Demontrice Bigham's Vision for Mentorship and Community Through The Alain Locke Initiative

Demontrice Bigham's sat with Trae Holiday on The Day with Trae shedding light on a critical essentially in the Black community; mentorship for young Black queer men through the Alain Locke Initiative, the initiative aims to provide guidance that many young men lack after graduation. Bigham, drawing from his experiences as a Director of Housing at an HBCU, launched the Allen Lock Initiative to address this gap.

"I realized even more Black queer men, being Black and being queer, you need that sense of mentorship," Bigham explained. "How do you talk to your father about sexual experiences? How do you talk to your father about being attracted to another man?"

Bigham recounted, "I've met so many young men on graduation day, and they're just like, 'Mr. Bigham, what's next? What do I do now?'"

The initiative includes innovative "barbershop talks" that bring together queer and straight men to discuss shared issues. This approach aims to bridge gaps and create a sense of community among Black men, regardless of sexual orientation.

Bigham stressed the importance of collective strength, especially in the face of potential political changes. He reflected on the progress made in recent years and the need to maintain and build upon it.

A key component of Allen Lock is fostering self-esteem and encouraging individuals to speak up in dominant spaces. Bigham emphasized, "Nobody knows if you're not white, heterosexual, we don't know how we're going to navigate through this world at this time."

The Alain Locke Initiative has gained traction through word of mouth, social media, and community events. A successful fundraiser at Plymouth Church demonstrated growing support for the project.

Bigham's work highlights the ongoing need for mentorship and community building in the Black queer community. By providing guidance, fostering self-acceptance, and creating spaces for open dialogue, the Alain Locke Initiative is paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive future for young Black queer men.

For more infromation on Demontrice and the Alain Locke Initiative, follow Bigham on Instagram @pharaoh_labeija or visit