23 Black Men Contributing To Positions Of Prominence In Social Change
WITH FRIENDS OF BOND OFFICIAL
A new way of tailoring transparency, where empathy, experience and truth mingle to create a new wave of change and optimism.
Photography, Simi Vijay | Javed James
Words, Igee Okafor
Contributors, Douglas Henry Lewis | Beck Salgado | Brett Staniland | Caleb Church in conversation with friends of BOND OFFICIAL.
VIEW GALLERY
When it comes to activism within the Black community, experiencing it as a Nigerian immigrant living in the United States, I am consistently encountering present-day truths that lead me to an examination of how to further propel underrepresented life experiences and point of views.
It is incisively at a time like this, though the subject of social change within the Black Community has been at the forefront of our daily conversations and experiences, that we, at BOND OFFICIAL are choosing to actively continue the conversation beyond the black square.
The foundation of both Black History and The Black Lives Matter Movement sets the tone to allow us to further explore various cultural and responsibility codes, as it pertains to the modern man today. The modern Black man.
Legend has it that we are all the same, what makes us different is how we choose to approach things.
In our first issue of 2021 celebrating Black History Month, The Rising sees 23 Black Men come together allowing for progressionist perspectives and a new way of tailoring transparency, where empathy, experience and truth mingle to create a new wave of change and optimism. One that includes risk, hope, awareness, love, balance, responsibility, purpose, and care.
The Rising Issue:
Activism
JOVEL ROYSTAN
ACTOR, MEN’S LIFESTYLE CONTENT CREATOR
ON ACTIVISM AND MENTAL HEALTH
I’ve really prioritized my self-care this year, largely because last year was such a tough experience. You have to manage your capacity for activism based on your capacity for trauma. 2020 taught me that I don’t have a high tolerance for trauma—collective or individual. I had to find my own ways to be involved. I had to find the strength to dive in when I could and get out when I needed to. My type of action doesn’t involve louder, more aggressive protesting, but rather educating and empathizing.
After George Floyd was murdered, I was quiet for quite some time, until a friend felt the need to tell me how they felt about my actions, or rather, my inaction. It bothered me, and I was very careful with what and how I eventually shared on social media, explaining why I’d been silent for so long in the process. You know what: People found it extremely relatable and comforting. To know they weren’t the only ones and that they didn’t deserve to be shamed for not shouting about things they weren’t equipped with the knowledge or confidence to speak on yet. So many people explained how they’d been yelled at for not speaking out, for not doing what other people thought was enough. But everyone isn’t programmed the same way. It’s a scary fight and there’s a reason why every member of a village isn’t meant to be a warrior. You have to carry what you can, not what the person next to you can.
Photo: Simi Vijay
Photo: Javed James
COREY CHENIER
SPECIAL EVENTS PRODUCER
ON INCLUSIVITY AND PERFORMATIVE ACTIVISM
Be about the cause not about the impressions. And most importantly, to corporations, allow your data to reflect your activism. Employ black folks for leadership roles, include black folks in partnerships, and recruit with inclusion at the forefront of the process.
People should continue to examine themselves, their beliefs, their community of family and peers and consistently ask them and those around them “What ways do my (upbringing, actions, possible distortions, blind spots & overall existence in the world) contribute to the oppression of the Black Community?”.
With a new administration and with the retention of the house and flipping the senate, I hope to see a reallocation or redirecting of funds away from Police Departments and into Social Service Practices that employ communities to approach situations empathically.
KARSTON TANNIS
PHOTOGRAPHER, DIRECTOR
ON THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT
The irony of protests against police brutality being met with more police brutality is quite disturbing. It showed the systems in place to deal with people are severely broken. It’s important to find a balance between activism and mental health because the energy is contagious. You’re literally fighting for your life however, you can’t fight if you’re exhausted.
I learned the hard way that you need to rest when I was hurt documenting the protest. I fell off a wall and was bed ridden for a week. I couldn’t wait to heal to get back out there.
Media can help and hurt our progression based on control and representation. It’s easy to spread ignorance with the speed of light when there are no representatives with a seat at the table. We’ve seen the Capitol being attacked by domestic terrorists supercharged by various forms of media.
We are seeing a change as we occupy more seats and garner attention from media that advocates on our behalf. We also have an influx of Black owned media that also challenges the aspect of ownership and partnership in the media space.
