Fathers and Sons Together Fosters Hope in Rainier Beach with Barbershop Chat, Chew & Play
Fathers and Sons Standing Together (FAST) hosted a Barbershop Chat, Chew & Play at the Rainier Beach Community Center on April 4th, 2026.
While barbershops are often places where community comes together over a fresh cut, FAST brought this tradition to Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, giving adults and youth the opportunity to get their hair cut and engage with local vendors, live entertainment, guest speakers, and more.
According to Deaunte Damper, the community engagement specialist for the King County Regional Office of Violence Prevention, the gathering was a platform for the community to shift the perception of the neighborhood.
"There's a narrative in Rainier Beach around our trauma... but what I see here is our brilliancy, our love for one another,” he said.
The movement to make Rainier Beach a stronger community was driven by local leaders who
ground their work in deep, personal commitment. Community advocate and artist Myron Curry is utilizing creative expression, including a summer mural project, to similarly shift the narrative.
"Today we are here to detour youth violence. And the theme is Rainier Beach: a beautiful, safe space for youth to live, love, and grow,” he said.
Curry's philosophy focused on empowerment and hope. He affirmed that Seattle youth are the future, emphasizing the importance of keeping young people away from negative influences. Seattle City Councilmember Eddie Lin repeated this sentiment, linking personal well-being directly to communal support.
"What keeps me safe is other people taking care of me, and likewise we have to take care of each other," Lin said.
For State Senator Rebecca Saldaña, who has raised her own children in the neighborhood, the community holds the ultimate solutions to its challenges. Saldaña viewed Rainier Beach as "the heart of the Valley" and believed events demonstrating hope and support like the FAST Barbershop Chat are key.
Damper praised FAST for their commitment to creating safe spaces for the Rainier Beach community.
"When we're talking about Fathers and Sons Together, this organization has really been the heart of Rainier Beach,” Damper said.
Learn more about FAST and their upcoming events here.
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