Steel City Cutz on Brighton Road gave free haircuts to students from kindergarden through eighth grade to help them prepare for a successful school year.

By Noah Manalo

Photo: Steel City Cutz on Brighton Road offered free haircuts to students as part of the “SO FRESH, CLEAN and CRISPY TOUR,” a back-to-school event sponsored by the brothers of the Iota Phi Foundation and the Iota Phi chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Photo courtesy of Jamie Younger

The “SO FRESH, CLEAN and CRISPY TOUR!” was a collaborative back-to-school event sponsored by the brothers of the Iota Phi Foundation and the Iota Phi chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. This year’s festivities were supported by several members and businesses within the Northside community.

The Northside part of the tour, held on August 21 from 2 to 5 p.m., took place at Steel City Cutz on Brighton Road. Over 50 students from kindergarten through eighth grade received free haircuts. Ed Bell, owner and seasoned barber at Steel City Cutz, along with his staff, used his artistic skills to ensure that all the participants looked “fresh and crispy.”

Jamie Younger, proud brother of the fraternity and coproprietor of Young Brothers Bar, facilitated donations of food for the event from Tom Friday’s Market, Breadworks, and Wise Guys Pizza. Bookbags were donated by Attorney Frank Walker of Frank Walker Law.
Brothers of the Iota Phi Foundation and chapter encouraged the students and their families to have a successful school year. They also shared tips on steps to take for career preparation and life readiness.

Combined with the other two tour stops, held at the Barber School in the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)’s Homewood-Brushton Center and the Iota Phi’s Fraternity Center at 123 Meadow Street in Larimer, the tour provided over 100 kids from kindergarten through 12th grade with haircuts, backpacks and conversations ranging from educational opportunities to legal advice from community leaders.

This is the second year the event has been held, and the brothers hope to continue it on into future years. They were very grateful for the support of the community and for the families who attended the event and wrote a post thanking them on the fraternity’s Facebook page:

“The Brothers of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Iota Phi Chapter, and Iota Phi Foundation are grateful for the spirit of collaboration, love and UPLIFT. We thank everyone who contributed and the families who participated. We wish for the best and academic success for all students. We look forward to next year. SERVICE!”