‘Mr. Brown’s Cuts’ uses haircuts, a listening ear to make a difference at Denver school

DENVER — Dwayne Brown wears fairly a number of hats at Denver Inexperienced College.

“My primary title (is) scholar advisor. I help lecturers and no matter is required within the constructing because it pertains to college students. I am additionally the athletic director, the boys’ basketball coach. I am the on-site tech individual, and I run a few of our social media,” he defined.

As well as, Brown can also be the college’s barber.

“I come from a era the place your hair is essential. It provides you a number of vanity. It provides you a number of satisfaction in your self,” he stated.

The self-taught barber got here to directors a number of months in the past with the thought of giving free haircuts to children whereas in school.

“We clearly embraced it. His causes for wanting to have the ability to join with children differently than simply being form of, like, the advisor man within the constructing make a number of sense,” stated Jose Piza, one of many Denver Inexperienced College’s directors.

Since then, dozens of children have gotten cuts by Mr. Brown. It is turn out to be such a preferred program that his periods on Thursday mornings are packed.

“You see them stroll out with a spring of their step. They be ok with themselves, they wish to be seen,” stated Brown.

Connecting with college students is the principle purpose. He hopes the haircuts contribute to constructing a relationship with college students as a proactive method to scholar engagement.

“You are able to do nothing with a toddler until you may have a relationship with them. It is exhausting to show them, it is exhausting to educate them if you do not have the connection,” stated Brown.

It is a distinction lecturers say they discover when the scholars return to class.

“The youngsters’ faces mild up, you possibly can see a number of satisfaction. Plenty of children are capable of re-engage again of their group within the college day with one thing so easy, but so significant to them,” stated Piza.

By every haircut, and his every day interactions with college students, Brown is hoping to depart a legacy.

“After I was developing, I had one Black instructor. I bear in mind him to at the present time,” stated Brown. “Tremendous skilled. He is tremendous good, tremendous variety. I wish to be that lasting instance, one thing to take a look at for these children after they’re going up and down the hallways like, ‘I’ve another choice of who I will be, what I can do and the way I can mannequin myself.’”