Kansas City residents can now watch a simple haircut become a catalyst for lasting confidence and guidance. The Talk KC program, operating out of a local barbershop, offers a monthly empowerment series that pairs Black and Brown boys in grades six through twelve – with a particular focus on those in grades six through eight – with mentors, meals, books and mental‑health resources.
According to KSHB, the initiative was founded by Tay Neal, who serves as Executive Director, and is overseen by Ritchie Cherry, the program’s family and community engagement director. Neal explains that the mentorship model is deliberately multi‑generational: each participant, called a “nephew,” is matched with three mentors – a “big bro,” an “unc,” and an “OG.” This structure is designed to give the boys consistent, age‑spanning guidance that can address real‑life challenges.
Beyond the haircut, the barbershop becomes a hub for free hot meals, culturally relevant reading materials, literacy activities and access to therapists. Conversations cover a wide range of topics, from emotional well‑being and financial literacy to leadership and even artificial intelligence, according to Neal. The goal, as Cherry puts it, is to turn the barbershop into a “sacred place” where young men can simply be themselves while learning essential life skills.
Eight‑grader Gabriel Davis, one of the program’s participants, says the experience has already reshaped his outlook. “I love it, honestly… I found a lot of brothers here… It’s OK to be soft. It’s OK to feel some type of way because you have men that understand and are able to be here and help you out,” he told KSHB. Davis adds that the mentorship feels like family, even without blood ties.
Cherry emphasizes that the initiative aims to close a growing generational gap. “We want to instill confidence in these young men… not just from a physical haircut but by the words we speak, by the values we’re instilling,” he said. Neal hopes the boys will eventually become mentors themselves, perpetuating a cycle of support that extends well beyond the monthly gatherings.
The Talk KC continues to meet monthly, offering a consistent space for boys to develop emotional intelligence, confidence and purpose‑driven leadership. While specific dates for upcoming sessions were not disclosed, the program remains open to new participants and community partners who wish to support its mission.
