SHOESHINER

Shoe shining, or the act of polishing and cleaning shoes, has been around for centuries. The practice can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where shoes were made of materials like leather and needed to be maintained regularly. In the medieval period, shoemakers often provided shoe-shining services to their customers, as they had access to the necessary materials and tools. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that shoe shining became a specialized profession. As cities grew and people began wearing shoes made from different materials, such as patent leather, the need for professional shoe shining increased. By the early 20th century, shoe shining had become a common service in many cities around the world. During this time, shoe shiners were often found on street corners and in train stations, offering their services to busy commuters and travelers. Many of these shoe shiners were African American men, who were often excluded from other forms of employment due to racial..