Photo: Simi Vijay
Photo: Simi Vijay
ERNEST DANJUMA ENEBI
BRAND DESIGNER
ON NEWS MEDIA AND THE U.S ADMINISTRATION
The news media is a business and so I’ve never really relied on them to help drive a progressive agenda. It’s important to understand that there’s a subconscious lure to consume these barbaric stories and thus be in a perpetual cycle of outrage. This outrage I’ve found is like running on a treadmill. It gives us something to do, but doesn't really get us anywhere. Understanding this has helped me become more discerning about how much tragic news I consume and I try to balance it with what I’m actually able to do to bring about change in my community.
With the new administration, I’m hoping that the democrats can pass the renewed voting rights act, immigration reform and police reform into law. I believe it will set the basis for a more equal society. As an immigrant living in the United States, one thing the previous administration did was create a perpetual state of terror, in which one’s status in this country was always tenuous. Where you were just never sure what to expect. My hope is we can finally have some peace and certainty around settled facts.
ROYTEL MONTERO
WRITER
ON FETISHIZING BLACK MEN AND POLICE BRUTALITY
Fetishizing Black men is a form of prejudice that’s as old as colonial racism itself. In our contemporary culture, the objectification and othering of Black bodies- even in “approval”- is a symptom of a dangerous legacy that reduces humans to mere objects of desire. The difference is in the depiction of said bodies and where their sense of agency comes from. Not stereotypes, projected fantasies, and one-dimensional tropes but REAL representation. That is the antidote.
The truth is that there are still Black people being brutalized by police or sitting in prisons unjustly in this country and around the world. The biggest improvements have been the level of social awareness and the use of technology to spread information and build community. Platforms like Raheem.org that are in development are also changing the future of how police terror is reported and ultimately abolished.
Photo: Simi Vijay
Photo: Javed James
TERENCE EDGERSON
DIGITIAL STRATEGIST, EVENTS PRODUCER
ON HONORING LEGACY
The difference is seeing us as who we truly are - not for our muscles or anatomy but valuing us on the same level as anyone else. We are waking up to what’s really going on and were seeing it with fresh eyes. I don’t think its getting better or worse, I think we have a lot more people say they won’t tolerate it anymore, so we are working to stop it.
We can continue putting ourselves on the front lines, using our voice, our bodies and the power that we carry, never being afraid of good trouble as John Lewis once said.
The Rising Issue:
Influence
Photo: Simi Vijay
WILL HOWELL
ARTIST
ON SEEING BLACK PEOPLE IN POSITIONS OF POWER
It's extremely important seeing black people in positions of power, because it speaks to identity and representation. You naturally identify with people who look like you or come from a similar background.
Like many of the Black kings and queens in design today, Virgil Abloh has been an extremely pivotal character in my practice regardless of how people feel about his popularity in the media and career success. I have identified with his journey through academia, and his feeling of the “in-between” based on his personal interests and influence. I think this relates back to the concept of there are many ways to be Black. I was very emotional when I saw his first presentation for Louis Vuitton which debuted in 2018. I encourage everybody to zoom out and look at what his existence embodies as the first Black art director of Louis Vuitton.
It’s history.
When you identify with people who have paved a new lane, even when they are not traditionally trained in a particular field, it gives you the hope and confidence that you might be able to do it too.
MEMSOR KAMARAKE
STORYTELLER
ON MENTORSHIP
I emphatically believe in the power of mentorship. I take great pride in knowing that I’ve been able to influence a fair number of people working in the industry today, just as those who came before me showed me the way forward and provided their guidance. Currently a mentor to a Georgia State University Business Management student, Jordy Candis, and Karissa Crawford, who took the initiative and reached out to me on Instagram. Both have now become an indispensable part of my team. And I was recently asked to participate in Virgil Abloh’s “Free Game”Mentorship Series, which I’m super excited about!
"Each one, teach one." is one of my personal African proverbs. Sharing our knowledge with each other and supporting one another is the only way we can continue to grow as a community. But we should also realize that the flow of information can go both ways; younger folks can impart knowledge to elders as well! I've learned plenty from Jordy and Karissa that I didn’t know before!
