PG Magazine Issue 1

PROFOUND GENTLEMEN FALL ISSUE

01 VOL. 01

DEVIN RANKIN THE NEW EDUCATOR

Notes From The CIO

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think we all have learned a lot during the pandemic while also in the midst of racial tension. I’m sure that we all feel the pressure of having to do something and "lean in."

If I’m honest, the first few months of the pandemic was not easy. I had trouble sleeping and processing it all. Not to mention that many people I knew, including myself contracted COVID. In her podcast, Unlocking Us, Dr. Brené explained this moment as experiencing the damages of currently being in the roughest part of a hurricane while also trying to clean up the mess at the same damn time. I’m not sure if this is the way to open an inaugural magazine but all I know is how to live in my truth. Perhaps that’s what I believe this magazine is about, telling the truth. It’s about giving male educators of color the avenue to share their words uninterrupted. We need the raw and authentic truth during a time where it seems like our nation’s moral center is diminishing. I truly believe that male educators of color play an intricate role in establishing a cradle to career pipeline for boys of color.

Over the summer, our team participated in our annual summer retreat. This one was unprecedented in many ways. The biggest was our approach to this work. We first took care of ourselves and each other. I felt this was vitally important if we were going to approach the 2020 academic year with any true success. This allowed us to relax our minds and to get back to our truest self. The next thing that we did was play and A LOT of it. Our team interacted in a game where the goal for them to win was to learn a deeper level about each other. The game spanned over a 3-day retreat. We had a blast! This taught me that play was important.

I can say without a doubt that our team had fun creating this magazine. It has been 4 years in the making. While at the retreat, our team had a fire side chat with J. Alphonse Nicholson, the actor who play’s Lil’Murda on P-Valley. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of manifesting what you believe. It inspired us to think on what we want to manifest in our own lives and within the organization.

Manifesting starts in seed form. It’s in the dirt, dark and muddy. No one likes it there but it’s needed to create a strong foundation, which are the roots. Now your dreams can grow. You can see it and nurture it. We are planting manifesting seeds all around us.

In previous years while thinking and reflecting on a magazine, I literally could almost feel it.

I felt like it was reach and I knew how I would want readers to feel. We got that and my hope is that you take it all in.

This is our inaugural issue, yal! It’s here! Wow! Crazy!

Mario Jovan Shaw Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer

Notes From Executive Director

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hile research has long proven that having men of color as role models and mentors greatly improve the social, emotional, and academic progress of all students, especially boys of color, I didn’t need research to arrive at this fundamental truth. I lived it myself -- as a child looking up to members of my family and church, as a young activist enabled to lead by Congressman Lewis, as a volunteer after-school teacher working with middle school boys, as a classroom teacher, and as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Profound Gentlemen.

When TFA offered an opportunity to convene with black, male teachers in 2013, I was fired up to engage and was deeply impacted by the experience. After that convening, I felt that same entrepreneurial fire I had felt before in my life.

At the same time, TFA ended up creating an initiative to recruit Black male Educators, and my TFA roommate and fellow educator, Mario, and I both went out for the job. And in a twist of fate, we both were turned down. Sitting in the lobby together after the interview, we decided to start something ourselves.

We started dreaming up a program in Charlotte. We gathered men from Charlotte and invited other teachers in the area to build. We’d meet at each other’s houses and share experiences and ideas. We went out for the Echoing Green Fellowship and were awarded the grant in March 2015.

Starting PG would mean finding a cheap apartment and taking side jobs to make ends meet while we start a social venture. We didn’t have a clear path, just the courage of our convictions. We took the fellowship and decided to do whatever it takes.

These experiences are the foundation in which I stand. They tell a story of taking a fundamental truth (role models who reflect your identity and experience are critical to success) and manifesting that truth into a reality (Profound Gentlemen).

Thank you for being the foundation for young boys who are looking for their fundamental truths.

Jason Terrell Co-Founder & Executive Director

PROFOUND

Table of Contents 24 THE NEW EDUCATOR We sat down with new educator Devin Rankin to learn about his experiences in the field and how he prepared for his career in education.

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EMBRACING MY NEW SELF

15 MADE TO MANIFEST 30 DEAR TRAUMA: LET’S GET MORE ACQUAINTED 18 THE NOMAD TEACHER: A 5 YEAR REFLECTION 21 QUARANTINE, OH QUARANTINE!

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EMBRACING MY NEW SELF

If it’s one thing that I learned during the quarantine, it is how to give myself grace, in all senses of the word. For me, that means being okay with who I am, what I bring to the table, and what I have capacity for. Having the time for this deep self-exploration has given me the foundational tools to be more successful both personally and professionally.

but this one in particular highlighted some things that I knew, some that I didn’t, and some that I just didn’t want to admit. It points to past experiences to help understand why some of these things may or may not be true. Little did I know, this would be the catalyst for me to embrace myself.

My top score on the test was my desire to achieve.

Success and winning seems to drive me. Next was the inclination to withdraw from the world when I feel a need. It’s a way to conserve time, energy, and resources to fill the need as opposed to going out and getting more from the world. Third was seeing myself as strong, powerful, and equipped to handle any problem thrown my way, especially when I’m standing up for what I think is right.

The first step was to have a better understanding of who I am in the first place. I noticed that I needed to do this work during one visceral moment when I was helping someone else think through an idea that they had for a company.

“You won’t be able to get your customers to embody something that you don’t embody yourself.”

The test said that I am “enormously adaptable” and can easily “align myself with people and projects that matter,” making me an ideal employee and leader. Well, when I was 17 years old, I worked for a fast food restaurant and became the youngest internal auditor, at least in the division. Though my academics took some major hits in college, I was still awarded with the highest and most prestigious award given to a student, largely based on my impact on the community and relationships with senior university leaders. I currently sit on the board of a middle school, which is my third board appointment in my (fairly) short career. These are all things that, at the time, I would have viewed as stamps of my growth. But, could they be masks of my insecurities? I will downplay neither my success nor the effort that I put in to accomplishing those achievements--- it was not and is not easy. I do wonder, however, if any of those people knew me holistically and, if not, why I struggle to share other parts of me.

I couldn’t believe that I said that! Meanwhile, I lead an organization that relies on people having a deep understanding of self--- something that I think about in spurts, but never with a long-term plan or intent.

In 2018, I founded a nonprofit that provides training and experiences for Black males to become teachers. Part of anyone’s preservice teaching experience should involve self-awareness and what that looks like in a classroom with specific students; our program is no different. The problem is, as the organization's leader, I hadn’t done this deep, personal exploration that I know is necessary.

Luckily for me, I had been building on strong, positive relationships during the quarantine. In those Zoom calls, conversations, and funny videos, people who are closest to me also pushed for me to be more vulnerable and more open with who and why I am. A good synopsis of this process can be captured by my results and response to an enneagram assessment that I took a few months back.

I know these are not “end-all-be-all” assessments,

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I wonder why I become more recluse and conservative

Maybe I thought that if my teenage job knew that I spent

when I need help, love, or a cheerleader. How does the

my whole fourth grade year in court, then I would be

self-perception of my abilities shape how I respond in

viewed as a criminal. Maybe I thought that if I was cool

different situations?

with the university leaders, then they would overlook my

I decided to do more reading and self-reflection to learn

tough transition into college. Perhaps I sought a seat on a school board to show the world that I understand schools

more.

on a level that I’m actually still learning.

I’ve never seen myself as a perfectionist. I understand the irrational thought behind the idea of being perfect.

The reality is, if any of this information got out, I thought that people would see that I’m not worthy of what they’re

I know and embrace the power of mistakes; in fact, I often encourage them in others. I was surprised to learn, and am still coming to terms with the fact that I am a

giving me. If they knew that I wasn’t the “ideal” student or person for that matter, did that mean I had been faking it the whole time?

perfectionist.

“Perfectionism is a twenty-ton shield that we lug around, thinking it will protect us, when in fact it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from being seen.”

I’m learning that the answer is “no.”

I’m still early in this new acceptance of self and I have a ways to go. Since acknowledging my imperfections, I’ve spent less time thinking about how to come off the right

Dr. Brene Brown’s analysis of perfectionism resonated

way to others and more time thinking about how to come

with me. She’s right. The enneagram was right. My past

off as myself to others. I’ve learned that my struggles

failed relationships were right. I didn’t put myself out

make me who I am and actually aid in my success as

there enough. I didn’t share where I struggled. I don’t

opposed to taking away from it.

mind talking about my issues as long as they are past tense. Talking about an ongoing struggle, personal or

For example, the fact that I lost my dad at a young age,

professional, made me feel like an imposter, like I don’t

and two years later had cops’ guns drawn to my face is

deserve what I’ve earned.

partially why I started He is Me Institute. Additionally, knowing that I didn’t have people at home, in school,

This begs the questions, “What am I trying to hide from

nor in the community with whom I could speak candidly

the public?” “Is it something about me as an individual?”

with also pushed me to start this organization. These are

“Is it something about my personality?” “Is it something in my childhood that made me feel like I couldn’t have my flaws publicized?”

also factors that made me who I am: a two-time, firstgeneration graduate who has dedicated his career and studies to improving the lives of Black boys.

