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Queens freshman Gabriel Nicholson doesn’t care much about what others think of him – especially people he doesn’t know. The business marketing major recently attended “Barbershop Talk,” sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE) at Queens University, where he spoke freely and passionately about his views on everything from race to social justice.

“These are not people whom I necessarily care about their opinion of me, so it’s nice to just be able to let it all out,” he said. “It’s a casual place to talk. It’s not super formal and people are getting what they need to get out, out. It’s a chance for us to talk about things we don’t get to talk about on a day-to-day basis.”

Nicholson was among several male students joined who showed up for more than a free haircut from local licensed barbers. Amid the smell of popcorn and Chick-fil-A sandwiches, a standing-room-only crowd filled the DICE lounge to share their perspectives on everything from the impact of the pandemic on minority communities to police brutality and social injustice without fear of disapproval.

“Someone who isn’t that outspoken has the opportunity to freely share their opinions on things, which is definitely empowering,” Nicholson said.

“For young Black men, in particular, minority barbershops are widely known as a place to receive more than a haircut,” said Darryl White Sr., assistant dean for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement. “They often offer a safe place to talk about anything and everything.”

The multigenerational crowd included Queens President Dan Lugo along with several local Black community and business professionals such as Cedrick Mitchell, a retired police officer and Dr. Augustus “Gus” Parker, a medical director for Novant Health. Attendees did not hold back their passion while remaining respectful of varied viewpoints.

“We are in a position, in whatever community, to elect the right people who are going to be a position to effect change,” Dr. Parker said. “So, it is important who we elect. It is important to vote. It is important to advocate as an activist for change.”

The Barbershop Talk is hosted by DICE, the Black Student Union and the iBelong Minority Male Mentoring program.

“We first did this in February of 2020, just before the pandemic and it was so well received, many students asked for its return,” said White. “The past two years of widespread division and racism, as well as repeated instances of racial injustice and police brutality, have increased the need for deeper dialogue and strong mentorship for these young men. So, I’m excited about this year’s turnout!”