Representation has the power to shape identity, influence belief systems, and redefine what individuals see as possible for themselves. In an era where media narratives often dictate perception, platforms that challenge outdated stereotypes and present authentic stories become more than content channels. They become cultural institutions.
NeAndre Broussard recognized this responsibility early. As the Founder and CEO of Black Menswear, he transformed a simple mission of sharing positive imagery into a global cultural impact agency that sits at the intersection of storytelling, community, and brand influence. What began as a response to harmful media narratives has evolved into a platform that empowers Black men worldwide by highlighting leadership, purpose, and excellence.
Through cultural storytelling, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to representation, NeAndre has built Black Menswear into a respected voice shaping conversations around identity, opportunity, and belonging. In this interview, he reflects on the origins of the movement, the leadership lessons behind its growth, and his vision for building the largest ecosystem dedicated to uplifting Black male culture.
Black Menswear began as a movement and evolved into a global cultural impact agency. What inspired you to start it, and what was the vision in its earliest days?
Black Menswear was birthed to combat the abundance of negative narratives that the media so often put out to represent my community. It was extremely difficult for me, as a Black man, to watch how the media painted a picture of men who looked like me but didn’t represent the same values and communities that I was a part of. I wanted to put out so much positive content about Black men that we wouldn’t accept the onslaught of negativity anymore.
Your platform has reshaped narratives around representation and identity. Why was it important for you to create a space that highlighted positive and authentic stories of Black men?
Truly, when you see better, you strive to be better. Until I saw President Barack Obama, I honestly never thought that someone like me could ever hold that office. Now, opportunities seem limitless. Psychologically, that visual safe space helps reduce the glass ceilings we put on ourselves. It provides hope and shows how we can grow and thrive together by seeing positivity within ourselves.
You often operate at the intersection of culture, content, and commerce. How has cultural storytelling become one of the most powerful drivers of brand growth today?
Cultural storytelling is at the forefront of authentic campaigning. Brands must meet the consumer where they are, then bring them along on the brand’s journey. If you don’t align with the consumer authentically, then you can’t build a true community with them. Cultural storytelling shows your target market that you care, and people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
As a founder and CEO, what leadership lessons have you learned while scaling Black Menswear from a community-driven movement into a respected global brand?
I found that servant leadership is truly my best style of empowering others within my organization to reach their potential. We’ve grown so much, not because of doing anything miraculous, but simply because we make people feel seen, heard, and important. It’s the same thing internally. When your team feels empowered, they are personally motivated to achieve the goals set in place. Impact compounds.
As an Influential Black Leader, what responsibility do you feel to shape representation, create opportunities, and redefine how Black excellence is seen globally?
I love having that responsibility because I enjoy seeing the effects that positive representation has on my brothers. I always appreciate the testimonials of people who have been positively impacted through seeing the work, attending the events, or reading the stories we put out. I love being able to share something that makes my people walk bolder in their purpose.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to build purpose-driven brands that create both cultural and business impact?
The first thing you must do is understand what your mission is and hone in on that. I think entrepreneurs fail when they let other people tell them what their mission is, when God gave them the vision. Stay focused on the impact, and the rest will fall into place.
What is your long-term vision for Black Menswear, and how do you hope it continues to shape culture, business, and storytelling?
I see Black Menswear as the foremost authority on Black male culture. I see us as the place where Black men go to find inspiration, whether in real life at our events or online through our social channels. We want to continue building a safe space for Black male upward mobility. We want to grow into the largest Black male ecosystem, fueling our community globally.
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