Meet the Chairman and Executive Administrator

A man and woman posing together at a church event. The man is wearing glasses, a dark suit, and a striped tie. The woman has shoulder-length gray hair, large glasses, and is dressed in a black pinstripe blazer with a spirit neckless. In the background, a projection screen displays a church logo and a Bible verse reference. A table with a gold decorative item is visible on the right side. A report at the bottom identifies them as Pastor Aaron L. Johnson and Dr. Elizabeth B. Johnson.

Introducing the Barbershop

  • A man wearing glasses and a navy-blue collared shirt with embroidered text reading 'P.R.E.S.S.' and 'Pastor Aaron L. Johnson', standing against a light blue background.

    Pastor Aaron Johnson

  • A smiling man with a beard, wearing a black shirt with embroidered text, standing against a light blue background.

    Pastor Kavin Bobbitt

  • A middle-aged man with a beard and mustache, wearing a navy blue jacket with embroidered text that reads 'P.R.E.S.S.' and 'Pastor Oliver J. Clark, Jr.' against a plain light blue background.

    Pastor Oliver Clark

  • An older man with white hair, a beard, and glasses wearing a navy blue shirt with 'P.R.E.S.S.' and 'Edward Purnell, IV' embroidered on it, standing against a light blue background.

    Edward Howell IV

  • Elderly man with a serious expression wearing a navy blue work shirt, standing against a light blue background.

    Ralph Johnson

  • A smiling man wearing glasses and a navy blue uniform with P.R.E.S.S. and a penguin logo on it, standing against a light blue background.

    Rev. James Sutton

Book Now

2nd Annual P.R.E.S.S. Mentorship Celebration

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P.R.E.S.S

Pray to Restore and Empower Successful Sons

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ABOUT THE BARBERSHOP

On July 14, 2024, while in the hospital in Fairfax, VA, our friend, Brother Johnny Clemons shared his heart and desire to launch a mentoring program for boys and young men. As he approached the end of his life on this side, he imparted his wishes to equip our boys and young men for success. With great conviction, he charged us with the responsibility of serving as Executive Directors of this program. He emphasized one powerful word: PRESS! 

 His wife, Regina, graciously shared some of his journal entries with us. As we read through them, we gained a better understanding of his thoughts and hopes for this initiative. Brother Clemons passed away peacefully at his home on July 21, 2024 at the age of 77.

OUR VISION

To engage young boys and men in their spiritual journey — educating, embracing, and empowering them to pursue their God-given purpose in every area of life — so they are equipped to be influential leaders who positively impact future generations.

OUR MISSION

Rooted in 2 Timothy 2:1–2, The Barbershop Board creates intentional, intergenerational spaces to mentor and equip young men and boys in leadership, cultural awareness, history, discipline, integrity, dignity, and identity. Through relational discipleship and practical teaching, we prepare them to thrive as husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons— empowered to lead with purpose and pour into future generations.

A tattoo-style illustration featuring a barber pole with red, white, and blue stripes surrounded by crossed straight razors and barber scissors.

The Barbershop

This ministry was to begin with the establishment of the Board, known as “The Barbershop.”  Historically, the barbershop has served as a foundational and informal mentoring space for young Black men and boys. It was in these spaces—filled with the sounds of storytelling, laughter, debate, and games like chess, checkers, and cards—that wisdom was passed down and character was shaped. More than just a grooming place, the barbershop became a hub of brotherhood, life lessons, and cultural exchange—a space where men poured into future generations, often as unsung mentors.

  • Though it’s hard to put an exact date on the first Black barbershops, it’s said that it was during the atrocities of slavery in the 19th century when Black barbers were first introduced to America. Because slaves were unjustly and inhumanely considered to be “property,” they were subject to the whim of their owners—one of those whims was being leased out to local establishments and neighbors that specialized in the grooming and barbering care of white men. Even when Black-owned shops did eventually arise as slavery fell, these shops were still mostly catering to a white customer base. As such, it was difficult for a Black man to approach a Black barber to reap the benefits of their skills. At the time, this was considered an economic necessity—catering mostly to white people. This, however, began to change as time went on.

     

    Post-emancipation, Black barbers were now free to serve whoever they wanted—Black customers included. As a result, the floodgates for this profession opened wider than ever before. Seeing an opportunity for advancement, employment, and empowerment, Henry M. Morgan opened the first national chain of barber colleges in 1934—The Tyler Barber College. During this time—and certainly before—barbershops began becoming safe havens that were about more than just getting a haircut or a beard trim. These spaces were for the community, places where Black men and women could discuss social and societal reform, share ideas, and overall, find comradery and community in a time where it was needed most.

     

    Barbershops remained the spots where societal change was catalyzed. Black barbershops were safe haven zones where Black liberation activists could gather and push forward change. Barbershops remain to be a safe haven—not unlike they were during times of slavery, war, economic issues, social shifts, and beyond. Today, Black barbershops thrive across the globe, and their impact on barbering, as a whole, continues to exude from the talented individuals who chose to become a part of this industry—then and now.

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A woman wearing glasses and a navy blue shirt with text 'P.R.E.S.S.' and 'Mrs. Johnny M. Clemons' embroidered on it. She has earrings, a necklace, and a wristwatch, and is standing against a plain white wall.
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Four men sitting at a table with blue tablecloth, promotional flyers, and brochures, promoting the 32nd Annual Manassas African American Heritage Festival, held at Metz Middle School on August 2, 2025.
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A woman and a man are sharing a moment of laughter in a church or similar setting. The woman is wearing a multicolored skirt and white top, the man is wearing glasses and a dark shirt. There are chairs, a podium with a blue cloth decorated with cross
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Person holding a microphone with a green light, connected to a laptop, interviewing or recording a remote video call or conference.
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Event program for a church celebration with singing, scripture reading, presentation, songs, prayer, and blessing. Includes birthday greeting for Johnny on July 8th.
A printed program or brochure containing a photograph of a man in a suit, a barber pole logo, and text about the history and significance of barbershops, including a scriptural quote, the P.R.E.S.S. foundation, and mentions of Black mentorship and so
An announcement flyer titled "Meet the Barbershop" featuring six men, each with a photograph, name, and title of Pastor, including Pastor Aaron L. Johnson, Pastor Kavon W. Bobbitt, Pastor Oliver J. Clark Jr., Edward Howell IV, Ralph L. Johnson, and R
Flyer for a barber shop event at Restoration Community Christian Church on July 19th, 2025 at 2 pm, featuring Johnny M. Clemons P.R.E.S.S Foundation, with a photo of Johnny M. Clemons and details about the church and organizers.
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