Welcome to MVT’s Adaptation of “The Shop”: A Candid Conversation About Community, Culture & Progress
Friday March 7, 2025
As a closeout to our annual celebration of Black History Month, we invite you to step inside our very own version of “The Shop” to observe a wide-ranging discussion between two customers – as one might at a traditional barbershop – regarding community, culture, and progress right here in Mount Vernon Triangle.
While discussing ways to bring Marvin Bowser’s BlackHair photo exhibit to life, we were inspired by the series created by professional basketball superstar LeBron James to create something that ties Marvin’s exploration of Black hair into the legacy and culture of MVT’s two Black-owned barbershops. Cue Tarji Irby, who has proudly owned and operated World Class Cuts here in the Triangle for the last 30 years. Reflecting on his time building a successful business in a growing neighborhood, Tarji stated: “I saw the change. And I saw the dedication in the residents, along with the city putting more resources here… and it felt like I was a part of it. And I want to continue to be a part of it. This is home. This is family.” Tarji kindly invited us into his new shop to film a conversation between himself, MVT CID President & CEO Kenyattah Robinson, and Marvin… all while providing a quality cut!
Described by Tarji as “the Congress of the community,” we invite you to step inside the barbershop to be part of this in-depth conversation about the making of BlackHair and its transformation in the public space, reflections on a changing neighborhood, and a frank conversation on what it means to be the “real” DC. Watch it now on our YouTube channel and be sure to take a walk along the 400 Block of K Street NW and in Prather’s Alley to experience BlackHair for yourself now through May.
World Class Cuts is scheduled to open in the new space located on the second floor of 460 K Street NW in the coming months, and in the meantime you can visit Tarji at 403 K Street NW or check out Popular Cuts, our other proudly Black-owned barbershop, at 926 5th Street NW!