When successful people in our community talk about giving back, that gesture can be easier said than done. On many occasions the "so-called successful business owner, politician or entertainer" often gives back by providing hotdogs, hamburgers or turkeys.With that being said one's integrity regarding "the giving back" can call someone's character and ultimate motives to be questioned.However, people like business owner/master barber Carmine Robinson Sr. illustrate the standard of what it looks like when it comes to giving back to the community.
Recently, Carmine Robinson Sr. celebrated 10 plus years in business by serving the community with a very clean, professional and positive barbershop called Transformations Barber & Beauty LLC. The shop is located in the heart of one of Akron's most progressive African American communities. Located at 1479 S. Hawkins Avenue, Transformations Barber & Beauty LLC is located right across the street from the very influential & inspiring House of The Lord church.
Carmine's belief in his own personal relationship with God inspired his own transformation. From his very humble beginnings as a Buchtel High School graduate to positively influencing anyone who sits in his barber's chair he has been affecting change one haircut at a time. So when he announced and promoted that he was celebrating his 10 plus years in business he did it by giving back to the community. The anniversary event & celebration was held on a Sunday and what seemed like the entire community showed up. Parents showed up with their children to partake in the huge bouncy house and mobile video gaming room. Other's danced to the music of a live DJ playing some of the hottest songs from music's glorious past to present day bangers. Also, city officials came out to support and present a plaque of acknowledgement & success. The crown jewel of the event was the caliber of meal that everyone in the community enjoyed. When one realized how long of a line you had to stand in, was when you realized that people saw "before-hand" the barbecue ribs & chicken, oven baked mac & cheese, green beans, potato salad and so much more. What I "did" notice was how fast the food line was moving. With that being said, shout out to officials Russ Neal, Margo Summerville, David Hamilton and Veron Sykes and everyone else who helped out to make this "now" yearly celebration a success (not only for our brother Carmine) but also his community. Until next time, have some fun and get something done.
-Hiram Akeem
