Tucson is mourning the loss of Al Longmire, a beloved barber and cornerstone of the city’s Black community, who passed away this week at the age of 85.
For nearly 60 years, Longmire cut hair, mentored young barbers and created a space where people gathered not just for a haircut but for connection. His shop, Al’s Barbershop, operated for three decades at 861 East Grant Road, becoming a hub for conversation and community life before it closed in 2018.
“He was the hardest working man I know,” said Tommie Clardy Jr., owner of Tommie’s Barber & Beauty. “Al worked up until his situation right now—7:30 every morning for 60 years. Just really a sweet guy. He made a difference in everyone’s lives.”…