ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — Some leaders within the city of Albany want to honor the life and legacy of a World War II veteran who served his country and community during and after his time in the military. For two Albany Common Council members, the push to name a street in his honor is a personal one.
“When the barbershop was here, it was more of a neighborhood feeling,” Council member Derek Johnson said.
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The corner of Westerlo and South Pearl in Albany looks a lot different today.
“He kept this corner in check.”
Johnson is talking about Herman Cockfield, Sr., who ran Three Star Barbershop. An empty community space as taken its place.
“Uncle Herm was gonna be standing by a chair or sitting in the window.”
But Cockfield, an Army veteran, who died in 2014 at the age of 90, did more than just cut hair.
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“As African-American men, the barbershop is where we went to congregate to talk politics, sports,” Albany Common Council Pres. Corey Ellis said.