Howard L. Moore

It was the early 1930s, when the life story of Howard Lee Moore began unfolding in Caledonia, AR, a small rural community located south of Eldorado, AR. Howard arrived into the anxious arms of his parents, Kalamazer & Liecester, and the extended Ward & Moore Family. He spent his early developmental years encircled in their nurturing guidance. His father was blind but was able to teach Howard and his brother, Wallace the importance of hard work, education, and business ownership.

Howard married his high school sweetheart, Lucille and they had two children, Larry and Shelia Diane. In 1949, Howard made the brave decision to join the U.S. Air Force. Almost immediately following Basic Training, found himself en route to Korea. He served in the Korean War fighting at the Chosin Reservoir (these soldiers are known as The Chosin Few). Victoriously, he survived both the extreme cold & the severity of the war. He received an Honorable Discharge and a Bronze Star.

While serving in Korea, Howard served in the foodservice department of his unit. Although he enjoyed cooking (and eating), he had an epiphany regarding his future upon returning to the states. This occurred when the barber came to provide haircuts to his unit. As each soldier haircut was completed, the barber was instantly compensated. Consequently, the barber had a fist full of dollars! When Howard noticed that, he made his decision – he would become a barber. He would be able to provide for his family and he knew that he would always have a job. Additionally, Howard knew he could own and operate his own business because he had seen his grandfather and father as entrepreneurs. When he was discharged, he returned to Detroit, he immediately enrolled in the Michigan Barber College of Detroit.

In the 1960s, his marriage to Lucille ended and Howard began working for Wayne County General Hospital as a barber. Howard still had plans to open his own barbershop and did just that --- “Howard’s Barber Shop” on Grand River. He worked at the hospital during the morning and opened his shop in the afternoon.

His second marriage to Louise Fitzpatrick, a young nurse, caused Howard to realize he did not want to live or raise a family in the “Big City”(witnessing the Detroit Riot of 1967),and thought that returning to Arkansas, close to family, would be better. Since becoming a successful business owner, Howard knew he could move anywhere and open a barbershop. Moving to Blytheville, AR, which was small but did have an Air Force Base was his decision in 1976. Howard was able to cut hair at the barbershop on the base while looking for a building for his own barbershop. He soon found the perfect location & opened “The New Image”. As his business grew, he had to twice relocate to a larger space.

Howard was very aware of the demands for a stylist for women. With each move, he grew his female clientele by offering more services for women. He heard of a new style, “The California Curl”, and went to California to learn from the creator, Willie Morrow. Although Blytheville was a small community, it was the largest town amongst smaller towns. Howard had clients driving from Osceola, Yarbo, Burdette, Luxora, and Southeast Missouri to receive this “jheri curl” style. His barbershop became THE beauty & barber retail shop, selling jewelry, wigs, & hair care products. The New Image was the one & only black owned business to purchase your hair care needs in Northeast Arkansas, and the only black owned business located in downtown Blytheville, on Main Street.

Business was GREAT in the small town of Blytheville. Howard went to city council meetings, knew the Mayor & Chief of Police. He was a member of the Free Mason Lodge. He received many awards and recognition throughout the state as an entrepreneur. When his second marriage ended, Howard returned to Detroit. He immediately connected with a barber college and taught classes. He earned his Associate Degree from Oakland Community College. He retired in 2006.

Howard enjoyed his life. He has traveled the world and never met a stranger. He has always considered Detroit his home and was very proud of living there during the 60’s. He was always proud to say that as an African American male, The Moore Men (and family) were entrepreneurs and educated. His life is documented here in pictures and words for his great-grandchildren. This is his legacy.

Howard Moore was preceded in death by his parents, Leicester W. Moore and Kalamazer Ward and son, Larry Moore. He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters Shelia D. Moore of Detroit, MI and Mechelle Moore of Schererville, IN; one brother Wallace (Barbara) Moore of Detroit, MI; two grandsons, Will (Laressa) of Hampton, VA and Danyel of Germany; two great grandchildren Camryn and Nicholas; one niece, Traci.