Long-time South Side Barber Honored for Activism, Mentoring
When Stacy Harris was a teen on Chicago’s South Side, he dealt drugs and brawled a lot.
Now, Harris, 44, owns a small car dealership in northwest Indiana.
He credits a 75-year-old South Shore barber with helping him turn his life around: El-Hajj Elshabazz.
On Saturday, Harris recognized Elshabazz for his mentorship by honoring him with a life-time achievement award from the Caldwell Elementary School’s alumni association. The event was held at Jesse Owens Park at 8800 S. Clyde Ave.
Elshabazz was also honored for his work as an activist who marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s.
But many people in the South Side neighborhood simply view Elshabazz, an ex-Catholic Youth Organization boxing champ, and as the nice guy who will provide advice to youth at Truth and Soul Black Stars barbershop, 1740 E. 87th St.
El-Hajj poses with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Chicago.
Elshabazz appears on Jesse Owens' radio show promoting his barbershop.
Elshabazz poses with Nat King Cole at Chicago area night club.
Elshabazz has fun with Sammy Davis Jr. and Davis' guns at night club.
Elshabazz cuts actor William Marshal's hair at his shop.
Elshabazz poses with the late Gus Savage and Savage's daughter, Emma.
Elshabazz cuts Ricky Sylvers of the Sylvers singing group of the 1970s.
Elshabazz has fun on a skydiving trip.
“I credit him with giving me the mindset that I needed to help me accomplish what I have,” said Harris, who owns Aroo Auto at 252 Wildwood in Hammond. “What I got from him is longevity and entrepreneurship. He has continued to do this to this day.”
Elshabazz said he didn’t mind helping people like Harris because he believes in giving back.
“I am glad to open up each day,” said Elshabazz, who bought the shop about 45 years ago when the neighborhood was predominately white.
“I am happy to see who will walk in here each day.”
The barbershop business is in his blood. Elshabazz was reared by two parents who ran a shop on the city’s West Side. Several uncles, aunts and siblings also were barbers.
Elshabazz’s son, Damon Williams, works alongside his father at the business.
Williams, 47, said he admires barbers in his family, like his dad and said his father is a family man who is conscious of his community.
“A lot of brothers in the hood respect him,” Williams said.
Elshabazz was never robbed in the once middle-class neighborhood.
The shop has the usual fixtures of chairs, clippers and mirrors. But its walls are filled with photos. Some are of Elshabazz on vacation. He is shown walking the Great Wall of China and even skydiving.
Other photos on the wall illustrate the numerous celebrities who patronized Elshabazz’s shop including members of the famed singing group the Temptations, and Olympic gold medalist, Jesse Owens. Elshabazz is in many of the photos, posing with other notable figures like, Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole and Dr. King.
Marching with Dr. King in the 1960s in Marquette Park was one of his most vivid memories, Elshabazz said.
There were rocks thrown and racial slurs shouted, Elshabazz recalled.
“I was kind of scared,” he said.
Elshazbazz, however, is not afraid to share his memories with young customers. He also doesn’t mind letting them know when he believes they are headed in the wrong direction.
“I have always had a relationship with young people,” Elshabazz said.
Harris, a former member of the Four Corner Hustlers street gang, said Elshazbazz helped him in not returning to prison for selling drugs.
“He told me that you don’t need a gang,” Harris said. “You are your own man. He always let me know the power is on me.”
Harris, who attended Caldwell Elementary School at 8546 S. Cregier Ave. also recalled when Elshazbazz hired him and friend to sweep a neighboring parking lot after he caught them fighting over a gambling dispute.
“The lesson he was showing us was to love each other,” Harris said. “When you come together, you can get more accomplished.”
Israel Azaz, 28, recalled learning boxing tips from Elshazbazz and credited Elshazbazz with helping him win several local park district tournaments.
“He has shown me that there is no limit,” Azaz said. “His barbershop is a great cornerstone for 87th Street.”
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