Peace and love family. Here's another dynamic interview in this "Black Legacy" series. This one features a ridiculously talented and hard-working brother, Tomike Ogugua, whom I had the pleasure to connect with on social media a few years ago. We recently met for the first time as I interviewed him on the 300th episode of my talk show, "SRDaily" at Ben & Jerry's in New Jersey, just a few short weeks ago.
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Tomike Ogugua is a Nigerian-American actor whose commanding presence and undeniable talent have made him a rising force in film and television. Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, Tomike discovered his passion for storytelling early on and honed his craft at North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a BFA in Professional Theatre.
His professional career took root in Chicago’s vibrant Off-Loop theatre scene, where he sharpened his skills on stage before making the pivotal transition to New York City. Since then, Tomike has built an impressive body of work, with standout roles across television and film. He is best known for his gripping three-season run as U.S. Marshal Macedon on Starz’s flagship series, the OG Power, solidifying his place in the industry. His dynamic performances have also graced screens on CBS, Netflix, CNN, ID Channel, Prime Video, and Lifetime Movie Network, proving his versatility across genres.
As a performer committed to depth and authenticity, Tomike continues to expand his artistic reach. He currently stars in several high-profile projects, including Emmy nominee Attika J. Torrance’s feature film Sins of the Father, Bruce Gorman’s Weekend at the Agamemnons alongside the legendary Austin Pendleton, and Shadows, featuring hip-hop artist Saigon (Prime Video). He also appears in Payback (Prime Video), adding another thrilling chapter to his ever-evolving career.
With several projects slated for 2025, Tomike Ogugua remains an actor to watch—bringing intensity, nuance, and passion to every role he takes on.
Personal Legacy Journey
Q1: Tell us about your upbringing. What early influences shaped who you are today?
A1: I was born and raised in Durham, NC, to Nigerian immigrant parents, but raised by a single mother. She’s my biggest influence because I learned what hard work was from her.
Q2: What inspired you to pursue your career path? Were there pivotal moments that changed your direction or perspective?
A2: I started my career journey in undergrad, actually in media. I did radio at WNAA 90.1 FM in Greensboro, as a journalism major on the campus of NC A&T State University. I was told from adolescence that I had a “voice that carried”, so I figured a career in broadcasting made the most sense. But during my course work I took a speech class with a bunch of theatre majors that changed everything. I switched majors to theatre with an acting concentration and the rest is history.
Q3: Who have been your biggest role models or mentors, and how have they impacted your journey?
A3: My biggest role model is my Mom. That’s a strong woman. I have had many mentors over the years. The mentor that made the biggest difference is Jerome Preston Bates, a pretty much legendary actor based in NYC. He introduced me to important people, places, and things as a young actor coming up in NYC. He’s always been a huge supporter.
Community Impact and Responsibility
Q4: How has your work contributed to the Black community?
A4: I used to teach drama, acting, theatre, and leadership in the five boroughs with different community based organizations or CBOs. I tried to instill confidence and integrity in my students. I am also an anti domestic violence advocate, having worked with organizations like Sisters In Charge based in Atlanta.
Q5: In your opinion, what does Black male leadership look like today, and how can it grow stronger?
A5: We have got a lot of work to do. I mean a lot. I just saw how Mayor Adams just had his corruption charges dropped by the DOJ. But I know why. He cozied up to 45. Then on the other hand, my Mayor Ras Baraka, who is running for NJ Governor as we speak, stood up to 45 and ICE. We just need leaders who have backbones and integrity.
Q6: How do you empower others, particularly younger Black men, to succeed and leave their own legacy?
A6: I think the biggest way to empower others is to reject gatekeeping and give information to others who may not have had the exposure to certain things. I love to give information and advice to others who come after me. That’s what I did as an educator.
Black Culture and Heritage
Q7: What does Black culture mean to you?
A7: Black Culture is EVERYTHING. I was born and raised in Durham, NC. Durham has a legacy of Black entrepreneurship and success. That rich history is what I was raised in.
Q8: How do you stay connected to your heritage, and why is it important for others to do the same?
A8: I stay connected to my heritage by honoring my Ancestors. I speak to my Mom almost every day, and she always reminds me of who I am. It’s important because a tree without its roots is useless.
Q9: What does the word "legacy" mean to you as a Black man?
A9: Legacy. I personally think it means leaving your mark on this Earth and attempting to leave it better than you found it. My lasting legacy at this point in time is my daughter. The lessons I teach her will live on in her and she will pass that on to her future family. Also, I have over two decades of work on stage, and in television and film that will last forever on celluloid.
Vision for the Future
Q10: What are your hopes for the future of the Black community?
A10: My hopes are that more of us will become financially literate. There are things I am learning now that I should have learned as a child. Instead of Algebra, I should have learned what Mutual Funds are; Forex, Options, Roth IRAs, etc… as well as the many ways life insurance can create generational wealth. There are a lot of people, not just Black people, that just don’t know this stuff and it’s frustrating. It's a shame. Just imagine if you paid a premium each month for a cash value or IUL policy, starting at 18 years old or 21 years old until you’re 40 years old. You’re a millionaire or close to it due to the compound interest, tax free. So that’s my hope. That we gain more knowledge on real estate, land, and other things that will empower us.
Q11: What advice would you give to young Black men seeking to define their purpose and build a meaningful legacy?
A11: To find something that you love to do, and do it well, then teach others. Do something positive that will impact your community.
Q12: How can we, as a collective, work toward a stronger, united future for Black people?
A12: For me, it’s simple. We must stop lying, getting jealous of each other, and genuinely want each other to WIN. And we must help each other win. Ego and petty BS stand in the way of a lot of things.
Rapid-Fire Insights
Q13: What is your favorite book or movie about Black excellence?
A13: I’ll give you a favorite film; “Harlem Nights”.
Q14: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A14: The best advice I ever received was simply, "Believe in yourself."
Q15: What’s one word that describes your legacy so far?
A15: One word that describes my legacy so far is persistent.
Q16: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A16: My favorite childhood memories are winning T-Shirt design contests in elementary, middle, and high school. I was an amazing artist as a child.
Q17: What was your dream as a child
A17: My dream as a child was simply to escape poverty.
Thank you all for reading this powerful interview. I believe that we all will be seeing brother Tomike's face on our screens a lot more as time keeps moving. Because if you haven't gathered from the interview, he won't stop until he accomplishes his goals. And even then, I'm sure he'll set new goals and strive to reach higher heights.
Please remember to leave a comment and then share this article with your people. Thank you so much.
Peace & Love,
Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston
Founder, Lashawn Marston Enterprises
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