Change Maker Spotlight: Mr. Brandon Frame of TheBlackManCan.org!

Have you ever met a man and you thought to yourself, that’s one strong brother?! That’s how I felt when I first had the chance to me meet Brandon Frame, creator of TheBlackManCan.org nearly two years ago. In addition to creating TheBlackManCan.org Brandon is also the Vice-Principal of High School INC. in Hartford, Connecticut and a graduate of Morehouse College oh and did I mention he’s just 25! We just launched the 2nd Annual Black Man Can Awards so I thought it fitting that we interview the man behind the brand, do enjoy and share, we should never miss a chance to support positive brothers!

BCG: Tell me more about The Black Man Can? How did it get started? What drives your passion behind your site?
Brandon Frame: TheBlackManCan is a media platform that is dedicated to actively promoting a positive Black male image. It has become the #1 source for positive images and narratives of Black boys and men. The goal is to provide the positive contradiction to the prevailing Black male image of today.

M.K. Asante is one of my favorite scholars and he says, “Once you make an observation you then have an obligation.” I made the observation that we black boys and men need to see positive images of ourselves. I also made the observation that Black men are extremely diverse and making positive contributions to communities around the world and that story needs to be told. In April of 2010, I took all of the observations that I had made and turned them into action and created theblackmancan.org. April 2013 marks three years and what TheBlackManCan has become is amazing and I am excited to see where it will go.

What drives my passion are the emails, phone calls, and text messages, which come from people all over the world, telling me how much they love TheBlackManCan and all it has to offer! The energy that comes from the people contacting me fuels me to provide positive images of Black boys and men with what feels like no effort! When I started, I wondered if people really wanted to see positive images of Black men. Over 2.5 million views later I can say, “Yes people want to see positive images of Black boys and men!” I now have the responsibility to provide that to people all around the world.

BCG: What annual event(s) does TheBlackManCan host to bring about awareness/fundraise about the positive image of Black men and boys?
Brandon Frame: We have two major events:
i) TheBlackManCan Awards (BMCAs), which is an online awards show designed to honor EXTRAordinary Black men and boys. We take in nominations from over 10 different categories. We pick 3-5 finalists, set up online voting, and announce the winners on Father’s Day. The BMCAs started last year and were a huge success. We are very happy to bring it back for its 2nd installment with nominations opening in April of 2013.

I have to first say thank you, Black Celebrity Giving, as you are our title sponsor of the BMCAs. This year’s sponsors include Solo Noir for Men, Hip Hop Gives Back, Final Frame Ties, and of course, TheBlackManCan.

ii) We also have the TheBlackManCan Institute (TMBCI), which is a one-day institute for boys of color and designed up uplift, empower, inspire and educate boys of color to be different, be great, and never stop. All young men in attendance receive TheBlackManCan Journal, neckties, knowledge, and positive self-identity. We recently put on an Institute in Hartford, CT and we have plans to conduct institutes in Omaha, NB; New Haven, CT; Springfield, MA; Baltimore, MD and many more places across the country. If there are any other cities interested in hosting us, please contact us at theblackmancan@gmail.com so we can started on planning.

BCG: As a Black male yourself, what drove you to create a platform that highlights positivity? Did you face negative perceptions yourself?
Brandon Frame: Growing you as a Black male in America, at some point in your life you realize that being a Black male in America is different from being a white male in America. In my teenage years I was aware that people of all races–including my own—have preconceived notions of what I can and cannot do. I also saw the images that were promoted about me, a Black male, on various media outlets. The negative images have a drastic impact on how the world views us and, even more importantly, on how we view ourselves. Ni’am Akbar says, “the first function of education is to provide identity,” and with that quote in mind I created TheBlackManCan. I needed to create a platform that would allow for Black men and boys to build a positive self-identity.

BCG: How can others get involved with your cause within their local communities?
Brandon Frame: First and and foremost, they can promote a positive Black male image in their own communities through volunteering, mentoring, and finding other ways to give back. We would also love to bring TheBlackManCan Institute to cities all over the world, so please reach out to us at theblackmancan@gmail.com. We want to connect with all the islands of success to create sustainable social change.

BCG: What are some of your major accomplishments or awards?
Brandon Frame:I was not expecting this question… But, I guess it’s an important one because it forces me to stop and smell the roses. I am always moving to try and make a difference and be the change that I do not stop and take a look at what I have already done or accomplished. At twenty-five years of age, I have to count the blessings I can and cannot see! I listed several things, after reflecting, that I’m very proud of below:

1) At 23 I became a school administrator at High School, Inc. in Hartford, CT. It is very rare that, at such an early age, one ascends to such a leadership position within a school.

2) In 2012 I was awarded the Excellence in Education Award at the Black Street Black Celebration Awards. I remember when I made the decision not to pursue a career in Corporate America, but to leverage one in education for the betterment of youth development where it matters most. When I heard my name called I was truly honored and humbled. I have to thank Jaleith Gary who nominated me for the award.

3) On March 23rd of 2013 I put on TheBlackManCan Institute in Hartford, CT. Our keynote speaker was The Honorable State Representative Brandon L. McGee, Jr. and before he gave is speech he gave me an official citation from the State of Connecticut for TheBlackManCan Institute and my work with the youth. I again was humbled and honored.

I continue to do the work that God put me on this earth to do. It is my ministry and to be recognized for it puts a huge smile on my face and pushes me forward, even if and when I get discouraged or overwhelmed.

BCG: Wow, you have done so much at such a young age; What projects and/or programs are you working on?
Brandon Frame: We are going to grow TheBlackManCan Institute and look for more cities that would like for TBMCI to come and have an impact. I recently named Terris King, II as the Executive Director of TBMCI. I think he can take TheBlackManCan’s vision to the next level.

I recently released a web series titled, “Cuts and Conversations” which has a motto of “Real talk from the Barbershop.” The first episode is out and the 2nd one is coming soon.

TheBlackManCan Awards are coming in April and will be even bigger and better than last year’s with our sponsors: Black Celebrity Giving, Solo Noir for Men, Final Frame Ties, and Hip Hop Gives Back.

Lastly, at my school High School, Inc. where I have several programs established, I’m very proud of my Global Business Excursion that took place in early April. I took 22 of my scholars to London and Paris to visit the major tourist destinations and visit the Travelers, UnitedHealthCare and Lloyd’s of London offices.

BCG: So we hear you recently release a book, tell us all about it.
Brandon Frame: Yes, I released a guided journal. It is titled Define Yourself, Redefine the World: A Guided Journal for Black Boys and Men. I wanted to create a journal designed specifically for Black males that would allow them to build their critical consciousness through reflection. This journal specifically and effectively addresses the need for introspection during the transition from childhood to manhood for Black boys. In the true spirit of self-determination, this journal provides an inspirational slate for boys and men to define themselves outside of the mass media’s controlling images by which they are bombarded on a daily basis. I have received very good feedback thus far. I have a major focus on getting the journal into schools, mentoring programs, rites of passage programs and more.

BCG: Just on a personal level, I want to commend you for your efforts and unwavering pursuit. What final words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers?
Brandon Frame:“Be so reminded of Martin and Malcolm, yet so inspired to sketch your own path. At all times Listen. Learn so you can lead and always Be Different, Be Great, and Never Stop.”