These are all questions that I’m figuring out and, so far, I

Embracing this about myself has already made me more

have some strong leads.

comfortable with who I am, what I bring to the table, and

As a child, I often found myself feeling misunderstood.

what I have capacity for. I’ve found myself being more

I was the only son of seven children and I lost my father

transparent about my likes and dislikes, my strengths

when I was five years old. Growing up, I found myself figuring out how to navigate life on my own. If someone

and struggles, and what I actually can commit

knew that I was having an issue, I didn’t feel like they

to. This means being

would be able to understand, let alone support me.

upfront with myself and with others about

This feeling followed me into school. Over 80% of U.S.

myself.

teachers are White women. The idea of having a role

I’m excited to see how

model in school was almost wishful thinking. Again, I found myself around adults who didn’t understand me.

my newfound sense

Learning at an early age that I’m alone in my development led me to believe that I could not allow others to see my

of self will push me into the next stage of my development, my

mistakes or current struggles.

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happiness, and my life.

Robert Hendricks @Robn_Hood

PROFOUND

SEASONAL FASHION FINDS Fall is here! While we are in the midst of a pandemic, comfort and style is the way to go! Najm is a stylist, creative and content creator based here in Charlotte, NC. He has a passion for fashion, arts and culture and hope to inspire the next generation of creators. Many of his styling reccomendations infuse life, culture and art all into one.

Tie Dye I love a good Tie Dye piece and an outfit. It really adds that pop of color that helps elevate a look.

The great thing about Tie Dye pieces are that they have so many different designs and ways you can make them. Spiral, Sunburst, Stipes, Shibori, Crystal, you name it and there’s a special Dye technique to make it happen.

DIY Customizing your own garments During Quarantine I’m sure many of us have picked up new skills and DIY tricks. I really am a fan of everyone I’ve seen customize their own shoes, hand stitching hats, and making their own face mask out of recycled fabrics.

Straight leg pants This trend is pretty much here to stay, we’ve all gone through our phases of super skinny and skinny jeans. While some still rock them tight, the looser fitting jeans and pants have made it to the forefront. It’s all about comfortably in your straight leg pants, that can also compliment a larger top silhouette.

Style & Shopping Pro Tip I buy everything on sale! Keep an eye out for all of those “End of Season Sale’s” from your favorite websites. Between catching sales online, from outlets, and from thrifting I save a ton of money while still looking stylish in my favorite looks. J Crew, Gap, Urban Outfitters, Levi’s, and even Nike have all great sales from 40% off to even 80%!

Najm Loyd - @Steelojeem

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MADE TO MANIFEST As an extrovert, the worst news that you could give me is that I would be locked away from people for months at a time. I remember the initial moments of coming to terms with the “new normal”.

I literally began closing

opportunity to grow and glow.

The idea of manifesting took center stage in this season.

The virus manifested.

This was evidenced by symptoms and fatalities.

Social injustice manifested.

This was evidenced by police brutality and racially motivated violence.

People manifested.

This was evidenced by decentralized resistance. I manifested! This was evidenced by a decision to prioritize reflection. Yes, like my Forever President, Barack Obama, I accept that change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. My manifestation story was underscored by this idea and directed by consecutive decisions that would guide my next chapter. Decisions that would have formerly jolted me into emotional responses and erratic choices were now opportunities to be embraced and celebrated. How reflective of me! Use the good, the bad, and the indifferent to direct me forward? It sounds self-helpish, right? I know!

correspondences with “Quarantined Regards”. While it initially stemmed from a desire for levity, I was internally battling with the idea that my need for personal interaction would be gone. My seven-day spring break turned into months of not seeing my students, mentors and friends face-to-face. Things I left places that I was sure I would shortly return to became necessities I would not retrieve for fear of the unknown. It felt like my life’s work had been interrupted. Surely, I would not survive this. I mean, how? Rather than succumb to this new normal, I was made to manifest through it. It was like Baldwin was speaking to me directly when he remarked: “The world is before you and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.” I started embracing the new state as my greatest

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I mean it though. I was made to manifest by embracing time to myself and, before I knew it, things I thought were impossible were unfolding before my very eyes. I finally finished books I had started. I passed a state exam that had been looming over my head for years. I embraced peace in spaces that I never thought I could.

Dr. Angelou once said: “the need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind”. I am living proof of this. Admittedly, I spend a lot of time in my head. My commitment to inner work seems to necessitate that. I discovered while there, though, things that simply did not belong. In the seat of my consciousness, the most sacred place I have ever been, were imposters. Beliefs about myself, views of my world and those within it that I adopted without consideration. How would I unseat these things? What would this change look like? When would I convert feelings of failure into opportunities for success? This was the next step in my manifestation! In this season, making the inner work actionable is key. I started unfollowing pages that made me feel like I was less than, I stopped lending out my time, my energy or my “vibes”, and started treating them as non-renewable resources. I started celebrating others successes and embracing change.

I am a reactor by nature. Connotatively, that’s bad. Reacting suggests that I can be impulsive and without deep thought for the consequences. I might take action on something without real thought for the outcomes. I might want something so bad that I am blinded by the fact that I really don’t need it. First of all, I might do all of that! But, the real work, as I am manifesting, is to take thoughtful action. It’s to reflectively react to the situations that are presented. No one is suggesting inaction as the remedy to reaction. Our reflection should seat us in a position of thoughtful activity. Our perceived failures and success are not only instructive, but they are also equally necessary in our efforts to manifest as the best version of our “self”. Inner work can be absolutely exhausting. You might take months or even years assembling the scaffolding of new desires, norms and beliefs only to see a crack in their foundation. The greatest opportunity is to view this work as a journey rather than a destination.

I often rest on the words of those who have gone on before me. So in my manifestation efforts, as I embrace every opportunity to manifest and invite others to do the same, I now borrow the words of the late Congressman John Lewis as I extend said invitation to you: "Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet." If you are reading this, know that I wish you love and light. Remember you were made to manifest!

Quarantined Regards, Dwayne Stewart

@@myrealtordwayne

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THE NOMAD TEACHER: A 5 YEAR REFLECTION At the start of this school year, I will enter my 6th year of teaching and I will enter into a new teaching position in my 6th school. Yeah, you read that correctly.

In the coolness of the fall breeze, I brought boxes of manipulatives and books into the school building and carried them back into my car in the hot summer.

I made long-lasting relationships with students.

High-fives, hugs, long cries, birthday celebrations, attendance parties, seeing students grow, hearing their voices deepen, seeing their passion for justice carry, their sense of curiosity intensify, their perseverance shine--- these memories linger in the hallways only for me never to step foot in these schools again.

were designed to help me build the capacity to be a teacher-leader when I was hired at a school.

I know this is not normal.

I felt ready.

My teachers in Southfield Public Schools were settled into their classroom for at least ten years by the time I stepped across the threshold. Many of my teachers are now my colleagues, and are leading a new generation of students. I watched my teachers go up against school boards for fair contracts, strike during school board meetings, and show up even after the 2001 September 11th attacks and the 2008 recession. I witnessed the

Each year I stepped foot in a school building, I had every intent on staying for the long-run. I planned to be the "career-teacher" that my teachers were. No one could tell me different.

Believe it or not, teaching was the easiest part of the job. While I was writing bomb lesson plans and building relationships with my students, I became

change in culture with the introduction of ‘No Child

hyper-sensitive to the ways systemic racism and flawed

Left Behind’, while at the same time, they coached

leadership played out in our school.

academic games and organized school plays. They made their college rivalries public fun. And, my God,

One notable challenge came in the Spring of my first

they facilitated dynamic learning experiences. My

year. I was called into the Principal’s office to join the

teachers stayed put and fought on.

leadership team in piloting a new program. Our culture around this time was spinning out of control and

Their unwavering commitment to teaching and their

this was the administration’s approach: No Nonsense

community gave me big shoes I have yet to fill. Over the past several years, I have struggled to find a school community to call home.

Nurturing (NNN). I was excited to help be a part of helping design the solution. This NNN takes the “please” out of giving explicit directions to students, follows up with immediate praise and consequence.

It’s not something they tell you to prepare for in undergrad.

The culture my 27 second-graders and I built was

The bulk of my time in my education program

forcing me to “hold my students accountable.” While

shattered by a team of adults foreign to my classroom,

was spent on designing equitable lesson plans and

I passed out papers, one of the adults would whisper

interrogating how systems of oppression impact students. In my practicum, I was tasked with identifying ways students and teachers were disadvantaged due to school policies. I wrote hypothetical papers

“consequence him for putting his feet in the chair” into the walkie-talkie. I was required to give students consequences for developmentally-appropriate behaviors that I would never have criticized on a

synthesizing my observations and developing

regular day.

theoretical solutions. These imaginary assignments

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The same evening, I emailed my principal to decline my participation in the pilot in fear that these prison-like tactics would destroy my relationships with students.

I was clear that they went against my values. Standing up against this initiative led me to the Principal’s office again, but this time for a different reason. For an entire class period, we argued back and forth about the true reason for the program. Being a first-year teacher did not give me the credibility needed to be taken seriously.

Shortly after, it was announced to the entire staff that No Nonsense Nurturing and in-ear coaching would be a whole school practice. I put in my resignation shortly after.

Whether it was racist, boxed curriculum, oppressive discipline practices, school culture, staff communication, issues with parents, test scores, or

primary focus is getting you into the school that will best affirm and support you.

Your school environment will reflect how you think about education, your community, and, ultimately, your capacity to service students. Black male teachers should spend more time in the interview process evaluating the values and philosophies of their perspective schools. Look for those value words that matter to you. Spending time reading through and interrogating a school’s mission and vision is a good place to start. I often then go back and ask these questions: 1.

