Shawn Corbett made history in September when he opened the first Black-owned barbershop in a Walmart store. Corbett became a national icon for his work using barbershops to improve the community in west Charlotte.

The Brooklyn-native's inspiring story started in 2005 when he was working around the clock to pay for barber school. In just five years, he opened his own shop in Charlotte and became a fixture in the community, handing out turkeys during Thanksgiving and backpacks for kids starting school.

He upped the ante further when he started Cops and Barbers with the help of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Sheriff Garry McFadden.

The partnership was successful and led to concrete changes in west Charlotte's Sugaw Creek neighborhood. The program caught the attention of the Obama Administration, leading to the nationwide implementation of Cops and Barbers.

His work with the White House led him to Michelle Belaire, senior director of community relations for Walmart. The two kept in contact for months hoping to collaborate together on a project.

“We're living in a time where the community needs something to call their own. Lucky Spot Barbershop represents hope, determination, new beginnings and opportunity for those that have been told that they cannot do something. We are excited to be a part of such a game and life-changing opportunity," Corbett told told Spectrum News.

Corbett had to work hard to get his barbershop into the local Walmart because the corporation had only previously partnered with large business chains. However, like many of the obstacles in his life, Corbett found a way to succeed.

To honor the opening of the new barbershop, Walmart donated $25,000 to Corbett's Cops and Barbers.

Corbett said the event "was nothing short of amazing and we are humbled by all the kind words that were said at today's Grand Opening Ceremony."

“The positive impact Cops & Barbers has had in our community is something to be proud of,” said Kate Mora, regional general manager for Walmart in North Carolina.

“We’re excited to support the great work Shaun and his team are doing here in Charlotte by having them become a part of our in-store Walmart family. We hope the increased exposure and customer traffic of being in a local Walmart store will help them spread their message, mission and impact even further across the city,” Mora said.

Cops-And-Barbers

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