Néandré Broussard is a visionary, using fashion as a catalyst to empower Black men globally. His brand, Black Menswear, orchestrates events and flash mobs to highlight the transformative power of dressing well, challenging prevailing stereotypes about Black men.
The brutal realities of Southern plantations during the era of slavery are difficult for our contemporary minds to fully grasp. Enslaved individuals faced constant threats, with every step demanding meticulous calculations to avoid punishment, which could range from severe reprimands to death. Among the many instruments of cruelty, clothing emerged as a particularly insidious weapon, leaving lasting scars and chaining Black men in ways that surpassed physical brutality.
Enslavers had two primary goals: maximizing profits from slave labor and ensuring that enslaved Black men remained unaware of their inherent power. Employing clothing as a tool, they subjected Black men to degrading attire, from near nudity in the harsh winter to wearing long shirts resembling dresses. The resulting humiliation, taunts, and insults aimed to strip them of their dignity and masculinity. The enslavers knew that if Black men recognized their true worth, the carefully constructed facade of control would crumble. Such was the potent influence of clothing on a Black man’s sense of self.
NéAndré Broussard is a man of vision and style, leaving an indelible impression with his polished demeanor and impeccable fashion sense. His mission is straightforward: to leverage clothing as a means of empowering Black men globally.
“The media loves to paint the picture of Black men as downtrodden, crude thugs, and too often, we play up to that hurtful stereotype. It’s time to change the narrative of who we as Black men are and what we’re capable of being and how we dress is the perfect way to start that conversation and shift that mindset,” says Broussard, the Founder of Black Menswear, a content creation firm focusing on building an empowering community for Black men.
During a recent event hosted by Lubbock Smith at Dallas’s Black Dahlia, celebrating the launch of Black Menswear Weekend, Broussard was the epitome of grace, engaging with attendees and setting the stage for the Dallas flash mob that followed. The event attracted some of the city’s most fashion-forward and influential individuals, offering a glimpse into the broader significance of the Black Menswear brand.
Broussard emphasizes that Black Menswear is more than just clothing; it’s a platform for dialogue with Black men, one of the world’s most misunderstood groups. His message is clear: looking at your best is a pathway to opportunities. Compliments on one’s attire can lead to profound conversations about entrepreneurship, business, and networking. The image of the stereotypical Black man, perpetuated by the media, fades away, leaving behind a determined individual ready to conquer the world while looking impeccable.
Flash mobs have become Broussard’s signature, showcasing the electrifying synergy of his brand. Despite sweltering Texas heat, the event in Dallas was a testament to unity and excitement. Black men from diverse backgrounds and locations, including the United Kingdom, came together to support this burgeoning movement. In the aftermath, strangers became brothers, committed to ongoing connections, growth, and mutual support.
“Championing our Black men and revealing to them all they can be had to begin somewhere, and it just so happens we chose to build that foundation of change on clothing and looking your best. I firmly believe that when you look good and dress well, you become better. That means you’re now a better father, a better son, and a better husband, and so forth. If you’re an entrepreneur, your business will begin to flourish, and if you’re working a 9-to-5, you’ll be motivated to work harder than you’ve ever done before, all because you’ve now unlocked the door that shifts your way of thinking and lights a path to the next level” asserts Broussard.
NéAndré Broussard, a devoted husband, father, and accomplished businessman, also happens to be the best-dressed man in town. His mission is clear: clothes have the power to transform lives, and he’s determined to prove it, one Black man at a time.
SOURCE: blackpressusa.com