What do you believe to already be true about

your students? What do you hope to be true about your students when they graduate from your program?

leadership, when I discovered a problem, I put my all

2.

in to solve it. And, it had varying results. What was

working well? With what parts do you need support?

most consistent about these moments were a few things. First, I was burned out by the end of the year.

Second, I had usually ruffled feathers with my approach

3.

What part of the mission and vision are

What role do teachers play in developing and

accomplishing this mission and vision?

and headstrongness. Third, my colleagues, students,

As Black male educators, it is crucial that we also know

and parents always said my intent and tactics were

our worth and what we bring to the table. We know that

necessary. I have certainly made mistakes along the

it is never the kids or communities but the systems in

way and I am still learning; but my values were always

play. Evaluate how the system operates in your schools.

intact.

Determine, in reflection and collaboration, whether

Facing unmovable conflicts with leadership, feelings of inadequacy, and a non-step state of feeling whelmed by

the local school system in which you’re working will allow you to do the work your philosophy states.

an unchanging system led to each year ending in either

Making change in education takes time; it takes more

resignation, firing, or being counseled out. Each year, I

than one school year. We have to pace ourselves. And

did what I felt was best and necessary for teachers and

most of all, we need to find ourselves under supportive

students. For example, pushing back against the NNN

leadership. As Black men, we are consistently asked

was crucial. Though, I always questioned if I really

to compromise to exist. If education is truly the key

have to sacrifice my values and what I believe to be true

to open the door of change, we cannot budge on our

about education in order to make change?

values. Make time to find places that validate you. Give yourself grace; it just may take you six schools to find

I am still figuring it out.

the right place to make the impact you were destined to

All teachers, but especially new teachers (years 0-5),

make. Lean on your support system inside and outside

should be ensuring they know and reflect on their

of work. You were made for this. Whether it takes one

values and teaching philosophies. Recognizing the

school or six, the journey will be worth it for you and

teaching shortage, it’s fair to say that schools need us

our students.

more than we need them. Meaning, it’s not so much

Patrick Harris

about whether you will get a job, we know you will. The

@PresidentPat

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QUARANTINE, OH QUARANTINE!

SELF CARE AND BEAUTY TIPS DURING THE PANDEMIC

For many of us, we couldn’t wait until outside

1” products. They’re a trap! I don’t know about you, but the

opened so we could hit up the barbershops and

thought of a soap that is able to shampoo and condition my

stores as they reopened. Personally, I hadn’t seen the

hair and cleanse my body is a bit skeptical to me.

caveman side of myself in quite sometime! What I can

say is, quarantine allowed me to save money, allow my hairline to grow back, beard finally connect and I

cleansing your hair and scalp about once a week. Be sure to follow the directions on the back of the bottle. Note, if you

gained the confidence to cut own hair! Now these are

have any allergies be aware of the ingredients to avoid having

major wins if you ask me.

As you’re creating your regime, its safe to start off

a flare up.

If you’re like me, you’ve come to appreciate the

SKIN.

importance of grooming and having good products on deck. As we’re entering a new norm it’s a good idea to

build your grooming toolkit. If you have one, excellent!

care of it! Skin is divided into 4 categories: normal, dry,

You can always add to your kit. If you don’t have one,

oily and combination. There are many theories on how to

keep reading. Let’s get you on your way to building a

identify which skin type you have. If your skin appears dull,

solid toolkit! Oh, and before we start I have to tell you

chances are you have dry skin. If you consistently see or

grooming is an investment. This isn’t a one item fits

feel “greasiness” or oiliness around your forehead and nose

all and cures all your problems. Like anything that

area, chances are you have oily skin. If your skin changes to

you want longterm rewards and benefits, you must

according to the season, chances are you have combination

be willing to invest. And who better to invest in than

skin.

yourself?!

Once you determine your skin type, it’s time to select a skin

HAIR.

Our skin is our largest organ, so we must take

care line that works for you. While researching, you can take assessments to help determine your skin type and find

Whether you have a low cut Caesar with the

recommended products. Once you’ve landed on a product line

deep waves, any variation of the iconic South France

consider investing in the travel size of the product. Great way

cut—Usher made popular back in 2012, sporting locs

to try it out to ensure you like it and save on coins! Kiehls, Jack

or even a bald head it’s important to cleanse and

Black and Bevel are excellent lines to give a try.

moisturize your hair and scalp regularly.

Purchase a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner

In the spirit of self-care, consider treating

yourself to a facial quarterly. It was through my first facial

along with a daily moisturizer. I always recommend

experience back in 2014 that Esthetician examined my skin

professional grade products. These products must be

and recommended the Aveda Skin Care and their Botanical

sold by a licensed professional.

Kinetics line. Which I still use today along with La Mer.

However, I am all about options! There are great products on the commercial market and here are a few. Pantene has developed the Gold Series, which is a collection of products targeted for textured hair that will cover all your fundamental needs. For us who experience persistent dryness or dandruff, try Head and Shoulders Royal Oils Collection. Both collections can be purchase at Target, Walmart and other participating beauty supply stores.

Although tempting, stay away from the “4-in-1” and “2-in-

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Last, but most certainly one of the most important keys to great skin is, water, Water, WATER! Water flushes out the toxins in our bodies and and hydrates our skin from within. So po’ it up at least three times a day; morning, noon and night!

Shaving and Beard Care.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to beard gang or you’ve been on the wave for some years, a good moisturized and healthy looking beard is essential.

Now, more than ever companies are dedicating more time and resources to develop beard products and tools. BEVEL, prides itself on creating products and tools specifically formulated for the skin and beards for men of color.

Finding a beard care system is quite easy these days. You can do a simple Google or #hashtag search and you’ll find an overwhelming amount of options.

I must admit, when I started out I had no idea how to take care of my beard. My beard would flourish, but the skin underneath was extremely dry. Although I haven’t settled on a line, I do use Shea Moisture’s beard care line 3-4 times a week. I also use Mizani’s 25 Miracle Milk to moisturize and detangle. I brush my beard with a boar bristle brush after applying my products to exfoliate the skin and stimulate blood flow.

It’s important to hydrate both the skin underneath the beard and the hair strains. BEVEL, Scotch Porter, Shea Moisture Men and Jack Black are a few trusted brands that can get you started on your journey to a healthy and luxurious beard.

COLOGNES.

There is nothing like smelling good! It is and will always be one of my favorite accessories and secret weapons to setting off my look. A cologne can be a head turner or a nose burner! So choose wisely and don’t get crazy with the application.

Even with social distancing your scent can still be appreciated. Just the other day at the grocery store during self checkout the attendant said to me, “ohhh you smell good! Just light and fresh!” Even with the mask on she got to experience my fragrance elixir of Mont Blanc Legend layered with Maison Margiela

“Replica’s Jazz Club”.

You may not have an idea where to begin with selecting a scent, so samples are your best way to go! And when you are in search of a scent, have an open mind. Scents are typically categorized in store as masculine and feminine, but the truth is a lot of brands are moving towards more unisex fragrances.

Brands such as CLEAN RESERVE and Maison Margiela to name a few. You know longer have to purchase the “sporty” or “woodsy” version of a scent to define your masculinity and signature scent.

Stores such as Sephoria and Nordstrom are great to get samples of fragrances. They also have sample kits that will allow you to sample many scents before you invest.

Application. Spray lightly about 3-4 inches away from the desired area. Allow the scent to set. In between each sniff be sure to neutralize your nostrils. Coffee beans are typical but you can use the backside of your hand. If after 20 or so minutes you smell the scent again and you like the way it compliments your natural body chemistry, buy it!

It’s been said and sometimes recommended to wear a citrus or light smelling scent during the day and a heavier woodsy scent in the evening. I’m here to tell you, wear the scent that compliments your vibe! Oh, and be sure to hit your hot spots! Behind the ear, the neck, chest, forearms and inner elbows.

Start with a light application on dry skin and reapply as necessary. Tip: I always keep the container the samples come in. Once they’re empty I rinse them out. Then, I take an empty one, fill it up with my scent for the day or evening and keep it in the car so I can reapply! You can have that tip for free.

There is much more detail I we’ll get into later. All in all my hope is that if you were overwhelmed with the idea of starting your grooming regimen, the anxiousness is gone or at least lessened! Use the help of beauty and haircare professionals to guide you, that is why we’re here. Take these tips and use them as building blocks to create your own grooming regimen. Remember, you are not alone. There is a whole community out here posting and tagging new products and brands every day. So no more excuses!

