2009.01.20
Blacksburg barber experienced prejudice
When Chief Justice John Roberts said "Congratulations, Mr. President," after administering the oath of office to Barack Obama, New Image barbershop owner Charles Johnson couldn't help but smile.
"I, like most Americans, think this is a historic event. I also thought that I'd never live to see this historic event," Johnson said.
Johnson spent the beginning of his career cutting the hair of Virginia Tech cadets at the school's barbershop. The rules of the shop were different then and he was strictly instructed to cut black students' hair before the shop open ed and after it close d, but never during business hours.
One day, Johnson said he became fed up and announced that blacks would receive haircuts during regular hours, like everyone else. When he opened his own shop in Blacksburg in 1974, he said he made a point of welcoming everyone, and hired whites and women as staff.
Johnson said he wasn't convinced that Obama had a chance at winning until Sen. Hillary Clinton dropped out of the race for president. This was a memorable day due to prejudice he's experienced in his lifetime, Johnson said.
- Lerone Graham
Congratulations to Charles Johnson for taking a bold step to do what he knew was right. It has taken many brave decisions like his to bring us to this point in our history. This is only the beginning.
Comment by Ms. Goldenwillow — January 22, 2009 @ 11:49 am
Im glad you got to witness a black president Mr.Johnson
Comment by Mikki Mowse — January 29, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
One man can make a differnce, by training up a child in the way he should go.We didnt need Obama to figure that out. Thanks Dad.
Comment by L.A JOHSON — March 24, 2009 @ 11:38 pm