Black Models Don't Sell Magazines

This is not about racism.

Several black models and entrepreneurs have trashed and are still trashing that narrative. This is about proving oneself. The mistake we often make as leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, etc., is not realising early that we are the problem.

There is the order of things- age-long orders, good ol’ narratives, established and applauded cultures. There is a way things are done. You cannot just wake up and decide to shake things up. Just like that? Who do you think you are?

It is already bold or stupid of you to think you can change things. It is even more ridiculous to think you can change things overnight or without consequences. Blame our historians. They only amplify the glory days of those who fought for what we freely enjoy today. They hardly talk about their wars as gory as they should.

We talk about the empire Rockefeller built without mentioning the countless court cases and media assassination. For decades, we have seen the richest black man on the planet only at dinners, groundbreakings, expansion ceremonies and Forbes. Thankfully, he reminded us recently that “the rich also cry.”

Even our dear lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, had to prove himself. This doe not refer to the countless miracles and wonders he did. Ask Moses, anyone can do that. He had to rise from the dead and never die again. So, what have you done to prove that you are not a fluke?

Most self-acclaimed entrepreneurs will do better on stage as comic actors because they think the corporate world is a joke. The word “revolutionise” has been severely insulted. Not that the idea or the vision is not worthy of the title. But the founder is not ready to fight for that badge of honour. What then is the essence?

It is war. No one is going to hand you anything on a platter. Ask David, Goliath had to die for him to be worthy of the throne. Blackberry and Nokia had to say their farewells to Apple and Samsung. That no one has to fail for everyone to succeed is for the average person. The throne is for one person, one brand, and one product. Hence, win or get killed. It is not even enough to fight, the only way to prove you are worthy of the throne is to win. There is no plaque for “I tried”.

The new generation of entrepreneurs needs to revisit the life and times of those who laid the foundation for everything they are trying to build. The fathers and mothers of finance, fashion, health, oil and gas, etc. They took business as what it is- war.

If I think you are not worthy of the throne, I do not sit and talk about it. I do not tweet or vlog about it. I do not seek public sympathy. I fight. I find the competitive edge in my product, ideology, marketing, supply chain, or management and I wipe the floor with yours. Let the best man win.

Instead of crying that black women don’t sell magazines, prove that they do.