To the editor:

What a delightful story Ron Knox wrote (J-W, Sept. 19) about Da Shop, our local black barbershop! As you know, the salon/barbershop traditionally has been the face of our culture, sort of “where it is” (our “country club,” as your article says) when it comes to social glue for us.

Janine Colter, the owner and beautician, has worked hard to continue this old tradition and to work for the African-American community. For example, she organized the Juneteenth celebration this year. However, it doesn’t stop there. She has striven for diversity, reaching out to serve everyone, black and white, in her shop, the only black business on Massachusetts Street.

I was disconcerted, however, by the photos featured. They create a negative exposure, leaving us faceless, so to speak. Neither Janine’s nor Tim Nelson’s (the barber) face was shown, not even reflected in a mirror. I will admit that I have a special concern; both Janine and Nelly are my cousins. When the Juneteenth parade was featured briefly on Channel 6, the same thing happened; in the close-up, only the banner was shown, leaving them faceless.

As Lawrence celebrates 150 years, blacks have very little to feel special about here in Lawrence. Let’s see black faces featured doing positive things for the community!

Jesse Newman,

Lawrence