Antonio “Tone” Johnson: Inside the World of Black Barbershops

What this episode covers

Antonio “Tone” Johnson is a photographer who grew up in the West Philly and Overbrook sections of Philly. He’s got a new book out called “You Next: Reflections in Black Barbershops and he’s our guest on this episode of The Philly Blunt.Johnson’s most recent project, You Next, focuses on barber shops as sites for the cultivation of black male identity and wellness. He’s interested in capturing how those spaces and the communities within them are constructed and maintained.Tone shares his childhood experiences in barbershops with his father and uncle and how a trip to Havana gave him the idea for the You Next project. He ran a successful kickstarter campaign behind the idea. Soon after, he was traveling the country documenting Black barbershops.We talked with Tone about the importance of the barbershop in the Black community, what makes a barbershop special, and the importance of the vibe of the shop. He also documented haircut day at Fulton County Jail and shares the impact that day had on him.During the Blunt segment, Tone confesses to his wildest haircut, best Halloween costume and his go to steak shop in town. We also vented about folks in the suburbs claiming they’re from Philly.The You Next project is an important one and we think you’ll find his inspiration and process for shooting the book an interesting listen.LINKS:Antonio Johnson: www / Twitter / Instagram

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