February 12, 2026 – Barbershop Books, the 2025 Lipman Grand Prize Winner, received a formal citation from Philadelphia Councilmember At-Large Jim Harrity. The recognition celebrates Barbershop Books’ impact in creating joyful, culturally responsive reading experiences for Black boys and other children across Philadelphia by meeting families where they already gather—at the barbershop.

Barbershop Books works by transforming local barbershops into literacy-rich spaces, equipping barbers with curated books and positioning them as positive role models who encourage children to read for enjoyment. During the City Hall event, Barbershop Books’ Alvin Irby (Founder & Executive Director) and Angela Crumdy (Director of Programs & Research) shared insights on the organization’s mission, programs, and growth. In attendance was also one of our Lipman Fellow alumni, Lusayo Mwakatika, MSEd’25, who was an Ed Tech fellow with Barbershop Books. Attendees also heard directly from barber partners Roc Hall and Jay Scissorhandz, as well as Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Kareem Idris of the Free Library of Philadelphia, who spoke to the importance of accessible, community-centered literacy opportunities.

The day prior to the citation, Sara Mierke from the Lipman Family Prize visited Major League Cuts, one of Barbershop Books’ partner barbershops, where barber Tommie Butler brings the program to life each day. They discussed how seeing children engage with thoughtfully selected books during their haircuts offered a powerful example of how everyday moments can be transformed into meaningful reading experiences.

Barbershop Books is reimagining what literacy access can look like and strengthening communities through creative, relationship-driven approaches. Congratulations to the entire Barbershop Books team, their dedicated barber partners, and supporters on this well-deserved recognition. See photos below for some of the highlights from the event and Sara’s visit to Major League Cuts.