Everyday black women are making it their mission to show up for and support each other at brunches, panels and on social media but black men don’t seem to be doing the same. Recently In Her Shoes Blog helped to change that as it celebrated “The Brothers Behind the Brands”. The popular inspirational blog conceptualized by Crush Media founder Renae Bluitt is known for its annual celebration of “fly, female, entrepreneurs” but after being served a healthy dose of Instagram’s ever present #blackgirlmagic Bluitt began to wonder why black men behind brands didn’t celebrate themselves they way women do. She soon took it upon herself to assemble a panel of intelligent, innovative entrepreneurs to share their experiences at Brooklyn’s WeWork. This event was an opportunity for attendees not only to learn from the men in attendance but also provide them with genuine praise and appreciation.
Being honored were co-founder of Sundial Brands Richelieu Dennis, extraordinary journalist and founder of W.O.W. (World of Wilbekin) Emil Wilbekin, Brooklyn Circus founder Ouigi Theodore, and former LoveBrownSugar Classic Man Crush photographer and co-founder of Grits & Biscuits Alzo Slade.
Find out more about this wonderfully unique event below.
Slade spoke passionately about his dislike of working for others and how that led him to find his way as an entrepreneur and Wilbekin talked about his career evolving as a result of media turning away from long form journalism while Brooklyn native Theodore talked about his love for his borough extending beyond the trends.
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She Chef provided skewers that made me glad I skipped dinner while BCakeNY provided desserts including chocolate sea salt cookies that were so good I got caught sneaking two.
Emceeing the event was the lovely Africa Miranda who jokingly mentioned knowing Wilbekin only as “the guy from Behind the Music” before they met leading the crowd to laugh about their 90’s nostalgia. She also remarked that this event was being held on the heels of what many are calling the “blackest black history month ever”’ which from Beyonce’ to Blackish could not be more true.
She served up springtime sexy in a floral print jumpsuit and bouncy curls while Bluitt slayed in a crisp shade of orange.
The evening not only acknowledged the honorees’ past accomplishments it also looked to the future with Richeliu providing information about Sundial Brands’ extensive efforts to breathe new life into Madam C.J. Walker’s legacy with a new product line now available at Sephora.
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Once the panel was complete each participant on the panel was gifted with a cuff from Brooklyn jewelry designer Lorraine West.
I really enjoyed myself and hope this event leads to more chances for us to openly celebrate men of color as we’re committed to doing with our Classic Man Crush Monday series.
Learn more about the Brothers Behind the Brands here.
What do you think of “Brothers Behind the Brands”? Should we be celebrating men of color more?
Sound off in the comments!
Photo Credit: NikWes Creative