This year’s group of talented men are literally beating the odds everyday. They are beating the odds that say they should be dead or back behind bars. They are not only surviving, but thriving.

In Dr. Prince’s interview with II Magazine, he provides us with doses of wisdom, empowerment, and unity. Here’s what the doctor has to say:

Yes, I still call you King. It’s who you are.  Who you have always been. Despite the distorted lens that some view you through, I see your perseverance and I admire you.

A subtle, “Good afternoon” greeting announces his entrance to the room. His presence is not commanding; but, highly authoritative.

It is my hope that while you are viewing the #IAmSuccessful collection, that you do not think that this work is exceptional, for black excellence is the rule and not the exception. It is my hope that you do not think of these images in isolation, or the subjects and their success as unattainable.

Unveil portraits of courageous black men reshaping mind-sets and opposing negative stigmas.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.” ~Booker T. Washington