The White Out… Starring Usman Ojibara

Black in Action with Usman Ojibara

Embrace Usman Ojibara, the newest face to burst into the fashion and film stratosphere, as he launches out and defines his budding career on his own terms. Serving as the cover model for this month’s stunning men’s editorial entitled, “The White Out”, the aspiring actor also celebrates his twenty-third birthday the day this issue is released. We caught up with the former Rutgers University student and Newark, NJ native to talk about his experience behind the camera, his rising star and even his secret crush. Now, don’t get it twisted. This young buff is on the move and has been blessed and equipped with more than just brains and beauty. We introduce to you yet another new face to watch out for in 2009. He’s Usman Ojibara and he’s Black in Action.

Terron: How did you decide to pursue modeling?

Usman: There were fashion shows back in high school. I was asked to do them all the time, but I never really pursued it back then like people thought I should. It wasn’t until I graduated and started working in retail. I’d start running into people who would tell me I should be modeling. I did my first set of work with photographer Lenny Hamilton and that’s what got me excited about all this and into building my portfolio.

TA: You’re aiming to quickly become a force to reckon with by building your acting and modeling portfolios simultaneously. How does that play into your long term career goals?
UO: I always knew I wanted to do something great. Even as far back as elementary school when I was auditioning for plays and eventually getting the leads, I knew that I could develop the acting thing as well. I was very into becoming a different character and doing that on a much more grand scale. I have the passion for both modeling and acting, but acting is definitely where my heart is. I have to get out here and use them both to get to where I want to be.

TA: What was it like for you behind the scenes of this issue’s cover shoot?

UO: I’ve never experienced anything like this at all. It felt like a dream come true because it seemed like all my hard work was paying off. I really got to experience working with a photographer and stylist who saw things in me that I didn’t even see. I know it might sound cliché but this shoot showed me that black is truly beautiful no matter what.

UO: I’m excited because I just became a finalist for the reality TV show The World of Modeling so we’ll see where that goes. Overall, I would love to star in my first movie role and then eventually do something iconic. I really want people to recognize me and my face as Usman – the man, the model, the actor and businessman. I want to have an agent soon and continue getting my acting resume together while I work the modeling path, too. I really feel like my time is coming. I know it’s going to take hard work, but I’m more than ready and this is just the beginning of the success that’s on its way.

UO: I’m very big on giving and education so I’m going to start a scholarship fund back at my high school for students who don’t have the financial means to further their education in college. I didn’t have the finances to return after my first semester so I want to help kids who may encounter the same thing. I’m even going to go back and finish what I started as well.

UO: That’s hard work, too, but actually my girlfriend keeps me balanced. She’s my biggest supporter right now. I think it’s essential for everyone to have that. If you don’t, at least have friends around you that you can turn to and really communicate with. Having someone there is the best pick me up in any situation.

UO: It might surprise people, but I’m the seventh out of eight children. I’ll randomly cook for her or do like we did on our first real date. We’ll go out for a movie and then have dinner or a meal at a nice restaurant where we really just take time to candidly talk and get into each other’s brain.

UO: Oh man. (Laughs) This might get me into trouble, but I’d have to say my first crush in the modeling industry was Tyra Banks. It was that Got Milk ad she was in years ago with the milk mustache. Man, even then as a kid, I fell in love. Then there was actress Vivica Fox. She just had a certain class about her that she brought every time she was onscreen. When I look at her I see a real woman.

TA: What have you learned the most about the dating game in your past relationships?

UO: Be careful. Everyone does not have your best interest at heart. You have to be willing to let people in, but also be careful not to leave yourself open to being wounded. It’ll happen, but there are some things you can avoid by just paying attention and being careful.

UO: I value the fact that relationships are built on trust. Without that, there’s really nothing and if I’m in a relationship that doesn’t have that we simply shouldn’t be together. Above all of this determination in my career, I’m thankful that I have the ability to trust someone I care for at the end of the day. It’s very hard to come by so when you find it, hold onto it.

Terron D. Austin is a writer living in his native Cincinnati, OH. His work has been published in CiN Weekly Magazine & Cincinnati Magazine.

Credits:
Photography by JERRIS MADISON for www.jerrismadison.com
Grooming and Wardrobe by J-Mad Styling