Source: xonecole
Role Model of the Moment: Broderick Hunter
Broderick Hunter isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. A major model during a time when the fashion industry was less than accepting, the male model now uses his platform to speak out about industry racism. Broderick has made his way to the top against the odds, through strength and determination. A model, actor, infleuncer and #METOO ally, Broderick is the “carefree and wild” personality too look up to.
By Natalie Dawson
Passion & Perseverance
Modelling was never the main goal for Broderick Hunter when he was growing up. A prestigious basketball player, Broderick had played for more than 15 years before his career was shortened due to injury.
Titled an All-American player post high school he was offered scholarships to many universities to pursue sport. He never dreamed of a career in modelling being a main source of income.
“I knew I had to have education. My mom and dad weren’t going to let me go about life without going to college.”
Broderick first dabbled in modelling during 2011 for a friends photo shoot. He explained in an interview with Teen Vogue that his first proper job was both a let-down and a drive to continue onward and upward.
Source: Broderick Hunter for Teen Vogue
“I was in Italy for the first time. I had booked [a major fashion show]. But then six hours before the show, I got released and they replaced me with a white boy.”
Unfortunately, Broderick continued to face racism within the industry throughout his career.
“The only thing I had to do was just be silent, unfortunately. But that silence fueled me into my next step.”
At the time, models (especially male models) were expected to remain quiet. Threats of being dropped from agencies due to oversharing online were regular occurrences for the male model.
Broderick knew it was wrong, but put his head down and powered through.
His big break came through Ciara’s music video for ‘Sorry’ where he was cast as the main love interest.
“People are saying ‘fashion has changed,’ but no, it hasn’t.”
When Broderick was trying to get signed he found that he was almost always turned away for the same racist reasons.
“Oh, you’re too dark.” I’ve had numerous agencies tell me that black boys weren’t “in.”
He explained how many agencies often claimed to already have a black model and not be in need of another.
Broderick acknowledges that times have changed and that progress is being made. 44% of models working in New York Fashion Week were models of colour (though it was predominantly women).
A massive change from when Broderick was walking and there was usually one black model per show (if that!)
Read: Why Diversity In The Beauty Industry Is So Important
“I’ve started to see more representation, though. We have all-black runway shows and we have more designers of color, thanks largely to social media. But I don’t necessarily feel like for the major brands there’s enough representation.”
Powerful Ally
The superstar model goes on the record to say that he’s all about “call-out culture.”
“I’m a firm advocate of calling each other out… I really do feel like we as men can do our part in treating women better, and acting better.”
Broderick Hunter breaks down stereotypes of hyper-masculinity and supports those from any walk of life. A believer in “love is love” and supporter of the #METOO movement, Broderick isn’t shy when it comes to addressing unnecessary hate.
Some of his inspirations include powerful black women like Oprah Winfrey, Ava DuVernay, and Issa Rae (the series creator of ‘Insecure‘).
Broderick’s first big acting break was on ‘Insecure‘ as a disgruntled Tinder date.
Inconspicuous Influencer
Broderick’s best advice to aspiring models is to post with caution.
He uses his platforms to show off his eccentric and excitable personality, but keeps his personal life as private as possible.
“I could be dating somebody right now, and if I don’t post about it, nobody knows about it. I give people just a little bit, not a lot, just a little bit to keep them biting.”
Male models no longer have to fit into a certain type of “model-mold.”
Social media is the space to speak out and get noticed as the norm is no longer the norm. Height, race and body type requirements are changing for the better.
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