Fashion has always been fascinating to me, it has always been one of the most creative and limitless forms of self-expression. Ever since I was child, and even more now, I’ve always been enthralled by influential fashion figures and how effortlessly they were able to use fashion as art, a voice, a political stance and so much more. Unfortunately for me, growing up in Guyana didn’t allow for that kind of self-expression, the kind of self-expression that breaks gender barriers and uproot ancient systems of hatred. Luckily, I was eventually able to leave my home-country and venture into spaces that accepted those parts of me.
Navigating USA and launching modelling career
Once I figured out how to navigate the USA and all it has to offer, every fiber of my being knew I wanted to model and live my dreams on a runway. I began this journey by first watching and learning from modeling legends as well as local models.
Through social media, I started following more models and studied their modeling career, learned how to apply for shows, what’s needed to become a model and overall, how to exist in the world of modeling as a black queer man in the USA.
The first show I tried out for was at a college level, back in my freshman year. And even though I didn’t get accepted, I was only just getting started. After a few months of researching and applying to shows and agencies, I finally got a call for an interview with a casting agency in New York City named latitude studies during November 2022. My interview went well and in January 2023, I was officially signed. Through this agency I was able to start building my modeling portfolio, find free and paid photoshoots and even apply to Model Management agencies and bigger fashion shows.
Modeling is a competitive career, and as such I had to put my best foot forward every time. I had my fair share of rejections, and juggling modeling and college isn’t always easy. But it was all worth it once I saw the one word “Accepted” in my email. In June of 2023, I landed my first fashion show with the TME (The Model Experience) for New York Fashion Week. It was a riveting feeling because not only was this going to be my first ever runway, but it was the ultimate runway.
New York Fashion week is historically one of fashion’s biggest moments and it remains one of my most liberating and exciting experiences, I was so honored and ecstatic to be a part of it, the exact feeling may never be replicated but I will come very close to it since I’m invited back to strut my stuff with TME once more for NYFW 2024.
After modeling for NYFW in 2023, it opened a lot of opportunities for me, including being on the cover of an internationally published magazine named Hollyway Magazine and the creation of my very own modeling website. This year, I walked for three NYFW shows in February, worked with over 7 designers and photographers Oh anddd! I have another magazine feature coming soon!
Academia
On the academic front, I’ve exceeded my own expectations. I am currently attending the University of Hartford (UHart) majoring in Criminal Justice, minoring in sociology and I’m also a part of the pre-law advising programme. My college journey took a bit of getting used to. I was in a new country with new people from different backgrounds with a whole new way of living. But just like high school days, I couldn’t help but to get involved in the campus community.
I’ve always been a fiery debater. It’s a skilled I got to enhance during my time at Mackenzie High School, thanks to my amazing debating coach, Shemaine Rogers. It’s always been a passion of mine to use my voice to usher in conversations about the society we live and today I get to use my voice to champion the rights of students on campus regardless of their gender, race, religious belonging, nationality etc through my activism with Uhart’s Student Government Association (SGA).
Within SGA I serve as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice chair on our executive board. In my capacity as DEIJ chair, I get to work closely with faculty, staff and students to create impactful resolutions, community fora, events etc. that aims to amplify DEIJ initiatives around campus. Working within groups like the presidents steering committee or DEI faculty senate helps me to champion the voices of students so as to effectuate a more inclusive campus climate. One of my biggest events is Culture Shock 2024.
Culture Shock was a cross-cultural fair that celebrated the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make up our campus community.
The richness of these cultures was celebrated through show-stopping performances, art, food and fashion. GSU North and South café was transformed into a cultural museum showcasing cultural art like never seen before.
On the 31st of January 2024, I received the Martin Luther King Beloved Community Award, this was my first time receiving such a prestigious award.
It was truly an honour not only to receive this award but also to meet and listen to Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson. Richard Robinson is the first African American Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court and hearing from him was truly an inspiring moment.
Now, at the end of my sophomore year, I have accumulated 4 awards as well as a dean’s list placement.
Mentors
More of my positions include Pre-law society President, Spectrum (LGBTQIA) Vice president, Residential Assistant, DEIJB Work-study student, etc. My continued efforts in leadership and advocacy are definitely influenced by some of my stellar mentors who continue to show resilience and commitment in their roles today. Leaders like Ms. Vanessa Kissoon and Mr. Sharma Solomon moulded the leader I’ve become today, and I am forever grateful for their contributions.
I am also grateful to be surrounded by friends and family who have shown love and support through this journey from Guyana.
This journey of mine has only begun to scratch the surface of my true potential. I’ve worked and continue to work too hard to let anyone or anything stand in the way of me and my dreams. I aspire to become the very influential figure that my younger self needed and looked up to.
