Finalists Announced in Men of Courage Cincinnati Barbershop Challenge
Photo: Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company has announced its finalists in the Men of Courage Cincinnati Barbershop Challenge, which will reward a Queen City-based barber with a $10,000 grant to help better their community. Razor 1 Kutz and Precision Blendz will submit ideas for at least six events to be held over the next three months and judged on their community impact by a panel consisting of members of Ford Fund and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The winning finalist will also receive a shop refresh that includes new seats and Men of Courage signs.
“We extend congratulations to the two barbershop finalists,” said Pamela Alexander, director of Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We are excited for this new and innovative chapter in the Men of Courage program. These barbers are advocates and ambassadors in their community and we look forward to working with them.”
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Razor 1 Kutz owner Donald Hudson tells Ford that he plans to use a space in the lower level of his building to tutor neighborhood kids. Precision Blendz owners Tommy Mays and Michael Thomas Jr. reached out to clients for input on ideas; they plan to use some of the grant money to upgrade their shop for an enhanced customer experience.
Tommy Mays and Precision Blendz went viral this week when an incident with a false police report led to a moment of understanding and camaraderie between Mays, Mt. Healthy officer Colin Higgins, Men of Courage brand ambassador and NFL Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, and best-selling author Shaka Senghor.
“When you look at the picture and you see the look on his face, and it’s not the menacing look we typically associate with white police and black body encounters,” said Shaka Senghor, a bestselling author. “I think that tells the real story about who we are as human beings.”
Men of Courage Barbershop Challenge derives from Ford’s Men of Courage program, aimed at demonstrating the resolve, strength, and bravery of black men in America.
As part of its partnership with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Ford will partner with Microsoft for local events including coding workshops and Xbox game nights. Ford will also support the exhibition of Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. at NURFC from Aug. 17-Dec. 1.
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News Source: WKRC Local 12 Cincinnati
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