We are sad to mark the passing of Andre Fleming who died on November 2, 2015 at the age of 45. Owner of the local barbershop, East Liberty Kutz, since 2001, Andre was a fixture in the community who will be sorely missed.
As a small business owner and a skilled barber, he brought a special mix of professionalism and flavor to his work, and to the neighborhood at large, that can never be replaced. In 2007, Andre was a participant in ELDI’s Small Business Enterprise Program, where he was always eager to apply the new knowledge he gained in the areas of business planning, marketing and finances to his business. He also participated in the Small Business Task Force and Community Planning teams for the 2010 Community Plan. This sense of involvement is just one example of the enthusiasm and love he displayed for East Liberty and its people.
Andre evolved with the neighborhood. Moving his shop from North Sheridan Ave to Highland Ave in 2009 to maintain visibility, he was encouraged by the growing diversity of his community, saying; “I’ve been here since 2001 when there used to be a lot of vendors, vending clothes and CDs, and it has changed a whole lot since that time. I think it’s basically changed for the good of the community because it’s now more of a melting pot cause you’ve got different ethnic groups coming together.”
Andre’s message and mark on our community will continue to shape East Liberty for many years to come. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. Help us remember him by sharing your memories of Andre in the comments below.