Nigel Mask

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@NigelsGiftedHands

PROFOUND

THE NEW EDUCATOR

CONVERSATION WITH MARIO JOVAN SHAW AND DEVIN RANKIN 24

PROFOUND When I thought of the first person to be on the cover of our Mario: So, let’s talk about that. Since the pandemic, what have inaugural PG magazine, I wanted them to embody the true

you been doing? We’ve been hearing so much about the food

values of our organization. I wanted them to represent our

pantry.

target audience - someone who is rooted in the community and strives to make himself better. I also thought of someone who

Devin: So, it started in March at a CIA. I woke up in a room paid for by PG and said, “you know what bruh?”, it was the conference

authentically tells their story with no chains holding them.

that cancelled because of COVID. And it hit me, when we had

Devin Rankin, a first-year educator in Charlotte, NC was the

to cancel the conference. So, when I woke up at the conference

perfect person to consider especially during these times of

and you sent the message and said, “yeah we have to cancel

uncertainty. I met Devin two years ago when he was a graduating

the conference.”. I was like bruh, we are really cancelling stuff

senior at Winston Salem State University. An energetic and

around the world because of the pandemic. And I couldn’t shake

driven young black man around my height who reminds me

it, I get really fidgety, when I have something on my mind. And

so much of myself - someone eager to learn and give. It was at

so, I literally started calling people, I started with my close

Freedom School campus and he was helping the Servant Leader

network. My aunts, my uncles, my grandmas, my best friends,

interns transition the kids to lunch. In that moment, I got the

my homeboys, my frat brothers and I was like, this is in March. I

chance to witness the relationship that Devin had with his

said hey I’m thinking about getting food for my kids that I know

students. It was then that I knew that Devin would become one

will struggle during these two weeks. Will you help me? Will

of the best teachers to ever exist!

you send me some money? And of course, when you’re asking for money that type of s*** always seems shady for people. But

Now, as a first-year educator, Devin is knocking the ball out of the park! I invited him over to my Charlotte apartment, where we were enveloped in my 40+ plants ranging from Fiddle Leaf Figs to Snake plants. (You can tell I really went overboard with buying plants during quarantine.) While there, we sat at the kitchen

literally nobody said no. Everybody was like yeah, I got you. It started with 10 dollars, 15 dollars, but then it started turning to 50 dollars, 100 dollars, 200 dollars and before 12 o’clock I had 1,000 dollars. And so, I called Ricky, who is the principal at my upper school. I was like “yo this is what I’m planning, I have

island engaged in conversation, while enjoying lemon pepper

1,000 dollars in my bank account right now, let’s go to Costco

wings and drinking Uncle Nearest.

and buy some food for these people.” And he was like alright, I’m on the way. He picked me up and we literally went to Costco

Mario: The first question I want to ask you is, “How are you doing? How do you feel that you are doing during this time of COVID and the racial uprising?”

and spent $1,000 dollars. But as I got there, I got another $800 dollars. So, I had roughly about $1,800 dollars to spend on meals.

And so, with that money I created a food bank and a toiletry

Devin: So, I would say like I’m not okay, but I have a belief that

bank for my whole school. So, we literally took over one school

it’s not okay to be okay. I don’t think you should be okay with

building and I just loaded it up and stocked it up with food,

racial unjust or with the pandemic. I’m not okay, but I’m waking

toiletries, toothpaste, all that kind of stuff. And that kind of thing

up every day and doing what I need to do to win the day. Whether

is beautiful, because I don’t do this type of s*** for recognition

that looks like collecting food donations, toiletries in a Walmart

or for my name to be on it. I do it, because I’m the example.

parking lot, passing out books or even in my bed resting and

I believe that change happens when you are the example of

relaxing. I’m not okay, but I am making the best out of this right

change. And so, I did that, and teachers started bringing in shit,

now.

families started bringing stuff. Community partners started bringing stuff. Moe’s donated over 500 free burrito gift cards,

Mario: So I’m thinking about that, like it’s “okay to be not

because they saw that we were getting food for families and they

okay”. How are you able to sustain yourself then? How are you

wanted people to have a hot meal. So, I just think that, I couldn’t

sustaining who you are?

sit right that we were going to be out of school for two weeks and

Devin: Honestly, not even to sound cliché or corny, but the work

I absolutely knew that there were kids that wouldn’t eat. I think

I have been doing has been feeding me, feeding my soul. I think

that’s what drove me to call people. So, we did that, we served

doing that work with a smile is motivating me and keeping me

over 400 families just off the donations I brought alone. And then

going, because it’s motivation to be like, “it’s bigger than you

we just built on that.

right now.”

25

PROFOUND you know what I’m saying? I won’t tolerate that. There’s something, I have non-negotiables I have for myself that I won’t allow myself to see people go through. So, when people come to me with need or if I recognize need, because I’ve had trauma training and all that kind of stuff, and I can recognize trauma and different things of that nature. Like, I’m going to do what I have to do to literally ensure that you’re good. And that’s just not in a food aspect either, so I had a girl in my class last year, who they told me was like she struggles with self-esteem, her parents are going through a really bad divorce, yada yada yada. So I said okay my parents went through a divorce and I spent the whole first half of the year building this child up, so now this child speaks and is talking all the time to everybody and is extremely out spoken because she is comfortable in the skin that she is in and she knows that Mr. Rankin supports her and that we have a similar connection. And this is a little white girl, Mario:

Well

don’t

give

away

the

PG

Apparel.

Devin: Nah, of course not the PG stuff, that’s mine. I wear this all the time; this is my joint. Every summer or every winter, and every fall I give away the past seasons wardrobe. And in college I created a professional clothing bank, so I started with me. I love suits and I have numerous suits, so I started giving away my suits.

I had maybe 10 and I gave them all away. And then that sparked a faculty and staff thing like “hey faculty we need yawl to donate suits to these kids so they can apply for internships” because we are talking about the advancement of people and that’s what I want to do. So, before you know it, I had a whole clothing bank on Winston Salem State’s campus where people donated their suits, professional clothing attire for people to wear. I think that’s always been a part of who I am, and I just can’t deny that.

Mario: How does that apply to teaching? You’re reminding me how much teachers are community members and how important that is. Yawl are in the streets and on the ground working and so I would love for you to reflect on what it means for you to be a teacher during this time? And also, still be community oriented.

this isn’t a black child, this is a white girl I have a connection with that I probably wouldn’t have had a connection with before that.

Mario: Or even if you didn’t know yourself, like that level of awareness.

Devin: Yes, yes, for my black boys bruh it goes to another level.

We be on a different wavelength almost like they know if they need absolutely anything, like I have a birthday party to go to on Sunday. And that’s the thing like it’s just not teaching, it’s going to birthday parties, it is seeing you at the park and “oh, Mr. Rankin we would love to kick it with you this weekend”. Well let’s see how me and your parents can make that happen. It’s like being engaged and not just a teacher setting so they don’t think of me as Mr. Rankin the guy that teaches math, but Mr. Rankin the person that cares about me. That’s how I became who I am, because I had people that cared about me. Adults, that care.

Mario: So, you decided to want to become a teacher at a very early stage, I heard that you always wanted to be a teacher. Did you have black male teachers growing up? So how were you able to see yourself as a teacher? You just finished your first year and it was successful, we’re going to get to that. How were

Devin: So, my definition of a teacher is literally someone that

you able to see yourself as a teacher when you didn’t see black

teaches not only in a specific space but teaches everywhere they

male teachers? What inspired you? Was its God? Was it a spark?

go. I never step outside of the classroom and stop being a teacher.

You know what I mean, was its imagination? Cause you are a

I think that I would like to say that teachers are connected to the

visionary person, maybe that’s where it came from? I don’t know.

community because teachers serve the community. I’m good in every hood where my kids live, because I will serve every hood that my kids live in. You being okay in my classroom isn’t enough for me, I want you to be okay at home too. I recognize that’s not the reality for a lot of kids, but I’m going to do what I have to do to make sure that I’m some ease of that. If I’m your teacher you

Devin: I think for me, I count everything as something, everything has meaning. When I was sitting around talking to my homeboys, we would just be shooting the s***, just talking or whatever, and I would find myself teaching or preaching about something. And I said you know what? I enjoyed that.

aren’t going to worry about “oh my gosh, I don’t have food to eat”

Continue on pg. 36

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PROFOUND

DEAR TRAUMA: LET’S GET MORE ACQUAINTED

People who look like me are publicly brutalized--physically and mentally-- and, single-handedly, there is nothing I can do to support the victims or witnesses of such a dehumanizing reality.

At this very moment, following a retrospective daze, I have concluded that one element holistically captures and characterizes the origin of my stern character: trauma. Three noteworthy personal experiences have led me to this irrefutable conclusion.

One. My earliest memories with my father is not the typical cinematic scene where the cute kindergarten boy runs into the arms of his beloved dad after a long school day. Conversely, as a five-year-old, my earliest memory is waking up on the cold leather backseat of my father’s golden two-door Chevy Nova. Perhaps it was the brisk Chicago evening wind-chill that forced my eyes open. Truthfully, I believe it was the close proximity to danger that stirred my consciousness. A two-minute segment on WGN news alongside Tribune newspaper clippings should have been the memorabilia that represented the final moments of my relationship with my father. However, my father was lucky. I awoke just in time to peer out the rear window and make eye contact with the six policemen who surrounded my father and the golden two-door Chevy Nova, guns drawn, shouting, “On the ground, NOW!” As a five-year-old boy, I had barely possessed the capacity to articulate my emotions in addition to the complexity of the experience I endured. Now, following a retrospective daze, I am confident that this situation remains one of my most vivid earliest memories because it was far from joyous; it was undoubtedly traumatic.

Two. For most Midwestern families, Sunday mornings and early afternoons include religious fellowship, praise, and worship.

My father and I faithfully attended Sunday morning praise and worship services; this was our primary ritual. Interestingly enough, we had equally developed a secondary ritual of our own: adventuring to the Cook County Jail to visit my eldest brother. This ritual extended from my early childhood days until I was old enough to drive myself to our secondary ritual appointments.

Though I am unfamiliar with the details of my brother’s case, I am certain that he was facing execution for being allegedly accused and convicted of various criminal offenses. I should have been deemed a world-class traveler.

