Backpacks and Barbers: A Community Event Bringing People Together
As the new school year approaches, many families are preparing for the upcoming semester. However, not everyone has the means to purchase new backpacks or visit the barber shop. To address this issue, the National Black Police Association of Minnesota, Black Firefighters United, and other organizations partnered with The Sanneh Foundation and Greater Twin Cities United Way to host the 10th annual Backpacks and Barbers event.
The event, held at the Conway Recreation Center in St. Paul, provided children with free haircuts, backpacks, school supplies, food, and more. According to Sophia Hayden, marketing coordinator for the Sanneh Foundation, the goal of the event is to “help take some of that burden off of their families” and give kids a fresh start for the new school year. As Hayden noted, “You look good, you feel good. So we want to get those kids ready to have their first day of school.”
Cousins Lanu and Tami show off the new backpacks they received Monday. (Talia McWright / Pioneer Press)
Aiming to Inspire and Build Relationships
The event also aimed to inspire kids, especially those from underrepresented communities, to consider a career in law enforcement. As Association President and St. Paul Officer Brad Chin noted, “Representation is very important for the Black Police Association, so kids in the community can look up and say, ‘Hey, these people can do it. You know what, I can do it too.'” According to the association, there are only 273 Black police officers out of a total of 10,505 in Minnesota, highlighting the need for greater diversity in the field.
The event was well-received by attendees, including first-time participant Dominiques Perkins, who brought her two sons, Damari and Dontrez. Perkins appreciated the opportunity to save money and be surrounded by community members. Another first-time attendee, Akona Joaj, a special education educator, brought two young family members who are refugees from South Sudan and had never before had their hair cut. The event brought smiles to the faces of the two boys as they sat across from each other, enjoying their fresh new looks.
As Joaj noted, “It brings the community together and is so helpful for kids. Even if you can’t afford it, you still deserve to feel good and look good for school.” The Backpacks and Barbers event is a shining example of community organizations coming together to make a positive impact on the lives of local children and families. For more information, visit Here
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