Photo: Simi Vijay
Photo: Simi Vijay
PETAHJAY
PROJECT FULFILLER
ON THE IMPACT OF BLACK CULTURE
I truly don’t care for many of the seats that people are fighting for. There have been many instances where the oppressed eventually becomes the oppressor. I think a better question would be what is the importance of seeing Black people in positions and spaces where they can tell their stories freely. That means a lot and it gives kids hope that they too can become what they see. They can become a Youtube Star, they can create their own path and be the highest version of themselves.
Black culture influences popular culture. We made a culture out of what was “given” to us and are the stencil of popular culture. Black culture is a hybrid of so many different elements and it was created as a result of our original culture being stripped away from us. It has had an immeasurable impact on the globe and we always drive the conversation. We can’t ever forget that. Imagine putting a dollar value on how Black culture impacts/influences popular culture and giving us a dollar for every time a brand leverages it to sell to consumers. My brain would explode trying to do such calculations.
BRANDON MURPHY
FASHION DESIGNER
ON BATTLING STEREOTYPES
It’s a reflection of our multicultural society. Having Black people in positions of power shows representation and that our voices and needs are going to be heard. Also, it shows a younger generation that their dreams and aspirations are achievable.
I don’t particularly think it’s up to the black community to change negative stereotypes. We have enough personal responsibilities to deal with. We aren’t the ones who create them. I think it’s time for other races and cultures to educate themselves and understand that black people aren’t monoliths. We come in many different shapes, sizes and backgrounds and we all deserve to be treated with respect.
Photo: Simi Vijay
Photo: Simi Vijay
MCARTHUR JOSEPH
Creative Strategist / DJ
ON INFLUENCING BLACK ART
As a black kid in America, especially being first generation, I’ve been able to exist in multiple worlds so I would say my references are pretty vast. That said, I do think that some people may think I’m “pushing” diversity into my creative because I am black when in fact I’m just being inclusive.
How does one give a larger voice to black creatives? By hiring them! Whether it’s in front of the camera, behind it, or back in the meetings when we plan shoots, I’m always looking to give black talent a medium to show their talent. I’m also championing for them to be paid fairly as their counterparts. It is so important to me to see black people continuing to rise in those positions. For me, it helps me push forward knowing that I’m working for something thats way bigger than myself. To quote Issa Rae, “I’m rooting for everybody black”.
XAVIER DUAH
PHOTOGRAPHER
ON BUILDING COMMUNITY
We can fix the overall lack of networking in our communitIes by throwing away the “crab in the barrel” mentality, the idea that we are in competition with each other. When we reach a level of success and have a platform, we have to create opportunity to help a peer or person coming up in the same creative path. Collaborations, mentoring and just making yourself available to others that are putting in the effort to reach the same goals.
I give a larger voice to black creatives through my photography work, collaborations, and now through my studio, “VIER Studios”. I purposely created an affordable rental studio in the Bronx, because the Bronx and neighboring Harlem have the highest concentrated minority and ethnic populations but not many open studios or creative spaces for photographers. If presented with the opportunity, I would love to expand on this idea and create more spaces in underprivileged areas where upcoming/young creatives can have access to top notch photography/production equipment.
Photo: Javed James
Photo: Javed James
SHAKIR PHILIPPE
CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR
ON EMPOWERMENT
As a young black boy growing up in New Jersey, it was so inspiring and empowering to see Senator Cory Booker and President Barack Obama in their positions of national leadership. It proved to me that anything was possible for those of color, unlike the unfortunate fate of past black generations in this country. Although I’m very mindful of the plethora of work that needs to be done in society to truly reach the equal civilization Dr. Martin Luther King dreamed about, I’m aware of all of the immense progress that has been made to end certain obstacles that prohibited the advancement of the black race in the United States – and will never stop advocating for what’s right.
Becoming involved with mentorship during my first year of college was the greatest decision of my career since they all taught me so much about business development, PR, marketing, and how to navigate the harsh NYC professional atmosphere. Since I deeply believe in the power of surrounding yourself with inspirational individuals who are experts in a specific field, it was a no brainer to begin interning and volunteering in any capacity that I could achieve.
The Rising Issue:
Career
KWALI LIGGONS
Founder, New Traditional LLC / Investment Banking
ON FINANCIAL LITERACY IN THE U.S
Much of America’s operational existence and success rests on the extent to which it keeps marginalized communities at a disadvantage [see: redlining, predatory home loans, pervasive wage gaps, etc.,].
