The Story of Malik

Steven: “Hi, I’m Steven. What’s your name?”
Malik: “Malik. Nice to meet you, man.”

Steven: “Nice to meet you too, Malik. We’re in Harlem, right?”
Malik: “Yeah, right off 135th. It’s changed a lot over the years for sure and I know that because it’s where I grew up.”

Steven: “How has it changed?
Malik: “The stores aren’t what they used to be. There used to be a chicken place down the street right over there and they serve pipping hot fried chicken that me and friends used to go to after school. It was cheap and look at it now. It’s been replaced by a laundry store and also the people, man. They’re all over money now I can’t blame them because it’s hard out here. They don’t want to end up like me.”

Steven: I see what you mean. I live in the same neighborhood for the past 10 years of my life and things have changed there too…how long have you been out here?”
Malik: “Coming up on 6 years. Feels like a lifetime some days, but other days it feels like it’s only been a few months. Time’s weird when you’re out here.”

Steven: “Yeah… 6 years is a long time…what happened, if you don’t mind sharing?”
Malik: “It was a mix of bad luck and bad timing. I worked in a barbershop so cutting hair was my thing. But the shop closed during the pandemic, and I couldn’t find work after that. I’d been staying in a studio apartment, just scraping by, but once the income stopped, the landlords came asking for the rent and guess what, I didn’t have any money to give so I was evicted.”

Steven: “I’m sorry to hear that. The pandemic has created a lot of financial problem for many… do you still cut hair?”
Malik: “Yeah, whenever I can. I keep my clippers in my backpack. Sometimes I set up on a corner and give haircuts for a few bucks or even for free if someone really needs it. A fresh cut can change how someone feels about themselves. It’s small, but it matters.”

Steven: “That’s amazing. I need a haircut soon, so I’ll come to you…do you have a dream of getting back into a barbershop?”
Malik: “I do, but not just as a barber for some store. I want to own one, but not a fancy spot but just a place where people feel like they belong there. A real community hub, somewhere nice and cozy with a certain mood that anyone can walk in and feel it. Somewhere kids can come after school, where people can talk and laugh and do homework. The local barbershops I grew up around isn’t just a place for people to get a haircut. It’s like a home for everyone. You walk in and strike up a conversation and man, I miss it so much.

Steven: “That’s a powerful statement. Yeah… that’s how you know it means a lot when it hits deep. What’s been the hardest part for you?”
Malik: “The judgment. People see you on the street and assume the worst. I had a guy that came up to me and told me that I’m lazy, on drugs, whatever. They don’t think about how quickly life can change. I was working, paying bills, doing everything right, and one curveball knocked me down. It could happen to anyone.”

Steven: “Yeah, that’s definitely true. We have to be grateful for what we have right now. How do you stay positive?”
Malik: “I focus on the good days. Like when I give someone a haircut, and they walk away smiling. Or when a stranger stops to talk to me like you’re doing now. Those little moments remind me that not everyone’s out to judge or ignore you.”

Steven: “That’s great to hear. I’m glad your days getting better and I do wish that more people are willing to talk to the homeless because it means a lot to them… do you have anyone you trust out here?”
Malik: “Yeah, there’s a guy named Big Mike. He’s been out here even longer than me. He used to run a food truck. He’s like a big brother to everyone on this block. If you’re in a tight spot, Mike’s the guy who’ll share what little he has. He’s seen it all, and he always has a motto that goes: ‘If you’re breathing, you’ve still got a shot.'”

Steven: “I love that quote. Out here, besides cutting hair, what do you do to pass the time?”
Malik: “I write. Mostly journal entries, but sometimes I’ll even do little sketches of what my dream barbershop would look like. Writing helps me process everything because the world feels too big sometimes and uncertain, so when I write or draw about it, it’s so much smaller. It also makes me feel like I have control over it because I’m the one drawing or writing.”

Steven: “That’s a really cool hobby. Someone else I interviewed likes to write poetry… maybe you can try that out…is there something about you that would surprise people?”
Malik: “I used to box. Throw a jab, a hook, and uppercut so I do know the basic but nothing pro, otherwise I wouldn’t be out here. My dad taught me when I was a teenager…it was our thing. He’d take me to the gym, and we’d spar. I haven’t put on gloves in years, but sometimes I shadowbox, so I don’t lose my touch.”

Steven: “Boxing is amazing… I’ve always been fasincated by it, and especially out here, you need to defend yourself…do you think you’ll ever box again?”
Malik: “I’d love to, but not to fight, but just to train and defend myself like you said. There’s been a lot of robbery lately and I gotta protect my belonging somehow. Also boxing taught me discipline, focus. Those are things I try to hold onto, even now. Now that I think about it, life’s a lot like the ring…you’ve got to stay on your toes and keep swinging, even when you’re tired.”

Steven: “That’s a really unique comparison and I agree with you! You gotta stay on your toes… good stuff… now, if you had three wishes, what would they be?”
Malik: “Three wishes? Lemme think. First, I’d wish for a stable place to live. Just a small spot to call my own. Second, I’d wish for my barbershop to become a reality like the ones I drew in my sketchbook…a place where I can give back to the community. And my third wish is that I’d wish for my dad to see me get back on my feet. He passed a few years ago, but I think about him every day. I want to make him proud.”

Steven: “Truly amazing Malik, thank you for sharing your story. You’ve been through so much, but you’re still fighting. That’s inspiring.”
Malik: “Thanks. It feels good to talk about it. And hey, if you ever need a haircut, come find me. First one’s on the house.”