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Hakim-a-barber, whose real name proves to be too difficult for Mama to pronounce, is a Black Muslim man whose relationship with Dee remains undefined throughout the story. He accompanies Dee on her trip home to visit Mama and Maggie, and his energetic and unfamiliar presence adds to the overall jarring nature of their arrival. While Hakim-a-barber is not directly involved in the majority of the story’s action, his character adds to and supports Dee’s manufactured sense of identity. They seem to have similar opinions about Mama and Maggie’s way of life, and having this kind of support allows Dee to freely to express her views.
Right from his first appearance in the story, Hakim-a-barber outwardly projects an identity rooted in broader racial and spiritual ideologies. His grown-out hair seems to reference the popular, natural hairstyles of the Black power movement, and his choice to greet Mama and Maggie with “Asalamalakim,” a Muslim greeting, introduces his religious beliefs. Dee’s decision to rename herself and dress in African-inspired clothes reflects a similar desire to outwardly identify with a particular group. As they spend more time at Mama’s house, it becomes clear that neither of them are particularly interested in actively engaging with the personal culture that exists there. Hakim-a-barber stares at Mama “like somebody inspecting a Model A car,” an image which suggests that he sees her a foreign object much like Dee does. He and Dee also exchange looks as Mama explains the history of Dee’s name, and this behavior reflects their skepticism of her personal understanding of heritage. Hakim-a-barber’s presence in the story ultimately reaffirms Dee’s commitment to her new sense of self.