Fortunately, the barriers of access to financial literacy resources are diminishing. Be it via Social, podcasts on financial literacy or YouTube. Strides are being made, mentalities are shifting and that’s what matters. I am in the process of revamping financial literacy initiatives started years ago, targeting peers and underexposed youth in Chicago and L.A.
Our 20s are the MOST important years to invest because our money will never be worth as much. Mutual funds, ETF’s (Exchange Traded Funds), high yield savings accounts or even apps like Digit are all tools tested ways to start investing in the time that it would take you to finish this article. I think it’s also important to debunk the myth that investing takes a great deal of money, it doesn’t. As little as $50/month (i.e., a haircut or two Seamless deliveries) is all it takes. Starting is the most important step. It’s where the real money resides.
Photo: Simi Vijay
Photo: Simi Vijay
KEMDI ANOSIKE
REAL ESTATE BROKER
ON OVERCOMING SETBACKS
I feel I have had to work twice as hard to achieve success in my career field. Not only as a black man but also as an immigrant with little to no prior connections.
I have however, overcome those setbacks by not seeing myself as a victim. I grew up in a home where I was told I could achieve anything I set my heart on and I always allow that to be my mantra. In my industry, I most times find myself as the only black person in the room and I feel extreme pressure to overcompensate.
When it comes to helpful steps we can take towards creating a more diverse environment in various industries, I say better schools and teachers in low income neighborhoods, more mentoring from successful people. Be it black, white, brown anything! Kids need people to look up to.
DANIEL CALDERON
FOUNDER, ENTREPRENEURS OF TOMORROW / #WFH
ON FINANCIAL LITERACY
I’ve witnessed the topic of financial literacy become more popularized on the internet and even more represented in some music we know and love. But, we have a long way to go. Black people are the top trend setters, inventors and creators. We move the world. As we continue to dismantle white supremacy and patriarchy, I believe we’ll chip away and start healing the financial trauma Black people suffer. It's bigger than just literacy, access is needed for the practical knowledge to be of value.
Our education system was designed to do exactly what it’s doing —not to create an environment where Black kids can learn or apply lessons of financial literacy. I think it is our duty to strategize ways to support kids in our community. Education starts at home. Every approach will be different, but if we take ownership over our village, we’ll be able to develop solutions that target unique problems. That has been the driver of success for EOT — major community collaboration. Major pillars in our community reached out to teach high school students the foundations of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Providing access to the most impressionable minds will make an impactful difference.
Photo: Simi Vijay
Photo: Simi Vijay
JOHN SLEDGE
COMMERCIAL LINES UNDERWRITER
ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
I would love to be a Diversity and Inclusion Director at a large company if I were to stay within the Corporate sector. There’s a lot of room for growth in this industry.
D&I is so important especially in our current culture. Companies these days are made up of so many different backgrounds from Race, Age, Sex, Sexual Preference, etc. It is critical that we engage with all employees and make a cohesive work environment. Every person has a story and has had different experiences that makes them who they are today. I believe having a team with all different types of culture and backgrounds creates a well-rounded team. They are able to collaborate and provide strengths in areas where someone may not be as experienced/exposed. Consumers are wanting this change and to see that companies are staying progressive / innovative.
I hope companies continue to promote ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) to create additional professional development and career advancement opportunities.
WISDOM BANOGU
1L LAW STUDENT
ON OVERCOMING SETBACKS
I used to compete in Mock Trial while I was in Uni. I always made my team’s closing argument. One year I closed with an Igbo quote. After the competition, the team we were up against laughed and mocked my closing. That story always reminds me that there are people in the legal industry that would rather not have “culture” in the profession. The legal profession is a conservative one. Most top attorneys are white, most judges are white, most politicians are white. Being black means that you walk into rooms as an outsider. There’s a constant battle to prove that you belong on the inside.
There are implicit lines that you try not to draw in the legal profession. You often don't bring up the issue of race because legal professionals tend to believe in structured reasoning and race strikes many offices as a non-starter. While I was a managing paralegal, I actually had to speak up in a team meeting as one of only 2 black managers concerning our company’s response to the BLM movement. I did so with every intention of losing my job that day. Instead, the company took steps to make changes and donations. To effect change we have to be willing to take risks—that’s something I’m learning to do.
