Peace and love, family. This is the 4th interview in part 1 of my "Black Legacy" interview series titled, "The Black Man Can." I'm so grateful to have so many incredible Black men around me that, in their own unique ways, are doing their part to make the world a better place for you, and for me, and the entire human race.
The brother featured here is Edwin Freeman, a dear friend turned brother. I've had the pleasure of watching him inspire youth and adults alike. He has also contributed positively to my life. I'm excited to share his interview with you all.
Please remember to leave a comment and then share this article with your networks. Thank you.
Edwin Freeman is a dynamic artist, entrepreneur, and cultural influencer whose impact spans music, film, and fashion. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, New York, Freeman has been a driving force in the entertainment industry since the mid-90s, continuously evolving while leaving an indelible mark on hip-hop and urban culture.
As an independent rap artist, Freeman has built a reputation for authenticity and lyrical prowess. His acting career includes portraying the iconic hip-hop DJ Mister Cee in the blockbuster film Notorious and bringing Young Pop to life in the hit television series Marvel’s Luke Cage. In the world of fashion, Freeman has served as a brand ambassador for renowned urban clothing lines such as Enyce and Parish Nation and currently represents Born Fly and Dreamland as a spokesmodel, embodying the essence of streetwear culture.
Beyond his contributions to music and fashion, Freeman is a visionary filmmaker. As the Executive Producer and Director of the critically acclaimed documentary Beats & Lyrics: The Essence of Rap, he explores hip-hop’s global influence, celebrating the art form’s origins and its profound impact on urban youth and diverse audiences worldwide.
With an unwavering commitment to creativity and culture, Edwin Freeman continues to shape the landscape of entertainment, inspiring the next generation of artists and visionaries.
Personal Legacy Journey
Q1: Tell us about your upbringing. What early influences shaped who you are today?
A1: My roots run deep in Brooklyn, New York, where I was born in the late seventies before my family moved to Queens. Growing up in New York during the eighties and nineties shaped my worldview in profound ways. I come from a proud lineage of Southern migrants, with branches of my family tree extending to Jamaica and Barbados. My ancestors were more than just survivors - they were creators, change-makers, and visionaries. Having artists, revolutionaries, educators, and politicians in my lineage has given me a rich foundation to build upon. I see myself as a fusion of all these influences, carrying forward their spirit of innovation and resilience.
Q2: What inspired you to pursue your career path? Were there pivotal moments that changed your direction or perspective?
A2: Art wasn't just a career choice for me - it was a calling that manifested early in my life. What began as a form of personal expression evolved into something more powerful: a platform for advocacy and inspiration. Through my work, I've discovered that art has the unique ability to not only tell our stories but to inspire others to find their own creative voice. It's become my way of contributing to our collective narrative while encouraging others to do the same.
Q3: Who have been your biggest role models or mentors, and how have they impacted your journey?
A3: My parents stand as my primary role models, but my understanding of leadership and character has been shaped by a much broader community. From the streets of Brooklyn to the neighborhoods of Queens, countless individuals have contributed to my development - some through direct guidance, others through the powerful lessons of their own experiences. My Uncle shared a wisdom that's stayed with me: 'You can learn either by experiencing something yourself or by observing others' experiences.' While my youth might have been marked by trial and error, I've grown to appreciate the value of learning from those who came before me, including those whose struggles showed me paths to avoid.
Community Impact and Responsibility
Q4: How has your work contributed to the Black community?
A4: My contribution to the Black community centers on demonstrating that possibilities are boundless when you combine vision with dedication. The lessons my grandfather instilled in me about leadership, self-reliance, and continuous growth have become the foundation of my message to others. I strive to show that success isn't just about personal achievement - it's about creating a blueprint that others can follow and improve upon. When I share my journey, it's with the hope that others will see their own potential reflected in my story and feel empowered to pursue their dreams with patience and persistence.
Q5: In your opinion, what does Black male leadership look like today, and how can it grow stronger?
A5: Contemporary Black male leadership is far more nuanced and impactful than mainstream media often portrays. We're witnessing a renaissance of Black male excellence across multiple sectors - from community organizing to corporate leadership, from education to entrepreneurship. While challenges persist, we're actively redefining what leadership looks like through our roles as fathers, mentors, educators, and community builders. Our progress is evident, but we remain committed to pushing boundaries and creating new opportunities for future generations.
Q6: How do you empower others, particularly younger Black men, to succeed and leave their own legacy?
A6: My approach to empowering young Black men and women focuses on developing critical thinking and understanding consequences. I emphasize that today's choices shape tomorrow's reality - a simple but powerful truth that guides decision-making. While I can't change my past choices, I can use them as teaching moments to help the next generation make better decisions. I challenge them to surpass my achievements, to learn from both my successes and setbacks, and to create their own paths to excellence. It's about building on the foundation we've laid while reaching for even greater heights.
Black Culture and Heritage
Q7: What does Black culture mean to you?
