Black people have different hair from other races, many times non-black folks don't know how to accommodate these textures. Beyond that, historically, the barbershop in Black communities is a meeting place. People gather to discuss current events, politics, pop culture, and life in general. In this space, everyone is on the same footing. It's a cultural thing, so there is a distinction.
Many black and other minority communities had to establish their own businesses because of being excluded from and/or violence against them at white run businesses.
I mean, they're right as well. Especially here in the South. Until recently where small, local barbershops have become almost a thing of the past. The guy I used to see as a kid (when I had no choice) would chase black people out of his shop with a shotgun while shouting slurs.
His shop only closed when he died in 2010. Racist fucker was almost 100.
