Interviewer
Ariana Bailon
Project
Stories from the Chamizal Library
Summary of Interview
The discussion with Micheal Davis provides insight into the story behind Mrs. Estine's Barbershop, located in the Chamizal/South Central neighborhood of El Paso, Texas. Davis reveals that this barber shop, owned by Roscoe Marlin until he sold it to his mother, Mrs. Estine, has been in operation since the early 1960s. The establishment has become more than just a business; it has developed into a meeting place where people come together to discuss community issues, receive information about local happenings, and establish friendships.
According to Davis, Mrs. Estine is viewed positively and respected by persons from all racial and social backgrounds because she has been a successful entrepreneur and has contributed greatly to improving the local community as a dedicated activist for the area. Throughout the interview, a principle theme is that the development of the Interstate 10 has had a negative impact on the Black and Brown populations in the South Central El Paso area because of the exclusion of local residents from any planning processes; the displacement of families and businesses due to the use of eminent domain (government forced sale) to acquire properties for the freeway; the loss of churches, schools, recreation centers, and the reduction or loss of customer traffic at many of these businesses; the resulting decline in the community where they were formerly located; and the separation of residents and neighborhoods resulting from the completion of the freeway. According to Davis, the freeway "killed" the Black community due to its destruction of neighborhoods and the lack of future opportunities for the residents of those neighborhoods.
Davis recounts his childhood memories in his mothers barbershop, including his backroom experiences shoe shining, mopping the floors, and assisting customers. His memories of the barbershop showcase the barbershop's vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance. He recalls people of all walks of life, from military personnel to business professionals to working-class people, coming in and out of the barbershop—all with the same respect for Mrs. Estine. The "Wall of Fame," where Mrs. Estine displayed old newspaper clippings of local achievements, represented her pride in the accomplishments of her community.
The discussion then shifts to preserving the barbershop for posterity as the Black Business Living Museum. Davis indicated that he considered it his duty to preserve the history of South Central El Paso by preserving the contributions made by Black people in this area after the barber shop was closed in 2022. He is working to develop this site into a museum as well as a community resource to fulfill his mother’s goal of “rebirthing this community.” In creating this museum/community resource, he also hopes to educate future generations, provide future generations with economic opportunities, and ensure that Mrs. Estine's legacy of determination and leadership will be preserved.
Date of Interview
4-6-2026
Length of Interview
47 minutes
Listen to the Interview
Transcript Number
1815
Length of Transcript
9 pages
Transcriber
Ariana Bailon
Interview Number
1815
Terms of Use
Unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Interview with Michael Davis by Ariana Bailon, 2026, "Interview No. 1815," Institute of Oral History, University of Texas at El Paso.