A7: Black culture represents an unbroken line of excellence that extends far beyond the narratives that often dominate our history books. When I think about Black culture, I see a tapestry of achievements that spans millennia - from the ancient civilizations of Africa to the innovations shaping our world today. Our culture didn't begin with slavery; we were the architects of great civilizations, the founders of sophisticated systems of mathematics, astronomy, and governance. To me, Black culture embodies this continuing legacy of excellence, innovation, and resilience. It's not just about our past greatness but about our present power and future potential to lead and transform the world.
Q8: How do you stay connected to your heritage, and why is it important for others to do the same?
A8: Staying connected to my heritage is a daily practice, not just a casual acknowledgment. I honor my ancestors through my actions, decisions, and the way I carry myself in the world. Their wisdom and sacrifices form the foundation upon which I build, and their spirit guides my path forward. Each achievement we make today stands on the shoulders of countless ancestors who dreamed, fought, and persevered so we could have the opportunities we have now. This connection to our heritage isn't just about remembering the past - it's about understanding our place in a continuing story of excellence and using that knowledge to fuel our forward progress.
Q9: What does the word "legacy" mean to you as a Black man?
A9: As a Black man, legacy means more than just personal achievement - it's about creating lasting positive change that ripples through generations. Legacy is about planting trees whose shade we might never sit under, but that will shelter and nourish those who come after us. It's about breaking new ground, opening doors, and creating opportunities that make the path easier for future generations. Legacy means taking responsibility for not just our own success, but for the collective advancement of our community.
Vision for the Future
Q10: What are your hopes for the future of the Black community?
A10: My vision for the future of the Black community is one of complete liberation - mental, spiritual, and physical. I dream of a future where we fully realize our potential, where our children grow up knowing their worth and their power to shape the world. But this isn't just about individual success; it's about collective elevation. True progress means ensuring that as we climb, we're creating pathways for others to follow. If our achievements don't translate into better opportunities and outcomes for the next generation, then we haven't fulfilled our responsibility.
Q11: What advice would you give to young Black men seeking to define their purpose and build a meaningful legacy?
A11: To young Black men searching for their purpose: Start with self-knowledge. Study your history - not just the stories of struggle, but the countless examples of triumph, innovation, and excellence that are your birthright. Seek out mentors and allies who are actively working to make positive change. Don't let the limitations others might try to place on you become your own limitations. Be bold enough to be the first - the first in your family to start a business, to pursue a particular career, to create something new. But remember that true success isn't just about personal achievement - it's about creating positive change that benefits your community and the world.
Q12: How can we, as a collective, work toward a stronger, united future for Black people?
A12: Building a stronger, united future for Black people requires us to move beyond surface-level differences and focus on our shared goals and values. We need to recognize that our strength lies in our unity and our diversity. This means creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration across different segments of our community, supporting Black-owned businesses and institutions, mentoring the next generation, and working together to address the systemic challenges that affect us all. It's about understanding that individual success is meaningful, but collective progress is transformative. When we unite our resources, skills, and vision, we multiply our power to create lasting change.
Rapid-Fire Insights
Q13: What is your favorite book or movie about Black excellence?
A13: I've read so many in my time, but the best I would say is, Message to the Black Man in America by Elijah Muhammad and the Destruction of Black Civilization by Chancellor Williams. Those books taught me self-knowledge, self-pride and shed light on our historical contributions as a people to world history. They gave me a foundation to be great and to do great things no matter what obstacles I'm faced with and to know that I'm worthy and capable of doing such.
Q14: What is the best advice you've ever received?
A14: My grandfather told me to be a leader and never a follower and to always rely on myself. He encouraged me to draw big and to never be afraid to put in the necessary work to make my dreams come true.
Q15: What's one word that describes your legacy so far?
A15: Inspirational.
Q16: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A16: One of my proudest early moments was presenting a life-sized drawing of Jackie Robinson to his widow, Rachel Robinson, while I was a student in P.S. 15 Queens Jackie Robinson School in a touching ceremony that showed me how art could bridge generations and honor legacies, receiving an award from then Mayor of NYC Ed Koch for creating a drawing for Fire Safety contest in a 1988 citywide concert that was sponsored by the New York Fire Department, and having my artwork displayed at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing. It's always great honor to be recognized as an artist and to have your artwork appreciated.
Q17: What was your dream as a child?
A17: My dream as a child was to be like Michael Jackson. To use my art and talents to inspire others while helping to make the world a better place through humanitarian efforts and edutainment.
Thank you family, for reading this article. I absolutely enjoy watching this brother work. He's so good at what he does. It's an honor to have shared part of his journey with you all here today.
To learn more about him and to follow his creative and entrepreneurial journey, click the following link to access him on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074962633160.
Thank you all once again for reading this important interview. Please remember to leave a comment and then share this article with your networks. Thank you.
Peace & Love,
Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston
Founder, Lashawn Marston Enterprises
What a wonderful interview! It really showed how Edwin Freeman used each lesson and experience to propel himself forward!
Inspirational