Age: 36
Location: Charlotte
Company: Burns Brims
Can you share a role model or figure who has inspired you as a Black man, and how have they influenced your personal growth and aspirations?
My Uncle Rex: He showed me what a real man looks like!
What does being a black man mean to you personally, and how does it shape your experiences and perspectives?
A Black man is a god! We are connected to the earth. Pure energy. It shapes my experience and perspective by allowing me to understand that I am connected to all things. I am perfect as intended and if I choose to grow and learn more, I can do that but most importantly, everything is as it is intended.
Can you share a significant moment or experience that has profoundly affected your identity as a Black man?
Becoming an entrepreneur has shown me that I am capable of anything.
How do you navigate the complexities of masculinity and vulnerability as a Black man in today's society?
By being true to self.
How do you prioritize self-care and mental health in a world that often overlooks the well-being of Black men?
By understanding that I come first while also knowing that I am one seed in the garden. I can't grow unless I choose to take care of myself first but there are other factors that I will need outside of me to help that growth.
What challenges do you face as a Black man in your career or professional life, and how do you overcome them?
There are tons of systematic and conditioned challenges we all face as Black men. I overcome them by respecting that everything is as it should be. Balance is what I need when worrying about things I have no control of. Everything isn't many to be understood. I'm ok with that.
What are your thoughts on the current state of social justice movements and their impact on the lives of Black men in society?
Learn and grow. Everything happens for different reasons sometimes beyond our comprehension. I just want to know what can I learn from what might be happening to me and around me. What am I giving energy to and how is it moving my perspective?
How do you define success and fulfillment as a Black man, and how has this definition evolved?
Become happy with yourself outside of the outside man-made world.
How do you see the portrayal of Black men evolving in mainstream media and popular culture, and what changes would you like to see in the representation of Black masculinity?
I simply see it. I have opinions and ideas like everyone else, but I train myself to focus on myself. I would like to see us taking charge of minding our own business and focusing on personal growth.
In what ways do you challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Black men, and how do you promote positive narratives about your identity?
I mind my business and realize that I don't belong in no one else head trying to move furniture. I promote the positive narrative by leading by example. Others will become what they eat. If they choose to eat shit, they will become shit. In other words, if their narrative is bullshit. If they like it, I love it. If their narrative is seeing and finding the perspective and actions of real men. If they like it, I love it.
How do you envision the future for Black men in society, and what do you hope to see in terms of progress, equality, and empowerment for the community?
We will continue to show that we can't be stopped no matter what propaganda is placed in front of us. We will see things like progress and empowerment if we choose to see it.
Can you share a personal achievement or moment of pride that exemplifies your resilience and determination as a Black man?
My achievement is constantly striving to become the best version of myself.
How do you stay connected to your cultural roots and heritage, and in what ways do you celebrate and preserve your identity as a Black man?
I am the culture, roots, and heritage. It's all in me. I preserve the identity by being unapologetically who I am!
How do you navigate dating and relationships as a Black man, considering societal expectations and stereotypes that may influence perceptions of masculinity?
I navigate it by trying my best to continue to grow and learn to be a better man every day for my wife. If I lose her due to my mistakes and lack of learning and growing past worldly desires. Then I would have to now learn how to navigate this new dating pool.
What qualities do you value most in a partner, and how do you prioritize communication and emotional intimacy in your relationships?
Strength and self-awareness are what I value most. I prioritize by working every day to do and be better at those things. I may fall short. She may fall short. But we discuss our perspectives in a way of why or why not.
What challenges do you face as a Black man in the dating world, and how do you keep authenticity and self-confidence while seeking meaningful connections?
No dating world for me. My wife is my world. I'm only dating her. So, I deliver my authentic self to her every day as we wake up and date. I've learned to train myself to never get comfortable. I'll understand that I'm not perfect but I'm striving for perfection. A goal that has no arrival point. I can't expect her to be perfect when I'm not. So, our meaningful connection is constantly exploring what works for us.
How do you balance independence and companionship as a single Black man, and what strategies do you use to cultivate a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle?
I'm not a single man but you should never lose yourself in someone else. You become one working machine together with the balance of holding on to self. While discovering your own identity.
How do you prioritize self-love and self-care in your daily life, especially during times of being single or seeking a partner?
I always come first. Never forget it.
How have your past experiences in relationships, both positive and negative, shaped your views on love, commitment, and partnership as a Black man?
Every relationship has prepared me for this one! It all, bad and good, made me better!
How do you keep boundaries and respect in your relationships, ensuring that your needs and values are honored and respected by your partner?
Balance of oneself and us as a whole.
What advice would you give to young Black men who are navigating their own identities and experiences in a world that may not always value their perspectives?
Remember that you receive energy from what you give energy.
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