In Biloxi, Mississippi, history is in the clippers, combs and conversations. Tyrone’s Barber Beauty Salon got a historic marker that celebrates decades of resilience, service and cultural pride. The marker does honor not only a building but a story of survival, one of tradition and of linking generations.
Tyrone Burton opened his shop in 1962 to serve Black servicemen that had been stationed at nearby Keesler Air Force Base. During segregation, Black soldiers were in need of safe spaces Burton gave them haircuts, dignity and brotherhood. Over time, his shop became more than a haircut business. It became a hub for community strength.
When the historic marker was unveiled in August 2025, Burton called it a dream come true. He stood outside his Main Street shop and reflected on decades of challenges – segregation, discrimination and natural disasters. But his message was one of pride, gratitude and the joy of serving people who became family.
| Year | Event | Significance |
| 1962 | Burton began cutting hair | Started career at fourteen |
| 1988 | Opened Tyrone’s Barber & Beauty Salon | Established own shop in Biloxi |
| 2005 | Hurricane Katrina | Shop damaged but Burton continued cutting hair |
| 2025 (May) | Main Street renamed “Tyrone Burton Way” | City honored his impact |
| 2025 (Aug) | Historic marker unveiled | Official recognition of legacy |
Storms Could Not Silence the Clippers
Hurricane Katrina almost wiped out Main Street in 2005. East Biloxi lost 90% of its businesses. Floodwater and wind destroyed homes, churches and shops. Burton’s salon took heavy damage. Walls collapsed. Debris filled the floor. Many thought the business would never come back.
Burton wouldn’t quit. He and his wife, Vera, rebuilt with grit and faith. He cut hair while the building was stripped to the studs. Customers still came, sitting in folding chairs, surrounded by exposed wood and concrete. They came not just for haircuts but for comfort.
It took years to rebuild, but Burton never left. He rebuilt the shop, reopened fully and continued to serve the community. That’s what earned him respect.
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Main Street Bears His Name
In May 2025, Biloxi honored Burton by naming part of Main Street “Tyrone Burton Way”. The gesture recognized his cultural impact and presence. Burton humbly accepted, saying he was still the same man who started with clippers at 14.
Neighbors shared stories at the renaming ceremony. One long-time customer remembered getting his first cut at 12 and still sitting in Burton’s chair 60 years later. Another called him a mentor and steady presence through the changing times.
Celebrities crossed his path, too. Comedian Sinbad and Oprah Winfrey’s father, Vernon, got haircuts at his shop. But Burton never bragged. He focused on the local people who came weekly, monthly and yearly. Fame never distracted him from community loyalty.
The Marker Becomes a Symbol
On August 28, 2035, city officials, historians, and some community members were convening again. This time, an historic plaque was to be displayed at the entrance to the shop.” The plaque tells future generations about Tyrone’s story, his resilience and the salon’s role in East Biloxi.
Burton said, “It’s a beauty to live to see this day.” He thanked his wife, family and neighbors. The marker joins other landmarks in Biloxi’s Black business district. Now, visitors, residents and children walking Main Street will know about Tyrone’s story. It’s a story of perseverance through segregation, storms and social change.
Community Comments
Customers call the shop family. Many say they come not just for style but for conversation. Burton asks about children, school and work. He remembers details. He laughs with clients, encourages them and offers wisdom.
James Lewis called the marker “Black history in the making”. He said Burton put down roots the right way, serving locals and servicemen. Others agreed. They said Burton’s commitment made Biloxi stronger.
Vera was proud of him. She remembered the long hours, the stress after Katrina and the patience it took to rebuild. She said the recognition was years of sacrifice. She saw the shop as a legacy for their family and the community.
Lessons Beyond Haircuts
Tyrone’s Barber & Beauty Salon teaches us some lessons. First, small businesses matter. They are the anchors of neighborhoods. They provide stability when the big institutions leave. Second, resilience makes history. Burton endured segregation, economic changes and natural disasters. He rebuilt each time. Third, leadership doesn’t always require a stage. Sometimes leadership means opening doors, listening and being present.
The marker also highlights the role of Black barber shops in American history. Across the country, barber shops shaped movements, created cultural centers and supported local economies. Tyrone’s shop is part of that tradition. It shows how one business can be historic.
Living Legacy
Burton still cuts hair today. Younger barbers look up to him as a mentor and a pioneer. He proves passion can outlast hardship.
Community members hope his story inspires new entrepreneurs. They want young people to see resilience, faith and service as guiding principles. Burton himself says he carries the torch and wants others to carry it too.
The marker will ensure his legacy lives beyond his lifetime. Visitors will read the plaque and know that one shop on Main Street changed lives for generations. They will see that success comes from integrity, persistence and love of community.
A Marker That Speaks Beyond Biloxi
The honor extends beyond Mississippi. Across the United States, Black businesses fight to preserve history while facing modern challenges. Historic markers remind the nation that stories matter, not profits. They remind cities that survival deserves to be celebrated.
Tyrone’s marker tells America that resilience deserves to be remembered. It tells young barbers, stylists and entrepreneurs that dedication creates a legacy. It tells families rebuilding after storms that faith and work rebuild dreams.
As Burton stands outside his shop, he smiles at the marker. He knows scissors cut hair, but stories cut deeper. His story is now in bronze, brick and community memory.
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Conclusion: Clippers, Community and Continuity
Tyrone’s Barber & Beauty Salon is more than one man’s career. Its strength during segregation, resilience during storms and loyalty across generations. The historic marker will now keep the story visible. It celebrates a life of service and a shop of significance.
Every haircut was history. Every client was family. Every storm was a survival. The plaque outside the shop now tells the truth. Biloxi remembers, Mississippi honors, and America learns from Tyrone’s journey.