Continue on pg. 32

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PROFOUND Continued from pg. 30

I had grown so accustomed to the security inspections, that I ultimately developed a routine of my own: shoes first, belt second, hopefully authentic silver chain third and, finally, my belt. Although I had enjoyed a few out-of-state family excursions, these experiences were far from the adventures afforded by world travel. Unknowingly, I was growing to become a knowledgeable stakeholder in one of Illinois’ most profitable customs: mass incarceration.

Regrettably, a time came when I broke the secondary ritual and just stopped going.

At the time, I was unable to articulate my reasoning to my father. Now, following a retrospective daze, I confess that the decade I spent traveling to the Cook County Jail to visit my eldest brother, who would soon be executed, was certainly traumatic.

Three. Death is a natural part of life but a complex experience for humans to endure. Following the loss of a loved one, people seldom recover; arguably, they remain broken and soon transition into a state of numbness due to their inability to reconcile the tragedy. As a twentyyear-old college sophomore, I grew quite familiar with this state of being. The day was September 24th, 2011. I received news that cemented my heart. In this paralyzing state, I was tasked with the responsibility to call my father and inform him that my second eldest brother would soon be remembered by memorabilia resembling a two-minute segment on WGN news alongside Tribune newspaper clippings from the obituary section. Despite every experience that afforded us the status of strong men, simultaneously, we similarly transitioned into an inexplicable state of paralysis: undeniably traumatized.

Experiences one, two and three--all traumatic--developed my stern character.

I am thoroughly convinced that I would

have benefited tremendously from mental health services to support me as I navigated endless traumatic encounters.

As a Black boy in Chicago, I possessed NO access to ANY mental health services to combat my toxic stress; learning became my healthy coping mechanism, education became my liberatory moving walkway.

Above all, despite their race and cultural upbringing, this reality still exists for many children nationwide and has influenced my professional journey, which accelerated the launch of ProjectHEAL Inc. Extend grace to yourself because we don’t know what we don’t know. And sometimes, what we don’t know, as it relates to our own mental health and endured trauma, can have ongoing detrimental effects on our personal well-being in addition to the well-being of those around us. But on this journey, what I have come to realize is this: as a collective, we possess more than enough strength necessary to confront and manage our experienced trauma and to generate and sustain the joy and happiness we live for on a daily basis. One step at a time, one day at a time. According to Dr. Joy Degruy, “It is from the impacts of past assaults that we must heal, and it is from the threats of continuing assaults that we must learn to defend ourselves, our families and our communities.” I couldn’t agree with her more. Join me on this journey to increase the number of TraumaInformed communities world-wide.

In Unwavering Solidarity, Johnny B. Reed, M.Ed. Johnny B. Reed, M.Ed. @ProjecHealinc

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PROFOUND

FULL CIRCLE In 1963, W.E.B Du Bois revealed in his last letter: “One thing alone I charge you. As you live, believe in Life! Always, human beings will live and progress to greater, broader and fuller life.

The only possible death is to lose belief in this truth simply because the great end comes slowly, because time is long. (Last Message to the World)” As I work toward living a satisfactory life, myself, this quote serves as a constant reminder to never give up when facing difficult obstacles because joy is waiting on the other side of those dark moments. Being born in the North, and later moving to the South, revealed two realities in my lived experience. One of underserved privilege, the other of hardship. In the North, the vibrancy of my education was seemingly palpable. In the South, it was still a work in progress. I did nothing to be embraced in New York, but I also did nothing to be oppressed in North Carolina. As farfetched as it sounds. I still envisioned the possibility of seeing the same school system that shaped me into a scholar be more effective. This can be obtained by adding male educators of color, ones who could relate to the boys who look like them in practical ways.

Born in Queens, NY to a mother and father of Ecuadorian descent, I had the privilege of being raised in a community that allowed my immigrant parents the opportunity to thrive. New York was their “American Dream” and a place with no ego. People from all walks of life came together to coexist in a shared community.

Stories were told, recipes were swapped, and dances were learned. For me, a 90’s baby, New York was the place where I got to embrace Latin urban culture and hip-hop. I listened to everything from Biggie and DMX to Celia Cruz and Aventura.

In the lunchroom, I’d trade my square pizza with Indonesian kids for their noodles. I learned quickly in New York that respect for different cultures was not only welcomed, but embraced and celebrated. No matter how aesthetically different people looked, they all had the same goals in mind: to live in peace and provide for their families.

33

PROFOUND

Attending a prestigious public school in the affluent neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, the culture mirrored the city’s essence and felt extremely inclusive.

Whether it was in the curriculum or not, students learned about different customs, traditions, foods, and holidays such as Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, St. Patrick’s day, etc. This was because parents and teachers agreed that culture contributes to the growth of a community. I was never led to believe that people couldn’t be friends because of their race or ethnicity. Friendships were built upon the foundation of shared values and compatibility. Diversity surrounded every avenue of my life and became a cornerstone of my identity.

My parents worked incredibly hard to provide for their three boys. They treated America with the utmost respect because they believed it was the land of opportunity and instilled in us the importance of education at an early age. Though neither of them graduated from college, that didn’t stop them from encouraging us to make college a priority. Considering this, they moved us to Winston-Salem, NC when I was a teenager with the intention of keeping my brothers and me out of trouble and limiting distractions. Once I arrived and immersed myself into the culture there, it was clear that there was a racial divide. I struggled to make friends at home and at school. The blatant and constant racism I endured broke me, and I began to believe the lies that “I didn’t belong.”

There came a point where I was ashamed of being Hispanic. I didn’t feel supported by teachers, staff, or my community. It was then that I realized change needed to start with me.

Going into my sixth year as an educator, I can confidently say that males of color

34

are essential in the realm of education.

They are coaches, counselors, mentors, and in some eyes, they are fathers to these children. They inspire hope: “If I can do it, so can you.” Children cannot be what they cannot see, so it is a great honor to assume the responsibility of teaching the leaders of tomorrow how to lead. Like W.E.B Du Bois, I am choosing to believe in life and work toward meaningful change -- even if that change occurs past my lifetime.

Children should be proud of their culture and flaunt their uniqueness without fear of judgment or ridicule. My privilege of studying in both the North and the South has allowed me to take the good out of both in order to enhance the quality of education for children of color through social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and empowerment practices. As educators, our confidence in and support of a student is sometimes all they need to continue pushing forward. Yes, the work is not complete, but I’m hopeful that together we can create a new narrative for our students.

One that is fueled by compassion and equity. I dream of a day where both school staff and students are equally diverse; a day where we can create a harmonious and loving community with each group learning from each other; a day where we can build an engaging and productive learning environment. I also manifest that more educators of color be treated with dignity, be given more grace, and be compensated for the profound significance that they have on society. Let’s not give up on hope.

Xavier Acuna

Continue from pg. 26

PROFOUND

The first time I really noticed it is when I had to show somebody how to do something and I was like you know what? I enjoy doing that. So, I find joy in helping people find understanding. And so, I knew that very young, I find joy in you getting it.

I have my own personal joy, but I also find joy in me being beside you and me telling you something and it clicks for you. So, I think that very much corresponds with teaching, teachers are in the light bulb business, so we are in the business of turning people’s light bulbs on, so they get it. I knew that at a very young age, that’s what I like. So, I said you know what, let me try this teaching thing. And I did freedom school my first year, I was a volunteer for freedom school in high school in 2014. My first year out of college I did Freedom School and that’s when I knew for sure. Like they put me at a place, and I was talking to these kids, and I had literally no problems, none at all. This year I’ve had no problems, I never have behavior problems. My whole life I’ve only, of course now officially I’ve only written one referral because of something crazy, but like I find myself like a connection on a different level, because it’s so much bigger than school to me. We’re in the business of making not s***ty people.

Mario: *laughter* that is so good. We are in the business of not making s***ty people.

Devin: 100 percent. It’s like I get what you’re going through at home you know what I’m saying?

Perfect example the super bowl halftime show, some of my students didn’t understand the cultural representative of how Shakira and J-Lo were dressed and shaking and whatever, right? So, I took that as a teaching moment, while your culture doesn’t do that, that’s what they do in another culture, just finding ways to not make s***ty people because they were talking junk. Like they were like “oh my gosh I can’t believe that they would do that, my mom said – “. Let me show you this video, look at this culture, you see what they are doing? That’s culturally appropriate for them. So, like, just again well roundedness and not making shitty people, that’s what it is for me.

Mario: That’s really cool of you, understanding what it means to be a teacher and what does it mean to be a teacher during this time in the community. What type of added pressure do you feel that you have as a black male teacher?

Devin: Man, I got to be twice as good. I don’t have the luxury of having a bad day, you know. I don’t

36

have the ability to come in and say, “today just isn’t my day and I’m going to teach bad today”. I always have to be on and I always have to be prepared to answer any type of question, because to be real with you they already think you can’t do it. And they already think that “oh he went to an HBCU he might not be prepared”, they think that, they aren’t going to tell you that, but they think that. And so, I never leave a reason of a doubt in people's minds that he doesn’t have his stuff together.

Mario: That’s real, that’s some real stuff, so you had some excellent results this year. Could you just talk about the successes you made on a personal and academic level?

