Stephen J. Edwards
Stephen Junior Edwards was more than a barber. He was an economic development leader. A savvy business owner. A convener. A pillar.
After serving in World War II, Stephen attended barber school and worked at shops in Durham and in his hometown of Chapel Hill. In the early 1950s, he decided it was time to open his own place and saw opportunity in the Midway neighborhood of Carrboro. So he sold the family car, much to the chagrin of his wife, Lovelia, to buy the land at 707 West Rosemary Street. Lovelia walked to work for six months
while Stephen and his friends built the building to house the shop. Stephen wanted to create economic opportunity for the entire community, so he constructed a building large enough to house his barber shop, other businesses on the street level, and rooms for rent on the second floor. In the segregated South, there were few options for African-American travelers, and Stephen’s rooms housed many visitors over the years. Opened in 1952, the building became the heart of the Midway business district, and the barber shop became
a gathering place for community members. Whether they needed a haircut or not, men stopped by the shop to get the latest news, to discuss local and national politics or simply to socialize.
From behind his barber chair, Stephen held court. He loved telling stories and giving advice. But he was more than a quaint small-town barber. Stephen was a role model for other African-American business owners, advising other entrepreneurs and encouraging civic engagement. He is remembered as a fair and generous man, always doing what he could to assist others. Today, the Midway Barber Shop is a landmark. The thriving family business — now run by the second generation, Stephen’s son Stepney — is the oldest African-American-owned enterprise in Carrboro. In many ways, it remains unchanged. Like his father, Step makes sure the shop continues to be a place for the exchange of ideas, and it now serves a more diverse clientele. Over the years, the tenant mix has changed, too, including at times a tattoo parlor, an upscale bar and a record store-coffee shop.
For creating economic opportunity for African-Americans, serving the community, and building a sustainable small business, we are proud to induct Stephen Edwards into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.
After serving in World War II, Stephen attended barber school and worked at shops in Durham and in his hometown of Chapel Hill. In the early 1950s, he decided it was time to open his own place and saw opportunity in the Midway neighborhood of Carrboro. So he sold the family car, much to the chagrin of his wife, Lovelia, to buy the land at 707 West Rosemary Street. Lovelia walked to work for six months
while Stephen and his friends built the building to house the shop. Stephen wanted to create economic opportunity for the entire community, so he constructed a building large enough to house his barber shop, other businesses on the street level, and rooms for rent on the second floor. In the segregated South, there were few options for African-American travelers, and Stephen’s rooms housed many visitors over the years. Opened in 1952, the building became the heart of the Midway business district, and the barber shop became
a gathering place for community members. Whether they needed a haircut or not, men stopped by the shop to get the latest news, to discuss local and national politics or simply to socialize.
From behind his barber chair, Stephen held court. He loved telling stories and giving advice. But he was more than a quaint small-town barber. Stephen was a role model for other African-American business owners, advising other entrepreneurs and encouraging civic engagement. He is remembered as a fair and generous man, always doing what he could to assist others. Today, the Midway Barber Shop is a landmark. The thriving family business — now run by the second generation, Stephen’s son Stepney — is the oldest African-American-owned enterprise in Carrboro. In many ways, it remains unchanged. Like his father, Step makes sure the shop continues to be a place for the exchange of ideas, and it now serves a more diverse clientele. Over the years, the tenant mix has changed, too, including at times a tattoo parlor, an upscale bar and a record store-coffee shop.
For creating economic opportunity for African-Americans, serving the community, and building a sustainable small business, we are proud to induct Stephen Edwards into the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Business Hall of Fame.