Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen (DDG), a tri-state nonprofit organization serving South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, dedicated to building character, preserving legacy, and inspiring vision in men of all ages, proudly announces the return of THE BARBERSHOP — a community dialogue event presented by The Gentlemen’s Closet, in partnership with Grooming Solutions Barbershop. This installment tackles one of the most urgent conversations facing our communities today: Community, Guns & Public Safety — held in one of the most culturally significant spaces in Black America communities, the barbershop.
The event will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Grooming Solutions Barbershop, 619 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Hosted by DDG founder and visionary Deon Generette, THE BARBERSHOP will feature free haircuts for the first 20 students and a structured, recorded open dialogue conversation led by community leaders designed to strategize and spark honest, meaningful discussion across generations about safety, responsibility, and the well-being of our neighborhoods.
A Hard Conversation, Held With Care
Few topics carry more weight in our communities than guns and public safety. THE BARBERSHOP creates a safe, judgment-free environment where young men can ask difficult questions, older gentlemen can share hard-won wisdom, and every voice in the room is valued. By recording the conversation, DDG aims to extend its reach — turning a single afternoon into a lasting resource for families, mentors, and community leaders.
“The barbershop has always been more than a place to get a cut,” said Deon Generette, Founder of Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen. “It’s a place where men gather, speak freely, and pass down what it means to carry yourself with dignity. Talking openly about guns and public safety isn’t easy — but it’s exactly the kind of conversation that belongs in this chair.”
Event Highlights
• Free professional haircuts for the first 20 students
• Community Leaders and Special Guests input
• Recorded open dialogue on community, guns, and public safety, facilitated by Deon Generette
• Intergenerational bonding between young men and experienced gentlemen
• Community networking and resource sharing
• Refreshments
• No cost to attend — open to the public
This event is FREE and open to the public (free haircuts for the first 20 students). To register, visit www.ddgentlemen.com or email admin@ddgentlemen.com
About Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen
Founded by Deon Generette, Dapper & Distinguished Gentlemen (DDG) is a tri-state nonprofit organization — rooted in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia — operating under the core values of Character, Legacy, and Vision. DDG has been at the forefront of youth development, men’s empowerment, and community enrichment, producing programming that equips men and young men with the tools, mindset, and network to lead purposeful lives. From workshops and summits to grassroots events like THE BARBERSHOP, DDG continues to bridge the gap between generations and create spaces where excellence is expected, celebrated, and transferred.