MOC AND THEIR POWERFUL PLATFORMS
This month I wanted to share with you a list of men of color who use their powerful platforms for positive change in their lives and communities. But before we get into this list, I wanted to do a deep dive on Geza Frey who is the definition of what being a multi-hyphenate creative looks like, may you be inspired MOB!
GEZA, TELL US WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK
I work in field marketing for one of the biggest sportswear brands in the world. I recently moved to the west coast, and I cover the LA/Santa Monica market in the event and retail space. My role is to bridge the gap between the brand and the associate/consumer. I am also a creative that has worked with some awesome brands on art direction, photography, videography, and styling projects.
photo by @ramsesprashad
HOW’D YOU GET INTO THE FIELD YOUR IN
I got into this field because I started working retail at a very young age. I started as a part-time retail associate and transcended every role I had earned in retail. I've always had a passion for fashion and art - this job + my side hustle allows me to express myself in ways I never previously imagined.
HOW DOES YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HELP YOU WITH WORK
I have been a sneakerhead for as long as I could remember. My mom always told me my dad was a bad influence on me because he was the one that introduced me to the sneaker game. This position allows me to be at the center of essential sneaker moments, and I have been able to tell those stories on my social platforms. When a sneaker or collaboration is dropping, I create engaging content that coincides with events or drops going on in my area. It helps inform and hype up my followers who are potential consumers.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE iN BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL BRAND ON SOCIAL
Be authentic and don't focus on the numbers. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in how many likes we get or what our follower count is, but the true way to grow is to focus on your craft/content. Get better with each post. Buy a camera. Learn how to edit. Find a style that is unique to you and never let people put you or your content in a box.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN BUILDING YOUR SOCIAL PLATFORMS
Coming from a smaller city like Allentown, PA. I really had to work to gain trust among my followers and show brands that a kid from a town that isn't LA or NY is worth seeking out for projects. Overcoming those odds, along with the ever-changing algorithm, have been my biggest challenges.
HOW DO YOU USE YOUR PLATFORM TO SPREAD POSITIVITY
I keep all of my content genuine and relatable. I bring my followers in to see the grind and how hard work pays off. I always try to respond to every DM/comment and engage with my people as much as possible. I get excited when I see others copy my editing style, videos, or one of my fits because it goes to show that I am making an impact and it gives me the desire to innovate and create something new. I try to spread positivity on and off of social media, I truly believe that we receive the energy we put out. I just want to be approachable to all my followers and help them build and grow their craft as well.
Follow Geza Frey on instagram: @ITSGEZA
HERE ARE EIGHT OTHER MEN OF COLOR USING THEIR PLATFORMS TO SPREAD POSITIVITY THAT YOU SHOULD FOLLOW!
WHETHER IT BE THEIR INTELLECT AND INSIGHT WHEN IT COMES TO DOING BUSINESS OR SIMPLY THEIR DOPE CONTENT FOR THE MASSES TO ENJOY, THESE EIGHT FELLAS EARNED OUR CO-SIGN. GET INTO IT!
@NOTORIOUSLYDAPPER:
photo from instagram
Kelvin is a model, blogger, activist, and author. His book titled Notoriously Dapper: How to Be A Modern Gentleman with Manners, Style, and Body Confidence is loved by many and exactly what his instagram proclaims. He loves to flaunt his personal style with outfit details while using hashtags like #effyourbeautystandards and #blackboyjoy. YES Kelvin. 👏
@OBIARIS:
photo from instagram
Alright, we ALL love some dope art on our feeds… Obi Arisukwu is an amazing creative and cartoon artist. His art features Obi (himself as a cartoon) interacting with other characters as well as classic notables like Stan Lee, Snow White, and Childish Gambino - to name a few. However, his art goes beyond that as he recently started his own podcast called “Pencil Break” which talks about lessons he’s learned through the art, what it took to take his art to the next level, and more! Getting your art/talent, whatever it may be, noticed can be a struggle and this podcast is worth the listen for that boost of encouragement !
@CHEFKWAMEONWUACHI:
Aside from art all on our timeline, what’s also just as good?... FOOD. You might know Kwame Onwuachi from Top Chef ‘13, and if not well this is your time to learn about him! The NY Times recently named him one of 16 Black Chefs changing food in America. He also has a book titled Notes From A Young Black Chef, which is being turned into a feature film starring no other than Lakeith Stanfield ! Keeping up with this Bronx native is worth your follow, as he’ll share tips on how to succeed despite obstacles while simultaneously making your mouth water through all his food posts.
@VISIONARY.ANT:
Having some trouble on how to save your money? Or not knowing how to invest for your future? You’re not alone - it’s something a lot of us are too scared to dive into. But financial literacy is key to breaking systemic and generational poverty. Enter Anthony Williams, a Financial Advisor on a mission “to help people build generational wealth”. Hit that follow button if you’re looking for some financial motivation and tips.
@FENCER:
photo by @dustinsnipes
First of all, we have to commend this @ name. At first glance Miles Chamley-Watson looks like a famous basketball player in the NBA, or the next new wave rapper. He is neither of those things. Miles is an incredible fencer who competes professionally as part of the USA Fencing team. From fencing competitions all over the world, to his dope personal style, his posts will make you the next biggest fencing fan.
@JOHNHENRYSTYLE:
photo by @mendymontero
John Henry sold a 1M dollar business at age 21 and has been sharing his success via IG ever since. His content features motivational quotes, tips on how to become successful and chase your dreams, as well as very active IGTV content. He really caught our attention with his show on Viceland called Hustle, where he teaches POC entrepreneurs in NYC how to take their business to the next level.
@WALLSTREETPAPER:
photo by @moodsbymark
If you can’t get enough of John Henry, give his colleague a follow! Brandon Bryant is also an investor in Harlem Capital, like John. Harlem Capital aims “to change the face of entrepreneurship by investing in 1,000 diverse founders over the next 20 years”. Brandon’s feed showcases a mix of personal style, lifestyle moments and most importantly financial inspiration, as he said “dreams don’t come true, decisions do!”.
@APT.78
Jose Morales is an uptown legend. He created Apt 78 which used to have the most amazing parties in Washington Heights NYC [he still has those epic parties all over the city]. Since then, he’s turned the space into Bodega Pizza, has partnered with Foot Locker and Nike to create content for the Latinx community, opened and closed the brunch spot Hello Bklyn, and grown as a businessman and creative force. His feed is an eternal love note to Dominican culture, classic salseros, 80s-90s NYC and his two kids.
Stay motivated MOB and hopefully you’ll get inspired by all these dope men as they share their passions and emotional growth! We can all learn a little something from each other.
