'Oldest Black barbershop' in San Fernando Valley receives city landmark plaque

"Being recognized by the city for decades of service to their Pacoima neighborhood feels long overdue for the Carter family. On Saturday, the city of Los Angeles honored Stylesville Barbershop & Beauty Salon with a landmark plaque memorializing its, "post-World War II development of the African American community in Pacoima." The Carter family gathered close relatives, years-long clients and friends for the big day. Bright purple and black balloons brought the shop to life, adding a festive touch to its faded paint and well-worn barber chairs."

""We are marking and permanently protecting Stylesville and documenting its rightful place in history as the oldest Black-owned business in the city of Los Angeles," Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who represents Pacoima, said in a speech. "I'm incredibly proud to be here to help celebrate this moment with the entire family, and with our proud community that wants to continue to uplift these voices each and every day.""

"First opened on Van Nuys Boulevard in 1957 by Freddie and Ollie Carter, Stylesville was the go-to spot for the latest hair styles during an era when the San Fernando Valley was heavily segregated. Freddie was 28 at the time, and according to a story in The Times, "scores of black-owned businesses ran along the boulevard." Ollie Carter, 94, still owns the shop, and Barron Ward, 63, who grew up in Pacoima in the '60s, said she gave him his first perm."

Stylesville Barbershop & Beauty Salon opened on Van Nuys Boulevard in 1957 by Freddie and Ollie Carter and served as a go-to spot for the latest hairstyles during a heavily segregated era in the San Fernando Valley. The city of Los Angeles awarded the shop a landmark plaque recognizing its post-World War II role in developing the African American community in Pacoima. The Carter family gathered with relatives, long-time clients and friends for the presentation. Bright purple and black balloons adorned the shop. Ollie Carter, now 94, still owns the shop. Community members recalled decades of personal connections, haircuts and care from Freddie and Ollie.

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