On this episode, I talk to my long time friend Toney. At 26 years old, Toney is one of the most intelligent, insightful and reflective people I know. He is at the point of adulthood where he is reflecting on various things he learned coming of age in DC and how they are applying to life as an adult in the DMV. Toney had meaningful experiences with Life Pieces to Masterpieces which instilled Pan-African ideas around the collective (communal success, hard work and integrity). But now, he is learning to navigate a predominately white professional environment as a Black man while working through the American capitalistic ideals of individual success.
Toney talks about the anxiety that can come from working in white, capitalist, individualist spaces. We delve into the gentrification his family experienced and the disconnect between the historic Civil Rights Movement and contemporary issues effecting the Black community. We talk about the evolution of his Black identity and the growth in his relationships with people of other races/ethnicities and the LGBTQ+ community.
We also discuss his current views and perspectives of activism and the impact of social media.
Book Recommendation:
Ishmael -Daniel Quinn
Song Toney is Rocking To:
Toney is on IG @mr.toneytone
Kyle is on IG @realdadult