[Iamthenublack] Marlon Cole of the forFATHERS project

Introduce yourself

My name is Marlon Cole, born in Queens raised in Brooklyn (my parents are originally from Guyana). I started the forFATHERS project after the birth of my son. The project is a celebration of fatherhood through candid photographs of fathers and their children. I felt it was important to document the project through the use of visuals. My background is in graphic design but I have a love for photography and film so wanted to use this medium to celebrate fatherhood.

I also created the 4Fathers journal, which comes out quarterly. The whole project is very important and needs to be recognized because there aren’t many firm images that I feel represent fathers, so I felt it was my duty to show that fathers are needed just as much as mothers and by using this project I hope it’ll help lessen the burden of mothers always having to carry the weight of being a parent. Fathers are here, I’m here and I just want to tell that side of the story.

Favourite song lyric

“Life as shorty shouldn’t be so rough.”

Ice Cream, Wu-Tang Clan

That lyric stands out to me because I really believe in a child being a child, not having to grow up so fast. I really encourage that especially with my son – I don’t want him to grow up too fast; I want him to enjoy being a child.

I’m inspired by

New York. The different cultures especially in Brooklyn you can find people from all over the world here. My background is in Design so I’d say good design inspires me.

Also my son, watching him grow and seeing life become its own – that’s definitely an inspiration! Watching his character develop, as a father that makes me really proud.

My icons past/present

Past: Marvin Gaye, in particular the ‘Here, My Dear’ album. It speaks volumes, as he was able to express the demons that he was going through at the time. I think it’s something everyone can relate to, especially as a man.

Thenublack philosophy/mantra

When things are going bad, don’t fight it. Don’t try and control every situation. You just have to let things be.

Check me out

Website