Character Q&A: Lila Moore
Iām seated in one of the leather barber chairs inside Kuts Kings, facing the large glass storefront window that looks out onto Flatbush Avenue. The faux crystal chandelier overhead catches the morning light while the long mirror stretching from one end of the shop to the other reflects rows of empty barber stations, neatly arranged tools, and product displays waiting for the day to officially begin.
Outside, though, Flatbush is already alive.
Itās an especially busy day in Brooklyn, with a Caribbean parade set to take place just around the corner in a few hours. Flags wave from passing cars, music spills into the street, and people dressed in bright colors move along the avenue in groups.
āThese are the brownest people weāve seen out on this part of Flatbush in a long time,ā Lila says, shaking her head as she keeps her eyes fixed on the activity outside. āThings have been lightening around here because of gentrification. So seeing my people out here reclaiming these blocks, even if itās only for a few hours, is refreshing.ā
Kuts Kings is unusually quiet at this hour. But that will change soon enough when the other barbers start arriving, bringing with them the conversations, jokes, clippers, and organized chaos that make this place what it is.
Looking to take advantage of the rare quiet, I donāt delay.
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