CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — In the wake of recent violence, one Champaign barber continues working to prevent future tragedies by using free haircuts as a way to mentor children and teens.
For many, a trip to the barbershop is routine self-care. But for some young people in Champaign, it's a chance to find positivity and be guided away from violence.
"I have obituaries of kids — 3 years old, 15 years old, 29 years old — whose hair I've cut and who have been affected by gun violence," community activist Tony Odom said.
Odom said his mentorship goes beyond the clippers.
"I just felt like it was a mission for me to put my shoes on, tie them up and get out there and be a source of hope for the community as an entrepreneur and as a Black man," Odom said.
Odom said the community needs more intervention programs to help keep children and teens away from violence.
"We have to really pay attention to our children when they're young, and we have to structure them and guide them," Odom said.
Last year, Odom's mentee, Erion Turner, was a victim of gun violence. The 16-year-old was shot and killed in June.
"It's getting to the point where we're becoming desensitized to violence involving children. I think it's becoming part of the norm," Odom said.
Odom will host a town hall addressing community violence from 5-6 p.m. Thursday at 2001 Round Barn Road, Suite C.
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