Barber Teto Wilson Continues Legacy of Giving with College Scholarships for Local Youth

For the eighth year in a row, North Minneapolis barber and community leader Teto Wilson hosted the annual Wilson’s Image College Scholarship Award Ceremony at his barbershop. In an intimate gathering, eight local students were each awarded $5,000 college scholarships — part of an ongoing effort by Wilson to support young people in his neighborhood.

Through his scholarship fund this year, Teto gifted $40,000 to eight youth: Adia Hickman, Judah Johnson-Nixon, Raphael Johnson-Nixon, Kyra Foster, Devin Cain, Tiana Lloyd, Branden Cole and Donnell Ellis. Photo by Brian Few Jr.

"It’s literally my favorite time of the year, to be able to give back to the kids and families," Teto said. What started in 2018 as a simple goal — to give two students $500 each — has grown into an initiative for educational access and community growth. In its first year, community donations allowed Teto to give five students $1,000 each. Since then, the scholarship program has expanded significantly.

Scholarship recipients, families and Wilson's Image College Scholarship board members join Teto at his shop for the award ceremony. Photo by Brian Few Jr.

“Living and working in North Minneapolis gives me an opportunity to be in their lives, to learn and understand our youth's wants and needs," Teto said. "I want them to always be able to look back and think, 'When I was going to college, someone helped me.'"

Wilson's Image College Scholarship award ceremony. Photo by Brian Few Jr.

The scholarship requirements are clear: applicants must be Black, live in North Minneapolis, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, and have an acceptance letter and class schedule from a college or university. But it's the essay component that sets Teto's scholarship apart. Each student must write about how they could use their education to address some of the socio-economic issues facing North Minneapolis — whether it's housing, mental health, transportation, employment, or child care.

“We just want to see that the kids are aware of the environment that they live in,” Teto said. “And then think about how you could use your education to solve some of the issues that we deal with on a daily basis, right here in North Minneapolis.”

Teto Wilson’s North Minneapolis-based businesses comprise Wilson’s Image Barbers and Stylists, a barber shop and retail store; Image Renewal Organics, an all-natural skin and hair care line; and the Image 73 Apparel line. His barber shop also serves as a community hub. During 2020, he hosted several events, including community conversations with local leaders on topics such as education and police/community relations. Photo by Brian Few Jr.

“This scholarship doesn’t solve all of the financial problems for these families,” he said. “But we want to ease some of the burdens — whether it’s tuition, books, travel, lodging, or just having some money in their pockets for ramen noodles or whatever.”

Over the years, the scholarships have grown in both size and scope. Last year, thanks to a successful fundraising effort, Wilson’s program awarded ten students $7,500 each. This year, eight students received $5,000 each — a total of $40,000 in scholarships, directly invested into the dreams of North Minneapolis youth. Wilson credits the growth of the program to the community that has embraced and supported it.

“I had no intention of seeking any outside funding,” he said. “But so many people wanted to see it grow and take part in making sure it did. Donations started coming in, and it just kept building.”

Those interested in supporting the Wilson’s Image College Scholarship can donate online, drop off donations in person at the barbershop, or even mail in checks. Wilson emphasized how accessible he is — both as a barber and a community conduit.

“I’m just proud that literally God gave me the capacity to be a conduit for the community,” he said. “We already know that there’s excellence here, but being able to read it and see it firsthand, and then meet and interact with the kids — it’s amazing. Truly amazing.”

Tito signing the check for future University of Minnesota student, Donnell Ellis. Photo by Brian Few Jr.

Donnell Ellis accepting his $5,000 scholarship from Teto Wilson. Photo by Brian Few Jr.