Recently, NBCBLK28 honored “Black America’s 28 under 28” — “young and gifted” innovators, vanguards, trendsetters and pioneers. Those whom they consider game changers defying stereotypes and “redefining what it means to be young, gifted and unapologetically Black” in America.
Out of the 28, the stories and achievements of the following 5 bright individuals uniquely impressed us:
THE MELANIN GODDESS: The Senegalese-born model was bullied for her ebony complexion growing up, but now she’s an inspiration to many young women. Khoudia Diop recently signed a modeling contract with an agency called The Colored Girl Inc., an agency that is changing the narrative of what it means to be Black and beautiful. Read more…
FASHION ENGINEER: Muktar Onifade works at General Motors as a calibrations engineer. He also brings his technical skill to design high-end streetwear. Now in its third collection, Onifade’s fashion label, VIZUVLGVDS (aka “Visual Gods”), combines the precision and chemistry of engineering with his Nigerian heritage. Every piece is hand-stitched by Onifade in his Detroit studio. Read more…
THE RISING STAR. Kofi Siriboe is captivating Hollywood, currently redefining the complexities of Black manhood as Ralph Angel Bordelon in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama, “Queen Sugar.” Kofi began acting at age six after an encounter with an agent at a Beverly Hills shopping mall.
THE ARTISTIC HEALER. Dancer, activist, and visual artist, she is a major presence on NYC’s ballroom scene and an outspoken HIV and AIDS activist. “24,” LaBeija’s self-portrait photography series was the only work by a woman of color born with HIV to be featured in Arts AIDS America, an exhibition exploring the impact HIV and AIDS have had on American art and culture. Read more…
KEEPING IT GREEN. As a teen growing up on Chicago’s West Side, Darius Jones found himself in trouble with the law. But his two years at Cook County Jail led him to a garden boot camp and urban agriculture. He now manages Garfield Produce, an indoor vertical farm and a licensed wholesale food establishment in the City of Chicago. Read more…