Tucson is mourning the loss of Al Longmire, a beloved barber and cornerstone of the citys 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, Als 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 Tommies Barber & Beauty. Al worked up until his situation right now7:30 every morning for 60 years. Just really a sweet guy. He made a difference in everyones lives.

Clardy was first introduced to barbering through Longmire after being laid off from Hughes Aircraft. What

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