Day 1; Essence Festival!!!
The SUEDE stage provided a secure environment for guys to unwind, connect, and let go.
Cleveland Browns stars Grant Delphitt and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo discussed their personal lives, especially finances, during an opening conversation.
You have to work with it directly,” Delphitt stated to the assembly. “In football, you play under contract as a rookie. That makes four years. Additionally, I was concerned with merely performing my duties on the field. But now that I recently got a new deal during the season last year, I’m in a really good position and can start pursuing other financial ventures and such. We are currently working on a few projects, but in the meanwhile, focus on the game of football and do your best on the field to prepare for what comes next.
The Real Men Cook segment featured talented chefs and food enthusiasts, including KJ Johnson and Omar Dorsey, who shared their experiences and journey to success in the culinary world.
After that, Kendrick Sampson joined us for our Leading by Example fireside chat, during which he talked about his love of activism and performing. Sampson discussed how, via ground-breaking initiatives, activism, and music, he is assisting in the organization, education, and transformation of men across the nation in a talk with Black Men Build founder Phil Agnew.
Rounding the day was a robust discussion about men’s style with fashion experts Alexander “AJ” Julian, Dex Rob and Allen Oniya.
Rob Allen, a fashion designer, shared his experiences of being initially feared for expressing himself due to societal judgment, but now finds pride in his identity.
