BarberEVO Magazine

Be part of the Barber EVOlution

At Risk Cleveland Students Receive Full Scholarships Through Wahl Professional’s Innovative Fade It Forward™ Program

November 23, 2021 (Cleveland, OH) – On November 8th, eight Cleveland students received life-changing news when they were awarded full scholarships to local barber schools, thanks to Wahl Clipper Corporation’s Professional division and its innovative Fade It Forward™ program.

“It’s like my dream just came true. I was just so surprised, I almost cried,” said D’Niyae Morris, one of the Fade It Forward scholarship recipients. “It reminds you there’s still good people out here in the world.”

Students will receive mentoring from industry professionals while attending classes at The Keratin Barber College or Allstate Hairstyling and Barber College in Cleveland. The goal of the mentorships is to reinforce the hard work and dedication needed to achieve success in this competitive industry.

Garland “G Whiz” Fox was at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland to personally welcome the shocked recipients into the Wahl family. As a former homeless vet whose life was transformed by his barbering career, this ceremony was incredibly personal for him.

“I can’t think of a more deserving group,” says Fox. “Each student is a story of perseverance. They show up every day, not only for themselves but to improve the lives of their families and community.”

The recipients of the eight scholarships from the Sterling, IL-based clipper manufacturer are: Dominic DeLaRosa, KeVonte Sumlin, D’Niyae Morris, Chad Medley, Jr., (Jason) Jalen Dennis, Faith White, Brandon Thomas and Brooklyn Hatchette.

“I have no doubt these youth will make their families extremely proud,” said Lance Wahl, Global Vice President of Professional Products, Wahl Clipper Corporation. “We can’t wait to see how they progress and grow in their careers.”

This is the third city where the program has made its mark, making its debut in Chicago in 2018 and expanding to St. Louis last year. And Wahl Professional hopes to Fade It Forward to more youth in another community soon.

“Everything about this program is heartfelt. We are a family. Wahl is a family-owned company. And we are about community,” said Fox.

To get involved or learn more about the Fade It Forward program, visit http://www.wahlpro.com/fadeitforward.

Show More