Photo: Simi Vijay
Photo: Simi Vijay
ELLIOT CARLYLE
CONSULTANT, COACH AND SPEAKER
ON WORKING WITH PEOPLE VS. PRODUCT
I’m a student of life but I also own the responsibility I have to teach. I am humbled to say throughout the years, I’ve discovered and built so many awesome relationships with people who have enjoyed learning from me. This is what inspired me to sit down and write my book, The Influence Workbook, after several years of teaching workshops, speaking and hosting my own bootcamps. It’s funny because I thought that releasing the book was going to be a way people could take the material and engage on their own at their leisure. After all, I did write a literal workbook. However, now its being requested that I turn the book into virtual courses. So, I’m considering the classes for the future.
I have to say, even though this is something I do outside of my day-to-day in fashion & jewelry, it comes with the territory because it’s who I am. So, I often find myself going from consultant to coach and vice versa at any given moment. I welcome this happening and I enjoy the occurrence. It’s what happens when you work with people not products.
The Rising Issue:
Health & Relationships
VICTOR JOLLEY
FITNESS COACH
ON INTERRACIAL DATING
When it comes to dating and relationships, it’s important to have an open mind. If I’m going to date someone outside of my race, there must be an understanding that they will never fully understand my experience as a Black man in America.
There have been both positive and negative opinions from family and friends when I’ve dated people of other races, but the overall conclusion has always been that if I have found a partner that makes me happy, nothing else matters.
Photo: Javed James
Photo: Javed James
STEFAN CHONG
PRODUCER
ON HEALING THE BROKEN FRIENDS AND FAMILY DYNAMIC
I do my best to check in on friends and family regularly, now more than ever. Whether it be a facetime, a call or a text, a simple “hey, how are you?” goes a long way. Sometimes I scroll the timeline and I see a post from someone I might not have spoken to in a while, so I shoot them a message to see how they’re doing.
Taking accountability is a huge step. No one is perfect, and that’s okay. In many cases the guilt of knowing you’ve been a terrible father (or son) keeps people from reaching out to try and mend these relationships. It’s important to take responsibility before trying to fix any issues, and to be open to change. It may take months, it may take years, but if healing relationships is what you truly want, the time it takes matters not.
DENZEL BRYAN
MODEL, INFLUENCER
ON GENDER ROLE STIGMAS
Our race carries a lot of stigma pertaining to gender roles and how it’s evolved from generation to generation. Many of our parents, aunts, uncles etc were raised to be a certain way and/or act a certain way and we as young adults are in a time of continuous fluctuation with many things not being set in stone.
The topic of strained relationships with a black father and son is very sensitive for me, because I haven’t spoken to my father in almost four years after I officially came out to him and to be honest, I resented him and detested him to the utmost degree in every way imaginable. I no longer hold pain or hate towards him, but now it’s more of an indifference and “fuck it” to be quite frank. It would take him being a man and an adult and to actually be my father and just accept me and listen to me for us to move forward. I think to a certain degree, we are a product of how we were raised and our surroundings, but when you become an adult and start to experience and formulate your own opinion and way of thinking; then that excuse of “oh well this is how I was raised.” becomes irrelevant and a poor excuse in my opinion. I can’t speak for every black boy and their relationships with their fathers, but I think moving forward would take open minds, compassion, selfless listening and just love. Love should be the forefront before anything else.
Photo: Javed James
Photo: Simi Vijay
BLAISE FFRENCH
ENTREPRENEUR
ON MENTAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
The first thing that needs to change is the belief that as men we are not allowed to show our emotions. That has to stop. Only being able to deal with emotions internally can cause a lot of emotional, mental and eventually physical damage to any individual. We as men need to start allowing that conversation to be had amongst ourselves in order to even first address the stigma in order to figure out how we are going combat it.
There are only two ways to obtain access to decent healthcare, by employment or by paying out of pocket. And let’s be honest, in our community we need access to one to get the other. We either need to climb the corporate ladder to gain benefits through our employer, or at least make the salary to afford individual care. Society has made it difficult for our community to obtain either. We have made some progress, but still have a ways to go to make a difference.
