BE Modern Man is an integrative program that honors the essence, image, and accomplishments of today’s man of color. With features of today’s leaders, executives, creatives, students, politicians, entrepreneurs, professionals, and agents of change—these men share the common thread of creating a new normal while setting the bar in tech, art, philanthropy, business, and beyond. The BE Modern Man is making a positive impact, his way, and has a story to tell.
BE MODERN MAN BOBBY MORELLI
Age: 30
Profession: Social Entrepreneur, CEO, Recording Artist, Songwriter
Social Media: Facebook: Official Bobby Morelli | Instagram: @BobbyMorelli
One Word That Describes You: Industrial
What does being one of the BE Modern Man 100 Honorees mean to you?
I’m honored and amazed at the opportunity to have such a platform acknowledge me and the work I do.
What is your “Extraordinary Impact?”
My Extraordinary Impact is the launch of my men’s grooming line “Dapper & King!” I created this line because I saw a need to create grooming products that we as black men could be proud of and represent. We handcraft all of our grooming products to celebrate, empower, and expand a positive narrative of who we are as black men. Contrary to what popular media paints us as, we’re valuable men serving in many capacities that involves taking care of our families, running businesses, and living life to create opportunities for others.
What are you doing as a BEMM to help support black male achievement now or in the future?
I’m running Dapper & King as my vehicle to produce top quality products and promote positive imaging of black men and our achievements.
What are some examples of how you have turned struggle into success?
Being the product of the inner-city of Chicago, the third child of eight, and from a single-mom household, I was able to turn my pain into passion and my passion into vehicles of opportunity in music and business.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I’m currently building Dapper & King and launching my new initiative called Raise 5 a fundraising community for entrepreneurs and startups.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Bobby Morelli)
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Know when it’s necessary to pivot for success!
What advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Just Do It!
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @BEModernMan and join the conversation using #BEModernMan.
Come celebrate the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction at the 2nd Annual Black Men XCEL, Aug. 29–Sept. 2, 2018, at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.