“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”
Ugh, it happened again!
The vision to start this blog had been tugging at me for a while. I fought the urge, but here I am—finally giving in. Truth be told, I couldn’t resist any longer. There are too many ideas, too many experiences, and too much knowledge I want to share with you.
Roots & Routes has been a long time coming. In conceptualizing this blog, I dug deep into my past, revisited lessons learned and embraced new discoveries about myself and the world around me. I realized that growth isn’t just about where we’ve been—it’s also about where we’re going.
And so, I’m thrilled to welcome you to the official launch of Roots & Routes!
Here, you’ll find a space rich with ideas, how-to’s, must-haves, and inspiration—all crafted with the intention of empowering and elevating us. But before we dive in, let me start by sharing why this blog exists and what you can expect moving forward.
Why Did I Start This Blog?
One of my favourite thinkers, W.E.B. Du Bois, once asked:
“How does it feel to be a problem?”
In his landmark work, The Souls of Black Folk, Du Bois explored how Black people weren’t just seen as having problems—but rather as being the problem. The weight of this question has never left me. What does it mean to exist in a world where your very being is seen as an issue?
I refuse to see myself that way.
I love being Black. I love my skin—the richness of its brown, the fact that no single crayon could ever match it perfectly. I love the way our hair defies gravity, the way it refuses to lay down, much like our history—rising, resisting, reclaiming. I love our resilience, our culture, our undeniable presence.
Yet, despite all that power, we are often treated as a problem.
But here’s the thing—I believe that one way to combat negativity is through self-improvement and self-empowerment. Not for the sake of proving ourselves to society, but for ourselves, our well-being, and our future generations.
Roots & Routes is about that journey.
Self-improvement isn’t about conforming to societal norms. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself—on your own terms. Sometimes, that means rejecting what is “acceptable.” Sometimes, it means prioritizing your happiness. Sometimes, it means embracing the richness of who you are without apology.
At its core, this blog exists to celebrate, empower, and uplift Black men in all their forms.
Because what makes the Black man powerful isn’t just his strength—it’s his history, his ancestors, his love, and his legacy.
What Can You Expect from Roots & Routes?
One of the things I love most about being a Black man is that there is no single way to exist.
We are not a monolith. We are travellers, intellectuals, creatives, builders, fighters, lovers, thinkers, and dreamers.
That’s why this blog won’t be confined to one single lane. Instead, it will explore various aspects of our experiences, from growth and self-improvement to the things that bring us joy, health, and wealth.
Here’s what you can expect:
✔ Personal Growth & Self-Improvement – Strategies to become a better man, on your own terms.
✔ Mental Health & Emotional Wellness – Conversations on therapy, masculinity, and breaking generational cycles.
✔ Finance & Wealth Building – Guidance on money management, investing, and building Black generational wealth.
✔ Health & Fitness – Tips on maintaining strength, longevity, and overall well-being.
✔ Love & Relationships – Exploring love from a Black man’s perspective—romantic, platonic, and self-love.
✔ Leisure & Travel – Embracing adventure, culture, and the freedom of movement.
✔ Black History & Legacy – Honoring our roots while forging new paths forward.
At the end of the day, Roots & Routes is about two things: where we come from and where we’re going.
So, whether you’re here for wisdom, motivation, or just a fresh perspective, welcome. I hope you find something here that resonates with you, challenges you, and helps you grow.
Let’s build together.
Are you ready to take this journey? Let’s get started.
