Our History
70+ years of excellence, community, and living history
Our Story
Charles A. Johnson, now 92 years old, has been cutting hair for over 70 years and remains one of Blacksburg's most remarkable community figures.
His barbershop carries a legacy that spans Korean War service, civil rights history, and more than four decades as the official barber for Virginia Tech's Corps of Cadets. When you sit in his chair, you're not just getting a haircut—you're experiencing a direct connection to living history.
Timeline
Key moments in an extraordinary journey
Born in Wake Forest, Virginia
Charles Johnson was born on June 6, 1933, in the Wake Forest community near Blacksburg—a historically Black settlement founded by formerly enslaved families from Kentland Farm.
Began Cutting Hair
Started cutting hair while studying at Christiansburg Institute, the region's pioneering Black educational institution founded in 1866.
Drafted into the U.S. Army
Three weeks after graduating from Christiansburg Institute, Johnson was drafted. He served as a Military Policeman during the Korean War, spending one year in Korea and another in Japan.
Joined Virginia Tech Barbershop
After returning home, Johnson joined the Virginia Tech campus barbershop in what was then the Student Activity Building (now Squires Student Center). At that time, segregation rules dictated that Black barbers could only cut Black students' hair before 8 AM or after 6 PM.
Integrated Virginia Tech's Barbershop
"One day, in about '62, I decided I had enough of that... I just told them, 'From now on, you guys are gonna get your hair cut from eight to six just like everybody else.'"
Johnson expected to be fired. Instead, his supervisor never confronted him—and the barbershop remained integrated from that day forward, years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
18 Years at Virginia Tech
Johnson spent 18 years at the Tech barbershop, eventually becoming manager. During this era, Virginia Tech was predominantly Corps of Cadets, and he became responsible for virtually every cadet's haircut. He also befriended and supported Virginia Tech's first Black students—Irving Peddrew III (first admitted) and Charlie Yates (first graduate).
Opened First Black-Owned Barbershop in Blacksburg
Johnson left Virginia Tech to open his own shop on Main Street—one of the first Black-owned barbershops in Blacksburg. He faced discrimination: "They just wouldn't lease me a place," despite having money. He eventually secured a location beside Cook's Clean Center.
Relocated to Collegiate Square
The business moved to Collegiate Square, continuing to serve the Blacksburg community and Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff.
Opened Upscale Barber-Salon
After selling his previous business, Johnson opened Upscale Barber-Salon at the current location on University City Blvd, continuing his legacy of excellence.
Rotary Club Professional Leadership Award
At 90 years old, Johnson received the Professional Leadership Award from the Rotary Club of Christiansburg-Blacksburg for "exceptional leadership in the development and implementation of programs beneficial to the community."
Virginia Tech Connection
Nearly 70 years of service to the Hokie community
Johnson's relationship with Virginia Tech spans nearly 70 years (1956-present). His service to the Corps of Cadets makes him a unique figure in university history.
Supporting VT's First Black Students
Johnson befriended and supported Virginia Tech's first Black students—Irving Peddrew III (first admitted), Charlie Yates (first graduate), and others. At Yates's building dedication, Yates stated: "If it wasn't for Johnson, I wouldn't have made it through school here."
Johnson loaned students money, his car (including for Charlie Yates's honeymoon), and drove them home on breaks. The Peddrew-Yates residence hall honors these pioneers whom Johnson supported.
Documented Legacy
Virginia Tech Special Collections holds two oral history interviews with Johnson:
- March 3, 1991: Two-hour interview covering family history, race relations, and business development
- October 18, 2012: Detailed interview about Christiansburg Institute, Korean War, barbershop integration, and supporting VT's first Black students
Notable Clients
Johnson's clients have included Michael Vick and numerous NFL players, along with generations of Corps of Cadets members who continue to seek out his signature military cuts to this day.
Community Leadership
A lifetime of service beyond the barber chair
Religious & Civic
- First Baptist Church Radford
- NAACP
- American Legion
- Montgomery County Human Relations Council
Education & Youth
- Christiansburg Institute Alumni Association (former president)
- Virginia Barber and Cosmetologist Apprenticeship Program
- Boy Scout troop founder (Wake Forest community)
Local Government & Boards
- Town of Blacksburg Cemetery Committee
- Warm Hearth Inc. Board of Directors
- Town of Blacksburg Museum Committee
- Blacksburg Sports Club
"Mr. Johnson is a model of the resilience, pride, self-reliance and community spirit of the Wake Forest community."
— Tom Sherman, Blacksburg Museum Vice President
"Mr. Johnson is a Blacksburg icon who has been cutting hair since 1952. He is a Korean War vet and a rare find. He was personally responsible for the hair of every Cadet at Virginia Tech for more than 40 years. It should be your pleasure to sit in his chair."
— Customer Review
Come Visit Us
More than a haircut—a Blacksburg experience.