Devin: On a personal level, I really did a good job of making a name for myself, back in Charlotte. I’m from here, but it’s easy to be from here and not be about anything. Especially with Charlotte being a growing city and on the uprise you really got to be on your game. So, on a personal level my public speaking has skyrocketed in this time period. Before COVID and even in COVID a little bit. Being asked to speak at places, I take it as a blessing to be able to know that people want to hear me speak. Are you familiar with the police athletics league? So, the national police athletics league. It’s an organization that helps with sports and police bonding in the community and shit like that. To be in contact with them and be like yeah, we want you to be on a panel. For a church to be like “hey we want you to come talk to all of our young people'' or for a school to be like “hey can you come teach this to our staff or can you host a diversity, equity and inclusion conversation with our kids because of what’s going on right now”. I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. And from an academic level I’m crazy as s***, I’m standing on tables, we are marking up the floors with tape to make perimeter and area boxes. We are covering the whole parking lot with bar graphs to understand the concept of what bar graphs are. And when tests come 84% show mastery, when tests come my lowest class shows 80% mastery. And so, of course it has to do with the curriculum in place with lab as well because lab is amazing. But also, I have to get up there and I have to bring my game.I got to get up there and do what I got to do to make sure kids get it. And that’s the type of person I am, a do whatever it takes to make sure you understand.

PROFOUND

If that means we are sitting on tables doing jumping jacks, I don’t care we gone do it. Like if that means we got to go outside and draw all over the cement, that’s fine we’re going to do it.

That type of stuff doesn’t bother me, a lot of times teachers get offended when kids say I don’t know because they take it as a reflection as they aren’t teaching it right. Maybe I’m not teaching it the way that you can understand it, so maybe it is me and I need to adjust something. Not the kids aren’t paying attention, or they aren’t showing their best effort. Nah, maybe I need to shake something up, that’s the kind of educator I am, and I have the ability to shake shit up mid lesson.

So, if I see, if I start a lesson and I see kids aren’t getting it then I scrap the whole lesson. We are going to do something else, because I always have a backup plan and that’s the thing with always having your shit together. You always have to have a backup plan. And in the classroom, I definitely have one, because I have numerous ways to reach and connect, I don’t ever have a problem academically.

Mario: That’s real, that’s some good stuff. These wings are so good, OH MY GOD, they were cheap, they were like $10 dollars *stiff paper bag ruffling in back* I should’ve got more. So, talk about who is Devin? I want to know personally speaking, what is your lifestyle of who you are as a person?

And how are you trying to show up and being more aware of who you are?

observant; I watch every thing. Before I interact with anyone I see how they interact with other people, before I say anything to you I see how you talk to other people and that tells me how I need to respond to you and how I need to work with you. And then, I’m a silly, goofy guy that likes to joke and likes to laugh and I bring that to the table off the rip, that’s just who I am, but I also understand time and place. So, I know that there is a time and place for everything, like even in my classroom I say this isn’t the time or place for that.

I’m also extremely religious and I feel that that has something to do with my thrive to serve. I think serving is correlated with my religion 100 percent.

Serving and not looking for praise for it. I’m a behind the scenes guy, I’m not an up-front person.

Devin: Devin is a hardheaded, any means necessary, provide your best work type of nigga.

Mario: I love that.

Devin: Yeah, I’m just going to be real with you.

Everyday understanding that I am a black man and I have to move differently. Does it suck? Yes. But I know that I have to move differently. Like I said about the luxury of having a bad day, in life I don’t have the luxury of being outrageously angry, because people think that I am a threat, you know? I have to move differently; I have to be aware of everything. I have to be aware of how my face looks, of how I walk towards you, I have to be aware of all these different types of things that make me think differently. I am extremely

Mario: Talk about PG and your experience with PG, coming to a close here, how has your experience with PG been? How you been feeling?

Having to rely on us in certain aspects of your development, we knew you before you went into the classroom.

37

PROFOUND

Devin: I think in my life, people I interact with, organizations I interact with they have a hard time with challenging me. Because I bring so much to the table, people think I’m good. But that’s not how I think, I am where I am because I never said, “oh you’re good”. I was like nah, how do I get better?

PG does a great job of saying “Alright Devin how are you going to get better?” Also, PG has provided me with experiences that I have never had before.

I’ve gone to conferences, I’ve been to numerous conferences and had numerous mentors, I’ve had numerous one on ones and I think where PG does a good job is that fidelity to that model of how caring about my whole self. I think that’s what makes PG stand out to me, because it’s either, someone only cares about our personal life or they only care about my work life and PG cares about both. Even in conferences, I’ve never been to a conference that works off self and career. It’s either a work conference or a get it together conference. And PG does an amazing job of being both and on top of that I feel like you don’t want nothing from me.

Mario: I don’t *laughter* Devin: People be out here using people. And never have I ever felt that way with yawl. And that gives me a certain level of comfort that I can trust you, because I have trust issues. But also, I love being in a black space where it’s a diversity of black people like they aren’t all people that look, talk, walk, act, and think like me. It’s all types of black men, all types of men of color and whether that be different religions, different thought processes, different sexualities, different whatever; all of that matters. Because when you think about going to a conference it’s all like-minded people, all people that are almost the exact same. We’re all financial consultants for this company or we’re all struggling with time management. You know PG, it’s guys from different walks of life, guys with different thought processes and I think that is what makes PG matter to me.

Mario: In closing, this was so good. Like so many people ask folk what’s next for you and I don’t think that’s the best question. We are interested in what’s right now. We always focus on what’s next, but what’s right now? What is your current? What is your present? I know I ask how are you, but I think 38

about my present and my present is my plants right now. I was five minutes late to a meeting, because I just couldn’t get over it, just how great God has been in my life. And just the presence of it, not asking for anything, but just being present and saying thank you is enough. Maybe the question needs to be, how are you saying thank you to yourself? And how are you saying thank you to other people? I think that’s more of a present question. How are you saying thank you? Because right now I think we just focusing on the stuff around us and we forget to say thank you.

Devin: I think I’m saying thank you to myself, by just doing anything I don’t want to do, I think that shit is so simple, but so many times we do shit we don’t want to do. And that affects us mentally. My school knows what I bring to the table, so they ask me to be on all these committees, but it’s like if I don’t want to do it then I’m saying no. Or it’s simple as meetings, if people want to meet and I’m not in the space to meet anymore then I’m sending an email. I’m thanking myself or putting myself first in that aspect. So that’s how I’m thanking myself.

I’m thanking other people by just literally being a helping hand, being a resource. I like to think of myself as a resource to anybody for anything, that’s why I have an open line of communication and I give my phone number to people, because I don’t care, I’m a resource. I’m a firm believer that people should see God’s light shining through me.

And so that’s why I don’t get mad anymore. God has been beyond amazing to me and I don’t deserve none of that. Like really? I fall short everyday, but you still bless me like that. That’s what I’m living in right now, I’m living in the listening, I’m living in the “God what do you want me to do?” because you didn’t have to let me be able to afford a house during a pandemic. You didn’t have to allow me to be able to afford a car during a pandemic, because I just bought a new car. You didn’t have to keep my mind together when my family is driving me insane and I can’t function like I want to; you didn’t have to do any of that for me. But you still chose me and that’s the funny thing about God he chooses everybody. And so, because he chose everybody the least I can do is love everybody, care for everybody, do what I got to do for everybody. Whether you are crazy as hell or not you have a place.

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Mario: Like when you start to position yourself to start thinking that way and I belong here, the slogan of PG, I belong here, it really does change things up.

Devin: That’s strong right there. I belong here. If you think about it especially for a black man, even throughout time, black men have not belonged.

Like throughout time there has not been a space or place of safety. And so, thinking about I belong here and knowing there is a certain level of security that comes off the bat, like there’s some stuff you don’t have to worry about a nonnegotiable, a boundary almost, that’s inspiring.

Mario: That’s good, that’s really good. So are there any closing words that you have for people, encouraging those who are going into their first year of teaching. What are your encouraging words? How are you feeling?

Devin: Encouraging words for people going into their first year of teaching, you aren’t going to do a great lesson every day. Some of them will suck and that’s okay. Just take those as teachable moments and be authentically you, because if you aren’t your kids are going to call you out and not going to rock out with you like that. I was watching a TED talk and she was right, if a kid doesn’t like you, they can’t learn from you.

Devin: I’m still moved by that, I’m still moved by what she said, because it’s not even on no buddybuddy type stuff. If a kid doesn’t trust you then how is he supposed to learn from you? That’s like somebody that’s crazy trying to tell you about this is what you should do with your finances. No, I’m not about to listen to you. The same way that you discredit people that you don’t trust is the same way you should feel about your kids.

Mario: That’s so true.

Mario: Last thing, how do you feel about being on the inaugural issue of the PG magazine, you’re going to be the first person on the cover. Full spread photo shoot, everything!

Devin: I think that it is a 100 percent blessing. It is also a reminder of all the times I felt that I wasn’t enough, all the times I asked God why not me, all the times people said no to me, all the times 39

things didn’t work out for me. Like God saying this is why, I feel like this is why. This is why you didn’t get that when you were sixteen, this is why you didn’t understand that when you were 20, this is why because greater is for you. I used to have this saying, I thank God for my no’s because if my no’s would’ve been yes’ back then I would’ve messed it up. I thank God for the times he told me no, because if He would’ve told me yes back then I would’ve messed it up. And looking at it now, it’s like God I was tripping dog, I wasn’t there. So, this is what that is a reminder of. It’s harvest season, it’s as simple as that.

