's Clippers
Community Impact:
Back at Gee’s Clippers, Smith and his team are more than just skilled barbers—they’re also active contributors to the well-being of the neighborhood.
After losing his father to colon cancer, Gee launched the Gee’s Wellness Clinic, offering health education and services to the community. He says it’s his greatest accomplishment since opening the shop nearly 30 years ago.
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Gee's Clippers in Milwaukee held its second annual free skin, hair and nail screening event. It focused on screening for certain types of cancer.
"Love keeps us going, hope keeps us going, of course, the nice haircuts as well," Smith said.
The Source: FOX6 spoke with the owner of Gee's Clippers and a longtime barber who works there. FOX6 also spoke with a barber at Monk’s Barbershop to produce this story.