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Wednesday night the residents of Wyandanch came together to sit back, relax and watch the season premiere of one of BET’s newest shows “The Family Business” at Sir Shave Barbershop.
Scenes from the “The Family Business” were shot in the barbershop itself as well as other locations on Long Island. The BET series is about a wealthy Black family. The family operates a high-end car dealership but they're also involved in illegal activity. behind the scenes. The series is based off native Long Islander Carl Weber’s New York Times bestselling book of the same name.
The crowd of residents gathered on comfy couches and chairs to watch the premiere of the fifth episode along with special guest Sean Ringgold, who plays Junior Duncan, one of the sons to the family patriarch L.C. Duncan.
“It’s a blessing,” said Ringgold when asked what it’s like to work on the show. “It’s fantastic. Everybody’s just smashing it.”
During the watch party, people laughed, joked and enjoyed the episode with Ringgold’s funny commentary lighting up the room. There was a mixture of residents coming together from different backgrounds, races and generations. Dwayne Najee Evans, a Wyandanch resident who’s a fan of the show, came to Sir Shave for the first time and while there said he felt the event was good for the community.
“It gives that homey vibe,” said Evans.
He agreed that it was a good way to create a sense of community among people of different generations.
“I believe it brings togetherness, said Evans. “I believe it can bridge a gap. I think that’s what’s kind of missing in barbershops.”
This is what Sir Shave owner Keith Banks said it’s all about. Banks who opened the business a few months ago was approached by his friend Weber and said Banks' barbershop was the perfect place to film a scene for “The Family Business.” Banks agreed and thought this was the perfect opportunity to show the positives of Wyandanch and unify the neighborhood.
“It’s about the community, bringing the kids out, connecting and seeing the possibilities outside the norm,” said Banks.
Banks moved to back Wyandanch from Westbury in 2014. His family-owned business in Wyandanch back in the 1980s and he decided to bring his shop to the town after hearing about the million-dollar project that's been established, which includes Wyandanch village and the newly updated train station. Banks said he wanted to come back and be a part of bringing the community together.
Ringgold admired both the vibe of the community and made a 60 miles round trip drive to come out and support the event.
“Everyone is very welcoming,” said Ringgold. “It’s beautiful.”
The night ended with another bridging-the-gap-generational gap moment as Ringgold gave passionate words of advice to a young barbershop employee.
“Dress for success,” said Ringgold. “And surround yourself with people who are where you want to go.”