More than MENtions, changing the image of Afro-Trini youth

Shots fired.

That's the usual first call from the scene. Then the discovery of a body "lying in a pool of blood," followed by wailing and weeping and the onset of deep mourning by mothers and fathers.

It is the scenario all too often for a young Afro-Trinidadian or Tobagonian male, who just as often was always "a good boy."

Statistics have, in fact, revealed that young men of African origin are also the main perpetrators of murder in this country. And while poverty, parental neglect and gang culture are often cited among factors contributing to the problems affecting this demographic, Dike Noel, a relatively young Afro-Trinidadian himself is on a campaign to change society's perception of them.

Through his recently-launched social media platform, MENtions - Stories About Us, Noel seeks to highlight the stories and accomplishments of men under 45.

The creative director argues the discourse must shift from one of stigma and misrepresentation to positivity and an appreciation of human merit.

In a Sunday Newsday interview, Noel said although the platform's Facebook and Instagram pages officially went live on April 19, he began working on the concept and branding in March.

The public relations and corporate communications practitioner said he pays close attention to the public's interaction with the stories on social media by way of shares and comments.

"These stories are told honestly, sometimes revealing the raw reality of their lives and are definitely meant to inspire and encourage others."

Noel said the platform's most recent profile, Tobagonian paediatrician Dr Raulnel Neptune, 32, has reached over 50,000 people and generated more than 1,300 comments.

"I am heartened when I see people comment saying, 'It is a breath of fresh air to read the narratives that make it possible for others to push beyond limitations.'"

Noel considers MENtions-Stories About Us as the first forum of its kind to celebrate the achievements of Afro TT men under 45.

He said he has long been concerned about how this group is viewed by society.

"I am an Afro-Trinidadian in my mid-thirties and I had concerns about the way that Afro-Trinidadian and Tobagonian men in my age group were reflected.

"It is my hope that by telling their stories, other young people, not just those of African descent, can read the journeys and be inspired and encouraged."

Noel said during his research for the project, he did not come across any platform which told the stories of this group.

"This platform, therefore, addresses the need to fill the gap that exists while inspiring and encouraging others."

He went on: "I also believe there needs to be a greater focus on people who are doing good things and making a positive contribution to our society. By doing this, we can let the younger generation see the diverse possibilities that exist."

Noel truly believes the achievements of this group are rarely reflected in public spaces.

"In fact, you see a great deal of stories of young, Afro-Trinbagonian men who are at risk and often the stories are very negative. I felt that rather than talking about the problem and waiting on others to fix it, I should see how I could do something."

He added: "It is also meant to show that all young black males don't reside in prisons, live on the block or are secondary school drop-outs. People in my generation are successful. We are entrepreneurs, attorneys, artists, web developers, marketing gurus and ICT geniuses."

While some of the profiles may already be familiar faces, Noel makes a point of highlighting little-known achievers.

"Too often, we focus on the people who have already accomplished certain things on traditional or known fields and we ignore those who are carrying a niche and doing great things in less traditional fields."

He admits some of the men he has featured are friends and acquaintances while others were introduced to him through mutual contacts "who understand my vision and know the criteria."

Noel said when a name is referred to him, he does his research to ensure the individual fits his criteria.

Apart from the Les Coteaux-born Neptune, MENtions-Stories About Us has also profiled businessman Ajala Pilgrim, spoken word artist Idrees Saleem and Joel Julien, a senior journalist who rebelled as a teenager.

Pilgrim, who holds a Master's degree in marketing, is the force behind the platform Wa Chubble Is Dis?, while Saleem is the winner of the 2014 First Citizens National Poetry Slam and UNATT Poetry Slam 2018.

Noel said about 20 more profiles are expected to be published over the next five months.

"We intend to do a minimum of four features per month for the first year and then we move on to the other phases of the project."

Noel said after a year of posting stories, he intends to implement the second and third phases of the initiative, culminating in a mentorship programme.

He noted several of the men featured have observed that while a number of NGOs, ministries may conduct mentorship programmes, these initiatives are not always impactful because the mentees often do not see themselves through the mentors.

"One of the men we interviewed said the way the country views male mentorship needs to change. But, I leave that decision up to the policymakers. I am just doing my part."