OCCUPATION: Healthcare Professional

INTERESTS: Acting, singing, songwriting, writing

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING A BLACK MAN IN AMERICA?
Black men are the target, and we hold the keys to the kingdom. We must understand that this is our moment and for us to win, we must take advantage of said moment. We can win by understanding that we are not here to play, to dream, to drift; we have hard work to do and loads to lift….

WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE A BLACK MAN?
We’re magical, powerful, fiery, and we make the world go around. We are love personified and humanity defined.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?
”Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s belief.” ~ August Wilson

SHARE A STORY OR EXPERIENCE THAT DEFINES YOUR JOURNEY AS A BLACK MAN.
I wrote and directed a short film entitled “I’m Fine” that is currently making its rounds on the film festival circuit. It follows the protagonist Matt who’s dealing with pain and trauma of a miscarriage, as he shoulders the responsibility of getting his wife through the darkest depression she’s ever faced. In this plight however, the weight leaves very little room for him to seek help for himself.

In our society, Black men are rarely given the space to be vulnerable or emotional. Unlike women, it is seen as week for a man to show their pain, sadness, or grief, causing him to repress his feelings. I want to create a safe space for Black men to grieve and show up in the world whole and healed.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD ASPECT OF BEING A BLACK MAN?
We’re not a monolith. We’re complicated and layered.