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PORTRAITS IN STYLE AND CULTURE

Meet Wisdom Cole, National Youth + College Director, NAACP

Tell us about your life's work.

 

My life's work centers on building political power for Black communities with youth members of the NAACP. Every day I get to train, organize and mobilize young leaders across the nation fighting for our constitutional rights and freedoms.

 

How does your sense of pride inform what you do?

 

My pride is rooted in my love for my culture. I believe in the resilience, brilliance, and excellence of Black people across the diaspora. It’s knowing that I stand on the shoulders of giants.

 

What do you want your legacy to be?

 

One where culture and politics meet to create power for Black communities to determine their destinies. Ending systems of structural inequity like the student debt crisis is necessary to secure the future for Black lives.

 

What's your take on classic style?

 

I’ve always seen classic style as armor for Black men: clothing used to protect and empower us. I love classic styles with a modern spin on them.

 

Why does activism matter?

 

Activism sheds light where it’s most needed. We've seen activism topple regimes and free people from oppression. It’s one of the most powerful tools at people's disposal.

 

“Activism matters because it drives society forwards.”

 

—Wisdom Cole, National Youth + College Director, NAACP, @WordsOfWisdom27

Tell us about your life's work.

 

My life's work centers on building political power for Black communities with youth members of the NAACP. Every day I get to train, organize and mobilize young leaders across the nation fighting for our constitutional rights and freedoms.

 

How does your sense of pride inform what you do?

 

My pride is rooted in my love for my culture. I believe in the resilience, brilliance, and excellence of Black people across the diaspora. It’s knowing that I stand on the shoulders of giants.

 

What do you want your legacy to be?

 

One where culture and politics meet to create power for Black communities to determine their destinies. Ending systems of structural inequity like the student debt crisis is necessary to secure the future for Black lives.

 

What's your take on classic style?

 

I’ve always seen classic style as armor for Black men: clothing used to protect and empower us. I love classic styles with a modern spin on them.

 

Why does activism matter?

 

Activism sheds light where it’s most needed. We've seen activism topple regimes and free people from oppression. It’s one of the most powerful tools at people's disposal.

 

“Activism matters because it drives society forwards.”

 

—Wisdom Cole, National Youth + College Director, NAACP, @WordsOfWisdom27