Barber Warren Lewis at center of planned celebration

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Renowned – and beloved – barber Warren Lewis (second from right) will be in good company during his upcoming 85th birthday celebration. (Courtesy photo)

Innovative barber and a North Memphis icon, Warren Lewis will celebrate his 85th birthday on Sunday (Nov. 12).

The Sunday Soulful Supper Celebration is set for 4 p.m. at the New Chicago Community Development Center Banquet Facility at 1036 Firestone Ave. And yes, the community is invited. Lewis would have it no other way.

Many have seen the photo of Lewis cutting hair by fire, a longstanding practice that once netted him time on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”

Lewis has long lived and breathed community. He founded an economic development group dubbed the Black Knights and put together the Emergency Assistance Bank, which served as a food bank to the community surrounding his North Memphis shop. When the civil rights movement rolled his way, he rolled along with it.

During the birthday celebration, music will be provided by Visible Music College Soloist Dominique Montgomery and her band, along with former Isaac Hayes Movement member and Beale Street Brass Note Recipient Mickey Gregory.

Tributes will be plentiful and will feature those by State Rep Larry Miller, City Council Chairman Emeritus Myron Lowery and Pearl Hair Deva Walker.

A few $10 tickets are available at Independent Barber Shop, 615 Chelsea through Saturday at 6 p.m. The at-the-door ticket donation cost is $20.

Kenny Allen will serve as emcee for the evening and dinner is provided by Mae’s Catering.

(For more information, call 901-691-5966.)