ATHENS, Ala. — February is here, and that mean it is Black History Month. According to the National Association of Barbers it is believed that black barbers were first introduced to America sometime in the nineteenth century. Furthermore, black barber shops often act as an informal method of therapy for black men in their communities. Black communities also continue to rely on barbershops as a safe space for social encounters.
For one African American barber named Tito Redus , his journey began in the Athens community in 1991. "Well, it goes a little ways back. after graduation I was working, and a friend of mine happened to be at the barber shop, stopped by and talk to the guy that owned the shop, which the owner at that time was Mr. Walter Malone. So never knew that this was going to be the start of my future."
The Redus Barbershop owner explained that he was 19 when his journey started. " The building, belonged to Walter Malone. He's deceased now, but the building still stands to this day."
Redus cut hair in several locations along his journey, but in 2002 he desired a location of his very own. "So in 2002, I purchased this spot here, which sits at 842 Westview Avenue. I sit on two acres of land, and this house was along with the two acres. I renovated the house, and we cut in the house from 2000 to 2007." In June of 2007 construction began on Redus's new building which he currently owns and cuts hair in today.
"And then, God did a great thing. The new building that was built 842 Westview Avenue, which now, I own the building which houses three units, which is 1800 square feet per unit. All N 1 laundry, Redus barbershop, and now it's in the making of the event center, which will be all N 1 plaza event center. "
Redus believes this is just all apart of his purpose. "I believe that's why god had me in here for this position to be able to actually to be able to talk to people. I talk to many." Right next door, Redus's All N1 laundry is also a fully attended laundromat. "I staff three workers, one full time, with benefits. No other laundromat in Athens does that."
Furthermore, as for the new, first - black owned, Athens event center he currently has in the works he believes it will be very beneficial for the community. "This will actually be owned by me. it will allow for birthday parties and dinners and things of that nature."