1) What’s the mission of The DeKevious Wilson Debonair Project?

“The Mission of “The DeKevious Wilson Debonair Project” is to uplift and encourage young high school and college men to become their “highest potential” by providing them with the essential professional/business attire, mentoring, and leadership-based programming.”

“This mission is really what has been lived out through me. I’ve had my grandfather and other gentlemen invest time in me with mentoring, exposing me to different leadership programming, but most of all gave me examples of what successful men dressed like. There is where the heart and essence of the official mission statement comes from. I wanted it to be powerful in its mission, but clear of its purpose.”

2) How did you get started? What motivated you to start the program?

“I started the program as a Residential Mentor while working at the Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs, Ar. I was in a staff meeting and one of my supervisors discussed the “Cinderella Closet” for the female students to help them go to prom. In my train of thought I just knew that they would bring up a similar program for the gentlemen, but they didn’t. That’s when the Holy Spirit put it in my heart to take on the challenge.

So after a year of planning and getting through my first year of graduate school, my students of the classes of 2013 and 2014 were able to experience “The DeKevious Wilson Debonair Project.” Which was a huge success. Prom what great and that’s truly an understatement. Just knowing the fact that these gentlemen would be able to use the suits and other items for prom and then use them for interviews, college interviews, going to church, going on a date, and just dressing up when they felt like it was so rewarding to my heart.”

3) Who is your target audience?

“My target audience started out for young men in high school, but now that I have began to work in higher education the need for a program such as this is needed more than ever. The thought process now is: “If I can’t dress you, mentor you, and mold you in high school; then I will get you in college!” LOL Which this is a little ambitious, but it makes the chances of helping another young man much greater. So, the target audience is high school and college young men.”

4) Where are you operating from?

“I am operating out of my office here at Philander Smith College. You will most likely find me there.

You reach me at [email protected] or call me at 870.816.5298. Email is the best though.”

5) Who taught you how to dress?

“My grandfather is my biggest inspiration in dressing. He is such a class act! There’s a picture of the both of us when I was, maybe, a couple days old. The picture is of him wearing a blue pinstripe suit holding me and I’m looking in his direction. I like to say that was my first lesson in men’s fashion. Also, the mentors that I have in my life have given me that example. My brothers in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc have been excellent role models as well. The style of Brother Thurgood Marshall ties, the distinct look of Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s fedoras, and the uniqueness of attire I see from brothers from all over is something to take note of. We are some very distinguished men; I must say! And of course there is President Barack Obama! That goes without question. It is unimaginable of he goes through day-to-day, but he looks great doing it. Talk about your “grace under fire!” “

6) This time next year, where do you see the project?

“This time next year, I see the project reaching a larger base of its target audience and staying true to its mission. More known to the public, I guess I should say. Partnering with major designers and companies to help take the project to the next level. A website will be in place and “The DeKevious Wilson Foundation” will be in place, which will house the debonair project. Being able to offer scholarships for students. Also, I see more campaign adds with young men giving their testimonies of how the project has helped changed their lives. Major before and after pictures!

Above all, still making that difference!”

7) How can people support the Debonair Project?

“People can support “The DeKevious Wilson Debonair Project” by reaching

Address: 900 W. Daisy Bates Drive

Little Rock, AR 72202

Office: 501.975.6060 Fax:501.975.6061

Email: [email protected]

Cell: 870.816.5298

One way or another, you will be able to reach me! LOL”

8) Where can people go to learn more about it?

“Honestly, just giving me that call or emailing me.

But a plan for a website is in the works

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Interview by Briana Myricks of “My Own Shero”. Visit her website here: http://myownshero.com/