Sean Hembrick
Graduate Student M.Ed in Student Affairs in Higher Education
Texas State University
Graduation Date: May 2018
Community Involvement: President, Graduate Student of Color Alliance
Director of Professional Development, Graduate Student Affairs Council
1. What does "Distinguished Gentleman" mean to you?
When one thinks of the term "distinguished," you think of a person worthy of an honor and for me this is an honor to be featured amongst some powerful individuals. A "gentlemen" is a man, a caregiver, provider. He is one who knows his path and follows with pride. A distinguished gentlemen is both half man and have power, for he is gifted, intelligent, and living, living in the image of God and staying ahead never looking back.
2. What is your brand and how did you get started? (If you do not have a brand, you could talk about moves you’ve made to make a difference in your community, job/career, etc and how it has helped you)
I think a brand has to be something that not only ignites oneself but makes other become one with you. This is what my fashion blog entitled Dapper Renaissance is about it's a flavor of what and who one is, a mixture of creativity and style, a passion fruit enriched in the taste of fashion, we brining back the 20s with a 21st century aspect, be on the look out soon. As far as moves I always stay pushing as a first generation student I have continued to give back being involved in my community back in my hometown of New York City as an active mentor and critical reading advisor for a nonprofit called Minds Matters. Having obtained my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in 2012, I have taught several writing classes to high schoolers and started a creative writing club at a local high school.
3. What is your dream goal and how do you plan on achieving it?
My dream goal is to be more than society deems me as. That being a Black male in America. But let me tell you something about my Black skin it's powerful and my dream is to continue to educate young men of color recognize that their Black and Brown skin is also worth more than what society has showed them.
4. Name a moment that you feel helped shape you into the young man that you are today.
I grew up without a father figure in my life. My father was never around and I had to grow up fast. However, this was a blessing because in growing I learned about myself and my strengths and weakness. Part of this journey called life is understanding that love conquers all. I found support when needed, gathered networks, mentors, and a few friends alone the way, but in being shaped to the man I am today I owe it to my upbringing being a young man in New York and my grandparents for their strength and guidance.
5. Name a person (dead or alive) that you look up to & why?
I don't really have an idol, but if I had to choose it would be our savior Jesus Christ (if you believe). Why you may ask because many of the people I admire (Angela Davis, Maya Angelou, MLK, Malcolm X, Auntie Maxine, ect...) are all a part of his creation, as am I so Jesus because no one can die on a cross hands and feet nailed and take away the sins of the world, you tell me if that's isn't some powerful ish.
6. When it comes to being a man, what do you feel should be the three core values that a gentleman should uphold?
As society has this construct of what masculinity should be like I think it is important if you identity as a heterosexual male, transman, gay, bi,queer man, ect that you know who you are and what you stand for.
Three core values any man should uphold, gentlemen, ect are as follows: 1. Respect- Respect yourself, your work, your world, and others will respect you. 2. Be Authentic- Don't hide behind your fears but become one with yourself, for being fake is nothing more than a knockoff of who you really are. And 3. Believe- If you have faith stay faithful, if you believe in yourself push forward, but believe in wo or what you give your all too because this will get you through when you have no one, or nothing.
7. What is a quote that live by and how do you live up to it?
One of my favorite quotes comes from the book, The Great Gatsby and I quote, "My life has to look like this. It has to keep going up..." This is my favorite quotes because it's a testament that life has to continue, there is no rewind button, you either have to keep going or get left behind.
8. Piece of advice that you would give to young men of color who do not believe in themselves or lack role models?
To all the young men of color know one thing, you are loved, gifted and will achieve any and all things if you stay strong and focus. The times may be bleak. Our brothers are getting killed, white privilege is prevalent, yet you are brothers and your skin is a bond with the millions of slaves who have fought for you to be here. Stay strong brothers and never ever give up hope, for it is your strongest motivator.
Contact: @mr_esquireh (instagram)
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