What does it mean to truly represent a community? On Sunday, October 18, 2026, Brave X Reflection Inc. hosted its latest installment of the “Bar•bershop Talk” series.
Titled, “Who Speaks For Us? Men Taking the Lead” led a discussion with men about representation and leadership within community, particularly in the current political climate.
With election season looming, Bri Burrell hosted a panel of public figures, including congressional candidate, Clyde Jones, Dr. Titus Thorn of Big Zion AME Zion Church, Reggie Weaver of Stand Up Mobile, and Poet Laureate for the City of Mobile, Alex Lofton also known as Huggy Bear Da Poet.
Throughout the discussion the speakers returned to a common concern: leadership must be more than personal success. It also requires a commitment to helping others and addressing the issues that affect the wider community.
Dr. Thorn spoke of the evolution of leadership from the days of figures like Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr, to today.
He proposed an integral component of leadership saying, “Leading is being able to influence people to be better”.
His comments challenged the idea of success being seen as advancement for the individual rather than progress for the collective.
Candidate Clyde Jones chimed in saying, “we need that courage again, people that were willing to die for what they believed in.”
Reggie Weaver raised concerns about the lack of understanding civics in today’s time; pointing out the importance of knowing how the political process works and the participation required. With voting highlighted as a hot topic for the evening, the conversation raised questions about how residents understand their political power.
When asked about the sense of community and collectiveness in the community Huggy Bear Da Poet, described it as “tribalism gone wrong”. Pleading for people to see the larger community that they belong to. His comments aim at the difficulty of building collective progress when competing interests are in the way.
Lofton, who actively works with young people added, “We need to recognize the real enemy”, in reference to the influences that are projected and sold to a particular demographic.
For Mobile residents those questions extend beyond a single panel or election. Representation matters, but so do the actions taken after officials are elected or appointed.
Ultimately, “Who Speaks For Us” invited the community to look beyond titles and public perception, and consider leadership by its impact felt through others.