This episode focuses on the walking affirmation and initiative of "The Black Man Can" movement, that highlights and encourages black men that "We Can" do any and everything we put our minds to. My guest this episode, Brandon Frame, founder of "The Black Man Can" initiative hear to talk to me about how this walking affirmation got started for him.
He spoke about the origin of the initiative, which goes back to 2010 when he started it as a blog for black men and boys to see positive images of themselves in any and every space possible. He was inspired by MK Asante, a best-selling author, award-winning filmmaker and recording artist, who said "Once you make an observation, you have an obligation". His personal observation was that not enough positive imagery was being put out about black men and boys which motivated him to launch this initiative.
He also spoke about how this movement and his social media following has grown exponentially with so many black men supporting it by sending him clips of intricate, personal and congratulatory things that every day black men are doing. He even spoke about just the feedback and responses he's been receiving from people who follow him on how this walking affirmation has motivated and inspired them to become the best versions of themselves, how vulnerable black men can be and enjoying the human emotions. He's created a space even within his own personal circle that consists of a judge-free space on how black men can help each other grow in various ways and aspects of his life and he encourages other black men to do just the same; to build community amongst groups of black men because we know that we all need help and are lacking in areas that other black men can help us gain.
My favorite question that I asked him was"The Black Man Can what?'', and his response spoke volumes to me personally when he said, "There's nothing we can't do, and what we can continue to do is pursue excellence with impeccable effort".
He mentioned some of the things that's on the horizon with this initiative. He's planning to host a power couple brunch which is dedicated to honoring black men with their wives and significant others, to create healthy and whole families. His team also has a "Build a Better Brother Summit", "My 1st Tie Experience", "The Black Man Can Awards" as well which to promote and expose the uplifting experience of what black men are really about vs what society perpetuate us as. You can check out this movement on their site @www.theblackmancan.org and follow him on Instagram on @theblackmancan. Stay encourage black man.