GEORGE LYONS
George Lyons, (9/14/1922- 7/22/2013) blessed the community of Harlem for the 60 years that he ran his barbershop. He began his career as a saxophonist, playing in Carnegie Hall in the 60’s was an extreme source of pride and glory for George. Shortly after his time as a musician, he opened a barber shop in Harlem on Lenox Avenue near 141st street before moving to his final shop on 101 on 141st Street between Lenox & 7th avenue. His barbershop was a source of life in the community. He provided free haircuts to children and men who could not afford them. He understood the importance of appearance and how it can boost the self esteem of an individual. His barbershop was like a second home for many people, where they could laugh, enjoy life, share experiences, and absorb the effervescent aura of George.
Every weekend, George’s friends would set up a grill outside the barbershop, providing plates of Jamaican food to the community for 5 dollars each. Once a year, the whole street has a huge block party to celebrate the joys of life. The party went on until very late at night, sometimes 3 in the morning, but now the police come and stop it at 6:30 and tell people to go home, to which the people answer “we are home.” Soon you will be to see a video of the block parties where everyone shares food together.
Every year a member of the community cooks a big fish soup as a present for the everyone in the community to enjoy it. Throughout the inception of the barbershop, it was a safe haven. When he was not cutting hair or helping children with their homework, George was playing the saxophone.
Photographs published in the Japanese magazine “Transparent.”
I have been taking pictures and videos of people who have become my friends throughout the last 30 years, spanning from children to grandmothers in Harlem. George and his barbershop had a welcoming energy, and the love for my photographs was mutual among us. It was an honor to have my pictures framed on his wall and it has been a blessing to be exposed to individuals like George, who impacted my life. I devoted a lot of time to ensure that his memory goes on. Every year on his birthday, I make sure to put up a special poster to celebrate him.
