News
2003 Annual Honorees
Each year, the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Inc. honors a profession which has provided a service or made contributions for the advancement of African Americans throughout Washington State. This year the Black Heritage Society will honor pioneer barbers, licensed in Washington State for thirty years or more, at their annual dinner meeting, May 10, 2003, at the Museum of History and Industry in Seattle, Washington. Historically, there were African Americans in Seattle throughout its development, who were contributing to the growth and progress of this young seaport city. Although many African Americans were stuck in menial service jobs during this time, some wanted a business of their own and became barbers thereby providing a service for African American men. Seattle’s second black resident William Grose (who later became a millionaire) took up the barber trade after arriving in Seattle in 1861. By 1870, six of the cities black residents were barbers. Other early prominent barbers were Manuel Lopes, Robert Dixon, John F, Cragwell and later John T. Gayton. Today, there are over approximately 200 barbers in the city of Seattle and hundreds more throughout the state of Washington. We salute and honor the barbers of Washington State.