Culture and community are key aspects of LSU campus life.
The Culture Lens Collective, a fairly new club on campus, is a source of community for several students.
“ We wanna be a hub for all Black creatives. If you’re a photographer, if you’re a dancer, if you’re a stylist, a fashion and design major, we have a home for you,” said Itali Lundy, President and Founder of CLC.
CLC aims not only to give students a community but a chance to build their resume.
“My biggest mission is to give all of my members an opportunity to grow their portfolios. So when they leave college, they’re able to say, ‘I’ve already done that,’ you know what I’m saying? When they want to start working for themselves, they have the tools to be able to say they can,” said Lundy.
One way they bring people together on campus is through offering free haircuts to students in Free Speech Alley.
READ MORE: Meet the LSU student empowering others by giving out free haircuts in Free Speech Alley
“They always come out. It’s always packed. I always get a real big line, you know, clients come to get cuts. It’s a great networking opportunity for the client and barber alike, like us three right here. Everybody get fresh, go to class for a nice fresh cut,” said Ricchy Blendz, a LSU student and barber.
Outside from noon to 4 p.m., CLC gives student barbers a chance to show their work as they help students feel more confident throughout the day. It also saves a lot of students’ money as well.
“I think just giving people free haircuts, ’cause haircuts could get expensive, especially if it’s a good barber. I didn’t know that, because I don’t get haircuts. But apparently they’re really expensive. So to say, you know, collegiate students really appreciate these opportunities, I feel fulfilled,” said Lundy.
Overall, this club’s efforts are just one way you can support the LSU community, especially the creatives that are woven within it.
“Support your businesses, man. We have hairstyles, we have barbers. We’re all out here trying to make it in life, you know. Support your businesses. Support is free,” said Blendz.
The Culture Lens Collective will strive to provide free haircuts twice a month, every month. Be sure to follow them on Instagram, @theculturelenscollective, to learn more.
