Story by Terron D. Austin

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.

TA: Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

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.

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