How the Barbershop got its Groove Back

The Southern University Barbershop opened its doors to a large crowd of students on the first day of school handing out 12 dozen doughnuts and several gallons of orange juice. At 10 a.m. students flooded into the barbershop to enjoy breakfast before, after, and between classes.  Although many organizations on campus hosted back-to-school events, the barbershop has undergone a unique experience over the past year planning to be more engaged with the student community. Since the shop opened its door in 1958 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union, it has been heavily supported by the Baton Rouge and Southern University community. According to its written history, master barbers and brothers Robert Irvin, Sr. and Roland Irvin have contributed 90 years of service combined. Because of societal and social changes throughout the decades, about 8 months ago the brothers decided to step it up a notch after hiring recent graduate and practicing barber, Willie McCorkle, III. “He’s been a very positive influence in our barbershop and he reminds me so much of myself. When he came to me with this idea [of serving breakfast] I said go for it,” said Robert Irvin, Sr. “I came to this barbershop when I was 19 years old and Mr. Wicker gave me chance. Well I took a chance with Willie and I’m just happy that I did,” ended Irvin. 
Among the crowd of students to pour in was senior civil engineering major Vance Mitchell from Atlanta, GA. “I think that it’s great to see the barbershop so full. This event just reminds us of how supportive they are.”
McCorkle, the organizer of the event said, “Everyday is a new experience being here in an establishment that’s been around since 1958. To be around such great barbers and see the interaction that they have with their clientele; some for thirty, forty, or even fifty years, it’s a great environment to be in,” McCorkle said. “Our barbershop isn’t just about taking, today I wanted to give back because they are a blessing to me and I want to be a blessing to them in return, ” McCorkle ended. 
Senior barber Robert Irvin, Sr. has made it his mission to make sure that the students know that the barbershop is always there for the student body. “I want them to remember that we are here for them and that we love them.”
The barber trio has a few more events planned for the fall semester. To find out more information on upcoming events or to make an appointment call (225) 771-3693 or follow their Instagram page @SU_Barbershop and/or Willie McCorkle @_yungsatchmo #PresidentialCutz or visit www.styleseat.com/PresidentialCutz