Nationwide — Shawn Moses, an African American barbershop owner from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has spent more than three decades providing free back-to-school haircuts to students. His yearly event helps families prepare their children for the school year while giving kids confidence before returning to class.
Moses, who owns A Cut Above the Rest Neighborhood Barbershop, offers free haircuts to all K-12 students during the back-to-school season. He said the tradition is about more than appearance and focuses on helping children feel confident and supported.
“You look good, feel good and act good and you do good,” Moses told News Channel 5.
As school expenses continue to rise, the free haircuts help families manage the cost of getting their children ready. Sabrina Jones brought her son Daniel to the event and said the savings make a big difference, especially when many everyday expenses have become harder to afford.
Moses said the program provides even greater support for households with multiple children. Parents with three or four kids can save money while making sure each child is ready for school.
Beyond the haircuts, Moses said he wants to create lasting connections with the children and families he serves. He believes the community plays an important role in helping young people succeed.
“I know being generous and giving does something for people, when you give to them and love them that way,” Moses said.
Over the years, some former clients have returned to tell Moses how his encouragement and support made a difference in their children’s lives. He said hearing those stories motivates him to continue giving without expecting anything in return.
“They come back and tell me, ‘Pastor Shawn, my child’s grades went up because of Pastor Shawn’… the barber gave me a good word, a haircut, bought some shoes for me,” Moses added.
Daniel, an eighth-grade student, said he enjoyed receiving a free haircut and would encourage others to attend future events. Moses continues to offer free haircuts throughout the year, with another giveaway planned during the holidays.