SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Watch our Voice of the Voter segment during The Georgia Vote Sundays at 11 a.m. on 11Alive.
The 11Alive political team is working to make sure that Georgians remain at the center of the political conversation.
Meet Dakoro Edwards, a barbershop owner, and abstract artist in Sandy Springs.
Edwards moved to Georgia from New York in the 90s. In the barbershop, he’s an artist with his clippers. In his art studio, the canvas is his platform. Edwards says he started cutting hair at 11 years old.
“If you provide the best service, a nice ambiance, and a good environment, then they walk out feeling empowered, and they have a good shot at having a positive day,” said Edwards.
Edwards says he’s been doing artwork longer than he’s been cutting hair. He tells 11Alive that his abstract art tells a story. At times, that story is hidden within the art, and the message can be interpreted differently depending on a person’s experiences. He says the art is a reflection of him but also of the people he meets throughout his life, the community and society—including the clients that come into his barbershop.
Issues he cares about
The Economy
Edwards says there is a lot of talk about inflation in his barbershop. He says people are worried about their pocketbooks and their households.
“With me being a master barber, when the clients pockets are affected, it affects business,” Edwards explained.
What most concerns him
Safety
Edwards is a dad to a 12-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter. He says he’s concerned about the environment and safety after the election results are announced.
“Is everything going to stay safe? Are people going to lose their minds If their candidate doesn’t win?” Edwards questioned.
He’s also concerned about school safety in the wake of school shootings across the country, including the recent mass shooting at Apalachee High School. Edwards said his son witnessed a threat of a school shooting at his school.
“Our son was uncomfortable, because there was something spread through social media and apparently maybe even written on the bathroom wall, that there was going to be a school shooting,” Edwards described. “Me and my wife were literally sitting there like, what do we do…we called the school, and they said they have extra security, but we both ended up like…this is the world that are children are growing up in."
What he’s most optimistic about?
Edwards said he’s most optimistic about unity.