By: Alyssa Wilson

“Have you ever been convicted of a felony?” That’s the question that serves as a barrier to success for many who are formerly incarcerated. That barrier is even harsher for Black people in America. 

According to the NAACP’s Criminal Justice Fact Sheet, African Americans are incarcerated at more than five times the rate of their white counterparts, and since 1970, the country’s incarcerated population has increased by 700%. As formerly incarcerated people reacclimate to society, they do so with limited rights and options of employment. Bevel, a Black-owned and Black-run brand, is working to raise awareness and fight this issue. 

RELATED: Cuomo signs law restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated people in NY

Bevel’s Founder and CEO Tristan Walker noticed a lack of products formulated to serve the Black community with their shaving and beauty needs. After continuously going to the store and leaving disappointed, he set out on a mission to create something better for Black consumers. With that goal in mind, he created the Bevel Shave System, specifically designed to reduce and eliminate razor bumps and skin irritation for Black people. 

Since starting the company, Walker and his team have also shown their desire to help the Black community beyond just shaving needs. The brand has worked to focus on mental health in the Black community, and they have provided laptops to children during the COVID-19 pandemic to fight the digital divide and keep children online. Now, the brand is fighting to help formerly incarcerated people stay out of prison. 

Bevel puts the needs of Black consumers first, and part of that means identifying and understanding the issues plaguing the community. Recidivism is the cycle of being arrested, convicted and incarcerated again after a person leaves prison. Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice reveals that 87% of Black men are re-incarcerated within nine years of being released from jail, causing a loss of the Black male presence in the community. 

The company released a short film telling the story of Shaun Corbett to raise awareness of the cycle of recidivism. After being released from prison in 2001, he struggled to find employment and he needed to provide for his family. He noted that despite his educational background and work experience, his felony record was often the determining factor for him. Bevel helped Corbett turn his life around by giving him essential skills in barbering to help him successfully reenter the workforce. He now owns several barbershops. The film documents his transformation and the positive impact it had on his son. 

“BEVEL prioritizes the needs of Black men, from the products we use to how we move through the world. Mass incarceration and recidivism continue to tear our community apart and restrict our ability to move freely, so I’m excited to announce Bevel’s initiative to help end this cycle,” Walker said. “Starting today, we’re donating a portion of all Bevel sales at Walmart to support Anti-Recidivism legislation, continuing education, and job training for returning citizens. Ending recidivism is the most important work I will ever be a part of.”  

RELATED: Georgetown offering degree program to individuals incarcerated in Maryland

Bevel’s initiative is allowing formerly incarcerated individuals to take fate into their own hands and change their lives. By partnering with Walmart, the company hopes to raise awareness about recidivism and mass incarceration, while giving consumers a meaningful way to make an impact with their Bevel purchase. A portion of the proceeds will go towards Bevel’s anti-recidivism program and help more people like Corbett. Bevel products can be purchased from Walmart here.  

If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by this story, resources are available here.