Photographic postcard of J. J. Cotten Barbershop

Unidentified · ca. 1910

A black-and-white photograph postcard of a thriving barbershop in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, circa 1910. Captured in the midst of various grooming services, this rare portrait shows a small but full shop; men being shaved, one man having his shoes shined, two men standing at a glad counter, and several other men seated or standing – and all looking towards the camera. Barbershops played a vital role in the cultural and economic development of African American communities. It was a space where African American men interacted with each other, regardless of age, class, education, occupation, etc., serving as the backbone of many black communities and their role of strengthening black male identity in America was vital.