Uncle Jed's Barbershop

 

      "Even though I was unconscious, the doctors wouldn't look at me until they had finished with all the white patients." In the picture book, Uncle Jed's Barbershop by Margaree King Mitchel the narrator, Sara Jean, a young girl living through the Great Depression recalls what life was like for blacks in the deep south. Largely the story centers around her charming Uncle Jed who is the only black barber in a county full of sharecroppers. Jed has been walking miles upon miles to his costumers in order to earn and save up enough money to open his own barbershop. Sadly, his niece Sara gets sick and Jed uses his savings to pay for her operation. After the banks fail Jed loses the rest of his money and has to start saving all over again. Eventually at 79 years of age, Jed finally has enough money and opens up his barber shop only to pass shortly thereafter. 

      I would recommend this book to any secondary teacher that would like to facilitate a discussion about race in their classroom. Even though the story is set in the 1930s the trials that occur are very much so relevant to the current events our nation is facing today. The simple plot allows the reader to dig deeper and make complex and meaningful text to life connections. Uncle Jed's resilience spurred me to reflect on how I handle adversity and inspired me to view trials as obstacles rather than dead ends. Although issues like racial injustice, finances, and illness can be of a personal and sensitive nature, if approached carefully, discussion can provide a safe space where students can open up and become vulnerable. This kind of activity could provide for meaningful learning and help foster a positive class culture. 

By: Elizabeth Moro