Dear Black Man, you are seen, you are valued, and you are celebrated.
The Quintessential Gentleman is proud to feature Antonio “AJ” Williams in our ongoing Dear Black Man series—a collaboration with the talented Carlos Jones Photography. This powerful visual journey captures the depth and complexity of Black masculinity, highlighting the strength, resilience, and individuality that define our community.
AJ Williams, an MBA Recruiter and proud Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member, is committed to health, fitness, and wellness. Standing at 6’4″, he transformed his fitness journey in 2018, focusing on looking good and feeling good. Williams now carries that confidence into every space he enters, unapologetically being himself.
City: Atlanta
Profession: MBA Recruiter
Instagram: A.Jay.Williams
Interests/Hobbies: I am into health/fitness/wellness. I have always been active/athletic (tennis & karate) but in 2018, I started to take my fitness journey more seriously. At 6’4 and only 165 pounds, I was extremely lean – to say the least. After age 30, mental and physical health are so important, especially for Black men. For me, it’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good as well!
Story or experience that defined his journey as a Black man: Growing up in a predominantly white area, I learned early that my mere presence could be intimidating to some. I knew who I was at a very young age and I carried myself that way. As I reflect, some of my peers and even some teachers always felt the need to try to humble me or put me in my place. Fortunately, I had parents who constantly reinforced that it was okay to be outspoken, intelligent, confident and strong. And if anyone had an issue with that, it was their problem to deal with, not mine.
Having that strong foundation and reassurance taught me to never shrink myself in order to make others comfortable. It has also allowed me to be myself unapologetically in ANY room.
Dear Black Man… It is okay to admit that you are not ok and to seek help. With the weight of the world on our shoulders and having to live up to certain expectations, it can be daunting. Asking for or seeking help does not make you weak. It takes a strong man to not only acknowledge that there is an issue, but also to take the necessary action to correct it.
How can Black men win in America? As Black men, we have to kill the “crabs in a barrel” mentality. We have to be willing to share, uplift, hold each other accountable and love one another.
What makes you proud to be a Black man? We are literally the blueprint. We shift and shape the culture. We ARE the culture.
Favorite Quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Bro. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We invite you to experience Dear Black Man and join us in celebrating Black manhood. Select images and stories will be featured on our website and social media platforms throughout the coming months.
For more information, click here.
