Free haircuts given out at Back to School Summit

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — We’re just a few weeks away from the first day of school and dozens of kids in DeSoto County are going to be sent back with a new look.

The clippers were out and the chairs were full inside the Brown Missionary Baptist Church’s gymnasium in Southaven on Saturday morning.

In collaboration with the Psi Mu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, the church hosted its Back to School Summit.

“It’s our responsibility to be the hope in the community,” Next Generation Pastor Charles DeLoach said. “And so, this is one of the ways that we do that. Investing in the youth is the best and biggest thing that we can do in days like this.”

Dozens of barbers and beauticians gave their time to provide free haircuts and hairstyles to hundreds of kids eager to get back to the classroom.

“I’m excited. I got sports to do. I can’t wait to see my friends, again. Also, I’m all about the academics, too,” seventh-grader Anderson said. “I’m feeling myself right now.”

Netisha Williamson told WREG that as a mother, she understands how stressful getting ready for the school year can be.

That’s why she chose to give up her Saturday to make sure kids in her community are looking their best for the first day of class.

“You got to give in something to get out something,” Williamson said. “So, hey, we want to bless all the parents and make sure everybody has smiling faces and (are) looking great today.”

Free hairstyles weren’t the only thing being given away.

Kids were given backpacks filled with school supplies and near the end of the summit, attendees heard from community leaders about how to stay safe during the school year.

Organizers say the goal was to make sure the youth were given the proper tools needed to start the school year on the right track.

“We want to get these kids feeling good and looking good,” Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member Clifton Eley said. “And as you look good, you feel like you ready to go to the classroom and perform well.”

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