Shoeshiner

Athens, Greece.

Shoeshiner or boot polisher is a profession in which a person polishes shoes with shoe polish. They are often known as shoeshine boys. The profession is common in many countries around the world, with the wage earned by the shoeshiner being a significant proportion of a family income. Some shoeshiners offer extra services, such as shoe repairs and general tailoring.

Many famous people started their working life as shoeshiners, including singers, actors and even presidents.
James Brown "The Godfather of Soul", used to shine shoes and sing and dance on 9th Street in Augusta, Georgia. Also, Malcolm X worked as a shoeshine boy at a Lindy Hop nightclub in New York City.

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© 2013 Jordan Kevrekidis