Mighty Mighty: The Barbershop Project
May22-July27th
Presented by CulturalDC
Opening May 22 5-8PM | 901 G Street NW Mobile Art Gallery
CulturalDC is proud to bring The Barbershop Project back to Washington, DC — this time in the heart of Downtown during World Pride 2025.
Originally launched in 2019 with artist Devan Shimoyama, The Barbershop Project transforms our Mobile Art Gallery into a fully immersive, reimagined barbershop that explores themes of identity, care, and belonging. The space will once again offer free haircuts, mental health resources, clothing distribution, and community-centered programming, in partnership with DC Public Library.
This interactive installation honors the barbershop as a vital space for self-expression, transformation, and inclusivity—particularly for Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
Meet Our 2025 Mighty Mighty: The Barbershop Project Barbers
We’re honored to introduce the incredible team of barbers bringing The Barbershop Project to life in 2025. These artists are more than stylists — they’re community leaders, culture bearers, and visionaries who understand the barbershop as a space for healing, connection, and transformation.
Led by Brixton Millner, who served as the lead barber for the original 2019 iteration of The Barbershop Project, this year’s team brings a powerful mix of artistry, experience, and purpose.
We're also proud to welcome Lesley “Lady Clipper” Bryant, owner of Lady Clipper Barber Shop, whose trailblazing work in DC’s grooming scene continues to create space for inclusivity and self-expression. Lesley will lead her team in offering free services throughout the exhibition run.
Joining them are the immensely talented Eric Jackson and Akil Wilson, who bring precision, creativity, and care to every cut.
Throughout the exhibition, these barbers will be offering free haircuts to the public inside our Mobile Art Gallery, providing not just style — but dignity, care, and community connection.
This work would not be possible without their generosity and dedication, as each of them is donating their time and talent to support The Barbershop Project and the communities it serves.
Special thanks to Brixton, Lesley, Eric, Akil, and the Lady Clipper team for being the heart of this activation.
Brixton Milner
Brixton is a Black trans man barber based in the DMV who never felt comfortable in traditional, hyper-masculine barbershops. Before his transition, barbers often refused to cut his requested style or would "feminize" the cut. After a life-altering motorcycle accident forced him to start a new career, Brixton saw an opportunity to create the change he had always wanted to see. He enrolled in barber school with the goal of redefining the haircutting experience. For over a decade, he has cultivated a safe, inclusive, and accommodating space for ALL, with a special focus on gender-affirming and sensory-friendly haircuts for all ages and hair types.
Give him a follow, check out his work, and book an appointment outside of the Mighty Mighty at www.instagram.com/brix.thebarber.
Eric Jackson, Jackson Studio
Eric Jackson is the founder of Jackson Studio, a premier grooming brand dedicated to precision, self-care, and an upscale client experience. Born and raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Eric has built a strong clientele throughout the DMV area. With 19 years of experience in both cosmetology and barbering, he has worked with diverse hair types and textures, mastering the art of shaving, traditional barbering, and modern men’s grooming. His expertise and attention to detail ensure every client receives a tailored experience that enhances their confidence and personal style.
COMING THIS WEEK!
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COMING THIS WEEK! 〰️
Akil Wilson, Wilson’s on 18th
Akil Wilson is a native Washingtonian with 20+ years of experience servicing Washington, D.C. as a professional licensed barber. He is an alumnus of Coolidge High School in NE Washington, DC and Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. During these years of adolescence, Akil was a celebrated musical artist; performing at the Kennedy Center, Howard Theater, Ust Music Hall, and several college homecoming events.
After studying political science at Southern, and a brief stint on Capitol Hill, Akil fully committed himself to the profession of barbering. As a sought after barber, Akil worked at a few of the most iconic barbershops in Washington D.C. He leveraged this social capital to launch a podcast, dedicated to do the Black Business Center of U Street, also known as Blvckbroadway. In 2017, in tribute to his late father, George Wilson, he expanded his storytelling to journalism. Acting as a guest contributor to the Washington Informer.
In 2023, Akil was presented with an opportunity to combine his loves of music, barbering, and community.On June 1, 2023 he opened the doors to Wilson’s Barbershop. A community barbershop established to restore the historical function of the barbershop as an essential community institution. In the first year, with no funding, Wilson’s Barbershop received a feature article in the Washington Informer, was selected by Square as a featured seller and appeared in their online social media campaign, participated in the 2023 Trailblazer Small Business Fellowship presented by Shea Moisture, and was nominated by the ADMO BID Small Business of the Year Award.
Akil Wilson is committed to excellence. Wilson’s Barbershop is a reflection of this commitment.
“LAY A BRICK EVERYDAY”
Lady Clipper Team
The Lady Clipper is Washington DC’s premier, full-service, black woman-owned barbershop. Conveniently located in the epicenter of the Historic U Street Corridor, this unique shop of talented lady barbers continue to exceed the expectations of its clients with precise cuts in an inclusive environment.