Mario: I am so proud of you and I am so excited that you are the cover of our inaugural magazine for Profound Gentlemen, there wouldn’t have been another choice. When I thought about who the first cover should be, some people were like it should be the co-founders and I was like “No”. It needs to be somebody who represents everything that when we put this organization on paper five years ago really embodies and shows up in the human form of what we wrote. That’s what you are, the human form of the pen to paper.

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THE FATHERHOOD GROUP:

HELPFUL TIPS FOR FIRST TIME FATHERS When I think about parenting and what it’s like, it’s very similar to traveling abroad to a new country.

When you travel abroad you have to decide, what you are going to pack? What is customary to wear when you get there? Where should I stay when I arrive? How do I not get lost? Do I want to just get lost? What are the local customs? Can I drink the water? What are the foods I need to eat while there? You ultimately want to have a great trip and there are so many choices that impact and ultimately influence your experience. I see a lot of similarities to parenting in many ways. We have so many choices to make that can and will impact our experience. For me, there were some major questions I had to consider, how will I discipline my child? What do I want their educational experience to be? How do I want them to see me?

As the father of a daughter and a son, how did I want them to think about masculinity? How do I not continue to perpetuate patriarchy and all the other mess I carry with me?

I remember driving home with this new baby who I was scared to hold because she felt so fragile.

She cried all the way home from the hospital. The ride took extra-long too because I was driving like I was testing for my learners permit. My hands were at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel the entire drive home, I stopped at every yellow, and did a full and complete stop at every stop sign. When we finally arrived home I was eager for the skinto-skin the doctors had told us was so important for connection. So, I stripped my shirt off and began holding my, maybe four-day old, daughter and right then she pooped in my hand. You might ask how did she poop in your hand? Well, as new parents we weren’t even securing diapers on correctly yet. Now, normally you get poop on you and you freaking out, but I was weirdly cool about it.

sure I didn’t have a problem with spanking. I was fortunate that I have a wife who is an excellent mother and an even better listener. We made these choices together, but within that I have to make choices for myself too. When I was a classroom teacher, on occasion one of my student’s parents would have to come up to the school to see their child. In the event, their child was having a little “behavioral trouble”, they would say “Mr. Goss we are just gone walk down to this bathroom and have a little talk”, and I knew what time it was and was often in complete support. As a child who received many a whooping, I joke to this day with my dad about some of our more memorable “meetings”. I was pretty certain I was okay with it and my wife was too. Until, and with most things that until is telling, it happened. I had disciplined my daughter, maybe, a week or two earlier and I don’t remember exactly what I was doing but I moved towards her abruptly and she flinched.

Not a flinch caused by being startled, but a flinch of, are you about to pop me again? That flinch did something to me. It changed me. It is a memory seared into my mind and I can’t erase it. All I could think about was, do I want my daughter to jump when I come near her? The answer for me was easy, of course not. The easiest thing for me to do was to vow to not discipline in that manner anymore, towards my son or my daughter. I had to be okay with changing how I thought I would parent. We have to be okay with pivoting and making the choice that we feel is best for our kids and our parenting experience.

There are a few instances I think about that really shaped these early years. Early on, I was pretty

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When I was a teacher, and needed to encourage myself, I used to always utter “you’re not as bad as you think and you’re not as good as you think either”. It would make me feel better and as a parent I use the same mantra when I need encouragement. When I feel like I’m failing, perhaps I’ve given my toddler too much TV time, or I pretended I didn’t hear the cries of the baby and waited for my wife to get him, or whatever the issue of the day, I remind myself I am doing the very best I can.

I think about the times I have since lost my temper and disciplined my toddler in the same way I vowed never to do again and how hard I am on myself for doing it. However, I had to start giving myself the grace to be imperfect. We are imperfect people trying are hardest to rear perfect children. Grace and forgiveness have to be easily accessible for yourself and others when you are a parent.

Finally, I had to stop thinking so much and let my children, in fact, be children. We have so much fun together and they are the best additions to our lives we could have ever asked for. As such, I needed to embrace and enjoy everything that comes with them. My wife and I have been intentional about apologizing when we may cause harm and modeling with them healthy nurturing and affectionate relationships. We aren’t always perfect, but we realize we have been afforded both the privilege of parenting and the gift of children. As we continue to make choices and ask questions my hope is that we are helping to craft an unforgettable experience for both us and our kids.

Tips from a newer father working from home: •

Prep kid activities the night before;

•

Have plenty of snacks on deck;

•

Look for silver linings;

•

What meetings can you take while you maybe take a walk outside;

•

Get clear on nap times (if applicable);

•

Your job will understand.

Jhermel Goss

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WHAT I’M MANIFESTING IN A PANDEMIC Watchnight service has been a tradition in my life for as long as I could remember. I can recall not being in church only one time in my life to bring in the New Year: in 2014, while living in Pittsburgh, when I decided to go to New York and see the ball drop.

According to the newscaster, there was a sea of a million people. All those people could not keep my feet and toes from freezing over, but I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I had to check it off my bucket list.

Entering the year 2020, I was back in church. The theme from our pastor was “Declare It”. The service was awesome and every minister wrote out a decree to declare for this year. Well, let me be honest, they have been lost in the sauce of 2020. It seems like God said, “Bump y’all’s decrees, here’s a pandemic, civil unrest, political bigotry, a hurricane, huge celebrity deaths, and y’all can take this earthquake as well.” Yet, in all of that, this has been one of the most manifesting years of my life.

So what am I manifesting? A business. As of August 12, 2020, I am the CEO of Mastery For All, LLC. Listen, if you would’ve told me that one day I would own my own LLC, I would have looked at you like “yeah right”.

Nevertheless, my dad laid out the foundation for business. Growing up, I did not want to do anything my dad did because of our contentious relationship.

He wanted me to be every part of him that did not fully transfer to my DNA. He neglected the creative artistic side of himself that did transfer to me. He embraced the stereotypical man full of toxic masculinity. He wanted to duplicate that man inside of me and I fought him for most of my life. However, my dad taught me hustle and hard work. My business has come from the entrepreneurial foundation laid out by him despite our rocky relationship. Mastery For All, LLC was birthed because the education system does not work for everyone. I provide leveraging practices to educators, parents, and students to combat the systemic biases embedded in the system so that all students, no matter their race, will have academic success. Despite all the things that I felt kept me from attaining a feat such as this, the switch in my mindset happened when I changed my circle of friends and those people/things I let influence me. My new influencers showed me that

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I could be more and challenged my possibilities for more. Did I say I’m manifesting a LLC!? Well, I am!

(Insert praise hands).

What am I manifesting? A house. For all of my childhood, I grew up in what I consider now the smallest two-bedroom trailer known to man. I may be exaggerating a little, but maybe not. I used to go over my friends’ houses in the trailer park and wonder why their trailer was longer and more spacious than ours was. I really want you to see my limited perspective.

I am comparing trailers to trailers! My brother Chris and I shared a room up until the time I left for college.

It was your stereotypical conditions. No matter how clean my mom and dad would keep it, we fought with mice and roaches. Occasionally the friendly neighborhood ants would come to visit as well. I used to cringe when I turned on the light at night and those roaches would scatter as if I was the police breaking up their illegal gathering. It took my parents 18 years before they bought their first home and by that time, I was heading to college.

Being a homeowner was so far from what I thought as a single man. I envisioned family before I envisioned home and then my perspective changed. This year, as part of my declaration, I will be purchasing a home. It will be mine! I need this for me.

Growing up in those conditions, you sometimes feel that things are not attainable for you. It was a foundation set by limits on everything because of financial struggle. Sometimes you have to dig up that foundation and reestablish a new one! Did I tell you all that I’m buying a house this year?! That is what I’m manifesting!

What am I manifesting?

Culturallyresponsive, brilliant students. Last year, I had the awesome opportunity to work for UnboundEd in their Standards Institute (SI).

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UnboundEd is a non-profit committed to the work of equity in education. It was the hardest job I have ever done as a speaker/facilitator.

Their deck was expansive and eradicated the idea that kids and families are the problem; the system is! However, in order for me to be a facilitator, I had to leave my classroom for a week in February and go to sunny Orlando, Florida.

Now, you know, leaving for a week felt like I was enlisting in the military. A week from my kids felt like a lifetime. This was not a Christmas vacation; it was work! I created these interactive videos for students, made them a detailed packet, gave them the “you better get this work done” pep talk, and reminded them why I was doing what I was doing. I told them, “When I come back from SI, I’m going to be woker than woke”. I realized later on that “woker” was not a word, but it worked for the moment.

In Orlando, while tracking student progress online, I realized that the first day about 90% of my students finished their work with fidelity.

The next day the number dropped to about 60%, then 50% and it stayed there for the remainder of the week with some students only doing one or two days’ worth of work. Let me tell you, I was fuming, but I did not have time to get my game plan together because SI was keeping me busy!

While at SI, I heard Dr. Danny Martin present.

His presentation shook my world. He said that math is the racist subject. He also said that we should be empowering kids to refuse to be in and of the system. They should be questioning their teacher’s motives and the system that fails them every day. He told parents that they should ask if White teachers were qualified to teach their brilliant Black babies. That is when I became “woker than woke”. I realized that I was complicit in perpetuating the system that always made me feel “othered”.

I came back into the classroom that Monday and told my students that I could not blame them for not doing their work and feeling like it was okay.

