Hazel Scott/ASU
On September 28, Alabama State University’s Cuts & Conversations event transformed a familiar community setting into a space for health education, connection and care. In partnership with Heritage Barbershop, the event brought together community members, researchers, students, healthcare and public health partners, and local organizations to raise awareness about prostate cancer, particularly among African American men.
At the heart of the event was a simple approach: meet people where they are.
Approximately 100 free haircuts created an inviting environment where men could relax, connect, ask questions and have open conversations about their health. The barber chair became more than a seat for a haircut—it became a place to share knowledge, voice concerns and encourage proactive healthcare.
Prostate cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 men. For African American men, the risk is approximately 1 in 4, with a greater likelihood of being diagnosed at a later stage. These disparities highlight the importance of understanding personal risk, discussing screening with healthcare providers and recognizing the value of early detection.
Dr. Tanjula Petty, ASU’s vice president of Institutional Effectiveness, Strategic Initiatives and Transformation, emphasized the importance of empowering men to take control of their health.
“I’m a survivor of breast cancer, and my survival is because of early detection. It’s very important to have these conversations with your families—uncles, brothers, nephews—to change our family dynamics. Early detection and awareness are the keys,” Petty said.
ASU junior, Noah Oigboki, encouraged men to be proactive about their healthcare.
“The biggest thing is teaching men that prevention can save lives. The women in their lives are also instrumental in encouraging them to take better care of themselves,” Oigboki said. “I’m feeling inspired, empowered and activated to do something about this situation in our community.”
The event also honored three prostate cancer survivors—Dandrea Evans, Sr., Andy Maxwell and Leroy Huffman—whose stories reinforced that prostate cancer is not just about statistics, but that the disease affects individuals, families and communities.
The conversation continued through the Off the Cuff Podcast, hosted by Terrance Baldwin and Lee Walker Jr. A live episode recorded during Cuts & Conversations gave community members another opportunity to hear directly from participants and survivors.
Attendees also connected with health and community resources, including the ASU Cancer Research Center, ASU Health Services, the Alabama Department of Public Health and Five Horizons, a community-based health clinic providing stigma-free, status-neutral medical care, HIV/STI prevention, testing and support services.
The event was made possible through collaboration among the Division of Institutional Effectiveness, Strategic Initiatives and Transformation (IESIT), ASU Cancer Research Center, ASU Social Work professor, Dr. Dawna Nelson, the Heritage Barbershop “Shop Talk” Community Participatory Research Grant, Student Life, Strada Scholars, Athletics representatives and community partners.
Research support from the American Cancer Society, through a grant awarded to Dr. Manoj K. Mishra, along with support from the ASU Cancer Research Center, helped bring research and health education directly into the community.
Continue the Conversation
The community can continue hearing the stories through the Off the Cuff Podcast, including the live episode recorded during Cuts & Conversations. Community members and participants are encouraged to complete the event survey and help ASU and its partners strengthen future health education efforts.
“Because conversations can lead to awareness, awareness can lead to action and action can help save lives,” Petty said.
