HOMETOWN PIONEERS

Robert Lee Lawson Jr.

Barber, Artist and property owner

Editors Note: Through the month of February, while recognizing Black History Month, Raydeen Edwards will feature black citizens who are active in our community; business owners, civic leaders and people making a difference.

Robert Lawson finished high school at Atlanta High School in 1995. He played sports and worked hard at his studies. He married his high school sweetheart, Sekeithia Gaston, and they have five children. He worked a few jobs for long hours to make ends meet. Then he decided to join the United States Army. He served his country for four years and moved back to Atlanta.

With a heart to serve the community, Lawson ran for the school board to be able to work with the youth. He then decided to go to barber college and get his license. His shop opened his shop in 2001 on Main Street in Atlanta until he bought the property and set it up on Polk Street. He has helped other barbers and beauticians get their start at his shop. He specilizes in any kind of hair, “as long as you got a picture, I can cut it,” said Lawson.

There is no sagging in his shop, if you don’t wear your pants correctly he will turn down that haircut. He has literature on the walls about jobs, college and going to the service. He gives advice to young men all the time while cutting their hair. Every school year Lawson gives haircuts to students free of charge to help kids get started on the right foot.

Mr. Lawson also does taxes, rents homes, and does farming at his home. He loves to fish and watch sports.