My
main man Mr. J. B. Simple is on his way to audition for a play uptown.
He is taking a peaceful stroll through Central Park trying to clear his
mind and memorize his lines for his potential big break into show biz.
An aspiring spoken word artist and playwright as well, he decides to
read one of his own original monologues for his audition…He keeps a
paper copy of that monologue in his favorite leather briefcase. He also
keeps a copy of Langston Hughes’ “A Dream Deferred” in the briefcase as
well to remind him to always follow through on completing his goals. Mr.
Simple is a big admirer of Langston Hughes & the Harlem
Renaissance. He also enjoys the works of renowned playwright August
Wilson. He feels that both of these men through their works represented
the best of African American Culture and Community with class, dignity
and much reverence. He is someday looking forward to joining the ranks
of these men in the pantheon of great African American griots.
Mr.
Simple keeps it simple as a scholar, artist and community activist.
When he is not in pursuit of his staged goals, he teaches Harlem
Renaissance Literature 101 at Medgar Evers College and Intro to Harlem
Renaissance Art at the Studio Museum in Harlem. Mr. Simple also
implemented an all-volunteer literacy program set up as a book club to
help fight functional illiteracy among teenagers and adults at Greater
Abysinnian Baptist Church. An avid learner (bibliophile) and jazz head,
he spends a lot of his free time reading and researching African
American history at the Schomburg (which helps him in writing his poetry
and plays) and checking out Jazz @ Lincoln Center.
Mr. Simple realizes that “the past is never past” and that we must
sometimes look back in order to go forward. He lives this philosophy not
only through deed, but also style and dress. Originality he believes
comes not through discovering unknown elements but rather rearranging
known elements into a relatively new entity. Genius he believes is
being true to yourself and expressing that “unique you” to the world by
any means necessary. Mr. Simple’s preferred tools of choice in this
regard are words and clothes.
Mr. Simple is all about being black, proud and educated with class
and distinction. He wants to play his part in the re-invention of the
New Negro for the 21st Century by dressing the part. He is not only
dressed for success but also for respect of self and the majestic
culture and tradition he represents. Mr. Simple feels that his is an
idea whose time has come and now it’s time for others join him in the
greatest dress rehearsal ever known! In other words allow me to
introduce ourselves…Our name is Rojeni…The revolution may not be
televised but you should always look the part.
Click Image for Full Album
Writer: Ronald Herd II
Photography: Meryl Jefferson
Styling: Nicole R. Brown and Katina Flemming
Model: Craig Sanders
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