You are in a system that makes you feel like a failure so when you fail, you live out the intended 44

outcomes of the system. I looked at them holding back tears and letting them know how I will fight for them. I let them know that they are brilliant and they can do the work. I let them know that they would have to fight for what they believe is theirs. Additionally, I let them know that I would be calling and texting their parents about the work they did not do and I would be keeping them in from going outside during lunch to finish this work. “But Mr. O’Neal, you said you can’t blame us! It’s the system, right?” said one student. I responded, “Yes it is, and that’s why I have to get you out of it. You now know why I am doing what I am doing”. This moment changed my life. I realized that my students were not invested in education because the system never invested in them! This was my introduction to “virtual learning”. I needed to lay a different foundation so that there would be a different manifestation. This experience showed me early that until we give our students the tools to fight back, then we would always have the same outcomes. You can pump money into a broken system all you want; it will not repair the mindset that emerges from constant lack. Did I tell y’all I’m manifesting brilliantly woke students? That is what I’m manifesting!

Our past can be something we look away from or that we look towards to find guidance on how to live in the present and prepare for the future. While there are good foundations that are built within us, there are also some foundations that may need to be torn down or restructured to produce the life we want and deserve. My experiences have led me to one true manifestation: that is the manifestation of James E. O’Neal Jr. That is really who I am manifesting!

James O’Neal, Jr. @mr.jamesoneal

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MY TRUTH

the equality gap.

My truth is that I have intentionally increased the presence of

What are you doing to change the narrative? Rochester has

men of color at Uprep because these young men need to see

a history of deep-rooted systemic and structural racism. If

examples in all areas of this profession. Many of us went

you are more upset about the looting than the reasons why

through these years seeing educators who look like us. Data

people of color are protesting, ask yourself “why?”Items can

supports the critical role that men of color in education play

be replaced, buildings can be rebuilt, but you cannot bring

in helping students of color succeed.

George Floyd and the many other black men killed by those charged to protect us back.

My truth is that through all the adversity, I continue this work because it is my responsibility as a man of color to prepare

My truth is the first time I was pulled over in the suburbs

these Uprep young men, and any others I come across, to get

by a white officer for no reason, I was 18 years old; the last

a seat at the table, bring chairs for others to join, and to build

time was this past summer while with my son. A level of anxiousness still comes over me every time a police car rides

their own.

behind my vehicle, particularly when I am not within city

My truth is if people begin to focus on the WHY of the Black

limits.

Lives Matter movement, then systemic changes will begin to

My truth is I wear a suit to work; but, when I am out and about

take place.

without it, I still get followed in stores, see people clinching

My truth is as the only Black Male Charter School CEO in

their belongings, and moving away as I walk near them.

Rochester, I have the platform to change the narrative for young men of color. I will continue to do so because it starts

My truth is that it is offensive when others make statements to black males such as “you are well-spoken”, “you are so well-

with one.

behaved”, and “you are so smart” as if it’s not the norm and

My truth is that if more men of color took the responsibility to

you're surprised by it.

provide mentorship, counseling, coaching, training, and time, we could recreate Black Wall Streets all over this country.

My truth is that most of the time when young men of color get in trouble, the first suggestion is suspension or calling law

Faith, Hope, and Charity are verbs and we show them in our

enforcement as opposed to restorative practices, which are

actions. In doing so, one can provide another person the love

proven to change one's perspective.

they need to find their why. And it’s Free!

My truth is I became an administrator at the age of 27 and,

“Be a rainbow to someone else’s cloud. When you get, give.

since that time, I have experienced stereotyping, bigotry, and

When you learn, teach.”

racism at every level. This includes here at Uprep. In most

-Maya Angelou”

systems, they use black men for discipline because they are scared to address our young men. The system rarely provided opportunities for us to be instructional leaders.

My truth is that many people commute to the city to work, see the disparity in resources from where they live, but choose to remain silent about it because it is not affecting them or their children directly. My truth is my family is from down south so my dialect at times may differ from what others consider as the proper English vernacular.

My truth is as a man of color I do not need you to save me.

I need you to understand the why, understand the history, understand the trauma, and then do your part in bridging

Walter Larkin Jr. @WLJLuda

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AT THE TABLE

FOOD RECIPES THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU. Chef Anthony Denning and his fiancee Kristen Bandoo are the owners of Another!? Food Truck in Charlotte, NC. If you attended any Profound Gentlemen events in 2019, you most likely had some of Chef Dennings cooking. He serves as the primary chef for Profound Gentlemen. His food is packed with flavors and spices from around the globe. You can't place Chef Denning in a box.

Simple Peri Peri chicken Recipe (Can be applied to any Meat Or Seafood) Juice of two lemons 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Cups Of White Sugar 1/2 yellow onion, roughly chopped 1 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 Tablespoon chili powder 1 Tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon ground oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 4 poblano peppers Chopped 4 Anaheim Peppers Chopped 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Method of preparation (Grill all vegetables giving them a good char prior to Blending them) In a large blender, blend together everything except for the chicken. Add the chicken and toss with tongs to coat in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least three hours.

When ready to cook, preheat your grill with charcoal and cherry wood mixed. Pull the chicken out of the marinade leaving a nice coating on the chicken.

Pour the reserved marinade into a pan and spoon the sauce onto the chicken as it cooks.

Let cook on the grill for about 15-20 minutes (depending on thickness of chicken breasts), or until cooked through.

We want to make working from home a little easier for you. In our At The Table section, we want to give you delicious recipes that will help you to meal prep and inspire you to get in the kitchen.

Please share your results by tagging us on on Instagram @ProfoundGentlemen

ProfoundGentlemen.org

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IBLACK SEE SHADES OF GREEN OWNED BUSINESSMSPOTLIGHT One thing about our Gentlemen is that we love to try new things! We also love to support new businesses. This section of our magazine will highlight and uplift black owned businesses around the country.

Right now, everyone is experiencing a higher level of stress. Plants have the ability to release oxygen and suck up toxins that will help to purify the air and put you in a more calming spirit. So, for this edition of highlighting a black owned business, let’s talk GREEN! Shades of Moss is not simply a community plant shop; it’s so much more than that. It’s a space that has a sense of comfort and relaxation; a space that is welcoming to everyone wherever they are on their own plant journey. You don’t have to love plants or even like plants to step foot inside Shades of Moss. It’s a space where you are invited to release, relax, and be as creative as you permit yourself to be.

The focus of the owner of Shades of Moss, Barry Greene, is simple: Black Men. He wants black men to feel comfortable, confident and masculine as they are on their plant journey.

It’s okay to take care of plants. It’s okay to give plants the time and commitment they need and deserve because they, too, are living things. Along with catering to black men on their plant journey, Greene has noticed a connection with the older generation. There is a feeling of gratitude as they are ecstatic to see a younger man stepping into his love for plants for the benefit of others.

A lot of times our passions are put on hold for various reasons. This pandemic caused a lot of us to sit down, slow down, and reevaluate. Shades of Moss has been open for less than six months and Greene attributes the starting of his own plant business to him rediscovering himself and what he enjoyed during the pandemic.

Greene is thankful for the reception Shades of Moss has gotten. He made a move on faith and was fully embraced by the community. Highlighting black businesses has been a huge focus lately. So, as we continue to encourage our peers to follow and pursue their dreams, we must also recognize the importance of encouraging our community to support those dreams.

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ABOUT THE WRITERS Xavier Acuña

Speas Global Elementary School Xavier Acuña is a third grade teacher in Winston- Salem, North Carolina. His hope is to create accessible mental health resources for boys of color in underserved communities.

Patrick Harris

6-8 Humanities Teacher Robert J. Hendricks III is a career educator who currently works to increase the number of Black men who teach and lead in our nation’s schools.

He is committed to systemic change in the education system that leads to better life outcomes for all students.

Robert Hendricks

Founder & Executive Director Patrick Harris is an Award-winning anti-racist teacher based in Detroit, MI. He also produces education podcasts through his company Good Trouble Media.

Walter Larkin Jr.

CEO, University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men Walter has been Leading, Mentoring, and Coaching in the field of Education for the last 23 years. His mission is to ensure young men of color have the same access and opportunities to be successful as everyone else.

James O’Neal, Jr.

Math Teacher and Department Chair at Piedmont IB Middle School James O’Neal is a keynote speaker, NBCT math teacher, equity champion, and lover of life! He prides himself in bringing mastery for all, by enforcing equity for all, which lifts the expectations for all.

Johnny Reed

President & Founder (Project-HEAL Inc. & Project-HEAL LLC.) “Dear Lord, I thank you for the gifts you nestled in my soul alongside the courage and tenacity you anointed me with to bring my dreams and your vision to reality.” Johnny is a Chicago native, artist and a humble genius informing the world about Trauma and how we have what it takes to generate hope in an effort to sustain consistently rejuvenating mental health.

Dwayne Stewart

Chief Impact Officer at Change Makers Academy, Inc. & 12th Grade Intensive Reading Teacher “I exist to highlight the remarkable nature of communities of color, connect it with life-changing opportunities & amplify its voices in the places where they matter most.”

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Conquer your Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Financial, Creative, and Social self with the Stay’n Charge Success Guide. Order by phone today.

Text SUCCESSGUIDE to 833 352 0358.

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MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS Mario Jovan Shaw - Editor -in- Chief Dawaine Cosey - Lead Editor Matthew Powell - Support And Culture Ronald Hart-Brown - Layout & Design Ariel Perry - Featured Photographer Profound Gentlemen Staff - Contribution

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