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The year 2020 found the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc across the globe. Social injustice and the vulnerability of black life was center stage. The fate of the nation hung in the balance as political turmoil threatened democracy. The hosts of LMIM chronicle the stories of black men navigating this chaotic year from the beginning. Join Maxime and Sekou as they reflect on guest highlights, hard times, and their personal hopes for the future. They are pulling back the layers of black manhood. The podcast inspiration: anchor.fm/tnwid (Stephanie) Our Editor: journeygurlmagicproductions.com (Nikita) Our Theme music: juliandavisreid.com (Julian)

In this final interview of our inaugural season on Let Me Introduce Myself we talk to Samuel Gonzalez. They’re a brilliant, intuitive Afro Indigenous Mexican sibling doing important work. We talk about their gender resistance and the impositions placed on us by a society obsessed with conscripted gender roles. We delve into their witchiness and how it manifested. Samuel challenges what many seem to think is normal and hopes this journey leads them to finally retire and rest in the new year.

Steve Turner discusses his love of the mind, being black, and faith in God. "It's better to be authentic than to be a copy of someone else. I’m not another anybody. That me-ness makes me different". Listen as this screenwriter, whiz kid, and history buff weaves a compelling story of his journey from being socially awkward to aligned with purpose. Check out his blog: Nine2-Go.com

Mariel shares his growth and what made him into the complex creative adult he is today. This Congolese-born brother is going through very familiar struggles that many of us can relate to when adulting. It’s his vulnerability and reflection that sets him apart and keeps him going. He gives us tales of political battles during school in Texas and a scary story of getting back from Tanzania at the beginning of the pandemic.  Connect with him on his website: marielkanene.com to keep up with all the cool things he’s working on. He’s got a bunch he’ll be launching in 2021.

Kahlil comes from Arlington, TX and moved into academia in the DC area. He is pushing hard to make sure Black folks are no longer abused by the United States. He is outraged that this is still an issue. This recent author tells the story of the nuances of being a Black man in his book Stereotypes of the Black Male: Changing the Narrative for Misunderstood Black Males One Story at a Time. Also, this Phd student schools us on how social work can be seen through the lens of his passions hip-hop and spoken word. Check him out on instagram at @tsgriottmg

Saddi is a brother from Jackson, Mississippi. He’s a twin and natural problem-solver. This impact-driven marketer shares who he is, how he’s developed community moving to Atlanta, and how he is growing in his long-term relationship. He’s the coolest brother you’ll ever meet and he’s definitely a deep thinker that tries to stretch our imagination. He spends his free time building things But please get his name right or at least ask him before you mispronounce Sah-DEE. Check him on Twitter @saddisundiata or Instagram @sundiata

Brian, a member of the LGBTQ community and sports lover that originally came from a Southern Baptist family in Minneapolis  is making a big transition during this pandemic of pandemics. Across the US, Portland to Atlanta, from working with the NBA ticket sales to medical device sales, and from almost a decade of relationships as well. He navigates all of his change while still trying to balance how all Black people can win. He shares all parts of himself and how he manages his evolution. Connect with him: instagram (@MplsBuck83), twitter (@Mplsbuck)

Emmanuel Amponsah, a young brother from Ghana, Africa honors his heritage, blackness, and culture. This emerging scholar reckons with identity and the contradictions that seek to undermine his sense of self. Emmanuel is brave enough to reveal his fears and wrestle with uncertainty en route to a life of meaning. Come witness this critical phase of black manhood that often shapes how we engage our futures. Check him out at: Facebook.com/overtheprecipice

Steve Vassor,  a visionary and values driven thought leader offers insight on how to navigate hard times with a sense of dignity and purpose. This hip-hop aficionado and non-profit leader is emerging to a new phase in life. He invites us into a world where Covid 19, personal loss, and injustice test his resolve and challenge his dreams for the future. Join us. Check out some of the work he's doing at: Leading While And he's DJ-ing for a change here: Mix4Change

Bill Weekes is a working man and a family man, concerned with the basic necessities in life. Being a good person, being good to others, and striving to be better along the way.  The good life….Is it complicated or is it simple? Come join us for another episode and find out what Bill has to say. It’s quite interesting.

Hobson McCain, an aspiring attorney, political conversant, and co-host of the “Woke & Restless” podcast examines the paradox of black manhood. His vision, hope, and intelligence comes into conflict with the harmful systems that challenge his black male identity and sense of self. https://www.facebook.com/WokeAndRestless/ https://anchor.fm/kermit-ray-thomas https://open.spotify.com/show/5bhisTfUi6qLiHgKkyRkVI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/woke-and-restless/id1508203769

Gabrielle Lawrence is an accomplished actor, filmmaker, and educator who shares his darkest thoughts and deepest fears. On this episode we learn the strength of vulnerability and how a black man finds hope when all seems hopeless. Oh, and in this episode he gives us an in depth look into suicide, which is very often taboo in the black community. If this subject is in anyway triggering please consider one of our other great episodes. Be safe and call 1-800-273-8255 if you’re struggling with suicide.  

This young prodigy talks about his global reach and constructing a new world through ideation and innovation. He muses on the value of creative entrepreneurship and the importance of building bridges across communities. Ziere is the future embodied. Find him at on instagram @davionziere Or check out his latest company Origyn.eco

Peter J Fernandez, a black Portuguese man, who is an actor, educator, and family man talks civil disobedience then and now, and how life is often lived in the grey. His wisdom is infectious as he invites us into his complex journey of black manhood.

With the Coronavirus pandemic at its apex, and social justice protests sweeping the nation, Brandon, a young black brother trying to make his way and live out his purpose on the streets of Chicago talks about his hopes, pain, fears, and tears. Come join LMIM as we pull back the layers of a life trying to navigate unpredictable terrain. @stillSAMO - Twitter @elroywstnd - Instagram pbrandn@gmail.com - email

Join us as we talk with Andrew Wilkes, of Atlanta, GA. Andrew is an intellectual, a Preacher, a Pastor, an Educator. A brother who understands the value of community, the village, and how it cultivates the best of our black manhood. Check out his congregation here: www.doubleloveexperience.org

The first episode of the podcast! Join us as we give you insight on the purpose and the why behind the Let Me Introduce Ourselves podcast.