This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we published "BLKBND," on the Rise of the Urban Creative, framed by the self-crafted BLK male identity, and the BND of historical brotherhood. See the full editorial here.
Then we asked each BLKBND share a piece of himself.
BLKBND 008
PRODUCT DESIGNER, BRAND CONSULTANT
Who are you?
Nu Goteh. Born in Monrovia, Liberia. Grew up in Lowell, MA - 30 minutes outside of Boston.
What words do you live by?
"We having a fun, but not playing around." - my own
Describe yourself, today, in 3 words.
Thinker, Mover, Maker.
Describe the man you aspire to be, 3 words.
Reliable, Inviting, Inspiring.
What do you fear?
I fear what I know, what I don't know—but most importantly what I don't know I don't know.
What are you proud of?
Setting standards for myself and exceeding them.
What are you searching for?
Self.
How will you find it?
From the reflection of those that are the closest to me.
Who do you want to become? What do you want to accomplish?
I want to become a fruition magician, with the ability to turn fleeting thoughts into sustainable reality.
What have you created in yourself, for yourself, and of yourself, to put forth in pursuit of your creative goals?
I have created platforms (physical, digital and mental) for people to connect, share and manifest. Selection of some of my digital works—most are tied to a physical experience in some form.
whatup.nu
Alillouder.com
SDMPrimer.com
movemovemove.party
all-good.co
didwelandonthemoon.org
mixcloud.com/NU_
What's a pivotal moment or opportunity—whether existential or circumstantial—that's brought you to where you are today, as a man and a creative?
That moment sophomore year of college when I saw a flyer for a music, art and fashion event as an open invite to email the agency organizing it and ask for an internship. Resulting in my first paid design and marketing gig, which allowed me to meet my mentors, who opened countless doors that I am currently keeping open until we all make it in.
As a BLK male, how have you crafted the persona that you present to the world?
Confident, in control (of myself), calculated, with a dose of effortless, healthy helping of comfort and a scoop of empathy and compassion.
Speak to your style philosophy. What does it mean to you?
Style: I think style is about knowing yourself and what works for you. Being able to be the best you in whatever you put on. Not being driven by trends or brands. I don't think you can ever have style without knowing yourself. Style is the nucleus: it's what makes a simple grey tee, jeans and a smile the ideal outfit when everyone else is dressing like a clone of a Kanye clone.
The BLK BND is an agent of life. What code of behavior and knowledge does he/do you use to navigate the world as an agent of the black male identity?
Awareness. Being fully aware of self and thy power but also understanding how it affects others.
BLK BND also signifies a brotherhood, the bond between men who understand where they come from, and the mindful positioning of self to create success for themselves. How does that come into play in your life? What signifies success to you?
You're only as good as the company you keep. Those who are around you are the best mirror—without your brothers to check you and get you into line, clown on you when you're feeling yourself too much or help you up when you're at the bottom... we would all be lost.
site nugoteh.com
instagram nupacshakur