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We asked participants what they want the world to know about who they are as a human being and as a Black man. Click on the portraits below to get to know their stories.
Stay updated with IAWH news, updates, and new project launches.
When people look at me, they assume I am
not a man of God or I look like a rapper. When in reality, I am a pastor and I love God. It’s not easy being a Black man in our society. I am eager and prayerful to see the end of systematic racism.
Get to know my story.
When people look at me, they assume that I am unintelligent. When in reality, I am a smart, hardworking, strong Black man. I really like to read books, and I am also a good father.
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When people look at me, they assume my world is small and the possibilities of my life, narrow. When in reality, I am a proud Black man from East Baltimore–a gentle giant—who has travelled globally, loves golfing and giving back to my community. I have taught my own children to dream and I take great joy in mentoring other young people to pursue their aspirations. The game was never explained to us because of systemic racism. But as long as we stay connected to community, faith-based and historically Black institutions, we will be okay. We will rise from the ashes.
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When people look at me, they assume I’m just a color. When in reality, I am more than that. I’m not only a Black man, I am a father, a husband, a son, and an uncle. I was even a firefighter for Baltimore City, and it was one of the best jobs I ever had.
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When people look at me, they assume I’m lazy. When in reality, I am extremely hardworking. I believe that regardless of any obstacles you go through in life, you can overcome them.
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When people look at me, they assume they can take advantage of and take for granted my family legacy. When in reality, I am devoting the rest of my life to bringing genetic justice to my grandmother, Henrietta Lacks, and her descendants. My family is an important part of my life, which is why I put pen to paper to tell the untold story of my grandmother. I didn’t want her to be portrayed as an illiterate, poor Black woman, and I am proud to help spread Mrs. Lacks’ true and full narrative. I want people to know about the legacy my grandmother has left in our nation’s health and medical advancements.
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Don’t judge me.
Get to know my story.
When people look at me, they assume I’m a mean person. When in reality, I’m really nice. If you really get to know me, I’m funny, sincere, and kind of goofy. I don’t gossip. Truth be told, I don’t really care of what you might think of me. At the end of the day, I’m just going to do my own thing.
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When people look at me, they assume I am not hopeful. When in reality, I am a Christian and a God-fearing man. Regardless of struggles, I’ll never give up and I will continue pushing.
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Don’t judge me.
Get to know my story.
Don’t judge me.
Get to know my story.
When people look at me, they assume I am a younger man. I am 66 and that means a lot. I fought to get to this age. I really had a rough time, but I overcame drug use and I am proud of me! Now, I do drug classes and programs to give back and help others. I’m looking forward to retiring so I can travel and enjoy life while I can.
I want to see Black boys and men in this city respect each other. The killings and crime in this city is ridiculous. It’s pathetic to me that we have lost respect for one another. I think if we get the respect back, the senseless killing will stop.
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Don’t judge me.
Get to know my story.
Don’t judge me.
Get to know my story.
Don’t judge me.
Get to know my story.
