Megan McIlmail, a master’s student in social work at UAA, showcased a poster titled “The Voices of Black Alaskan Men: Exploring the Barbershop’s Role in Health” during the UAA Community Engagement Forum on April 18, 2025. This project is a collaboration among The Alaska Black Caucus, the UAA School of Social Work, and the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER). Its objective is to examine how barbershops contribute to the health of Black men. Preliminary findings suggest that Black men view barbershops as safe and trustworthy spaces, opportunities for mentorship and leadership, and that Black barbers often serve as father figures to young men in the community. We are eager to share further findings from this research and explore the potential of barbershops to enhance health access for Black Alaskan men. For more information about the project and ways to get involved, please contact Dr. Amana Mbise at ambise@alaska.edu or 907-313-0482.
[Photo: ABC President and CEO Celeste Hodge Growden and Megan McIlmail at the CCEL Forum]
