Deray Mckesson, Combat Jack And Other Black Influencers Portray Icons

Black Lives Matter Activist Deray McKesson Portrays Martin Luther King Jr. In Black History Campaign

We love this! The same group of young women who put together last year’s tribute to black female icons has returned with another amazing campaign, this time with black men as the focus:

Style Influencers Group LLC, a collective for multicultural digital influencers founded by Jessica C. Andrews (Glamazons Blog), Christina Brown (Love Brown Sugar), and Lexi Felder (Lexi With The Curls) celebrates positive and uplifting icons in the black community with the second annual “We Are Black History” campaign, presented by African Pride. This campaign aims to shine a positive light on modern day influencers while paying homage to the historic figures that paved the way.

The campaign features the following influencers: Activist, Organizer and Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Deray Mckesson (as Martin Luther King, Jr.); Loud Speakers Network founder and “The Combat Jack Show” star Reggie Ossé (as Paul Robeson); Essence.com Digital Content Director, Anslem Samuel Rocque (as Jackie Robinson); STASHED Editor-in-Chief and Founder Kazeem Famuyide (as Richard Wright); Writer and The Lowe Factor Founder Jared Michael Lowe (as Langston Hughes); CEO of Kings Rule Together Clothing Curran J. (as Malcolm X); Digital Culture Consultant Cory Townes (as W.E.B. Dubois); and Writer and Arts Educator Joshua Bennett (as Frederick Douglas). The second #WeAreBlackHistory series was photographed by Jerome A. Shaw and styled by Kristina Taylor with skin-perfecting by Alana Wright and grooming by Akeesha Edwards of The Teknique Agency.

“African Pride is honored to be a part of the Style Influencers Group’s 2016 ‘We Are Black History’ campaign. It’s the perfect fit for us because African Pride is rooted in celebrating black people. Taking these men who are influential in areas like media and social justice and featuring them as historical figures is a beautiful way to celebrate Black History Month and highlight the spirit of excellence that we know exists among men of color,” said Charlene Dance, Global Marketing Director, Strength of Nature.

Strength of Nature really does some great work, we’re glad they stepped up to sponsor this amazing campaign.

Peep some BTS footage below:

Here’s more info on the project:

The “We Are Black History” movement was created to honor black history and foster a sense of unity among powerful black voices in the digital space. Each influencer has a personal connection to the legend that they’re paying homage to. They were selected because they’re making a tangible impact and shaping black history with their words, actions, and images.

“In no way are we claiming to be the next iteration of these icons. We’re simply paying homage to them for the way they’ve inspired us in our careers and beyond,” says Jessica C. Andrews, Co-Founder, Style Influencers Group.

“After last year’s successful campaign featuring all black women, I was honored to shoot this year’s series with all male influencers. The difference this year from a photography standpoint is that I decided to go more dramatic with lighting, deep shadows and a black background. It was great to see each subject’s emotional reaction after viewing the final image of themselves on screen,” says Jerome A. Show, Photographer.

Join the conversation by using the hashtag #WeAreBlackHistory and follow Style Influencers Group on Instagram at @StyleInfluencers

Hit the flip for all of the amazing images.

Photo Credit: Jerome A Shaw