Emil Wilbekin — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Founder of NATIVE SON since 2016, an organization empowering Black gay men.
Assistant Professor at Fashion Institute of Technology since 2023.
Former Editor-in-Chief of Vibe magazine.
Served as Chief Content Officer at Afropunk LLC from 2018 to 2020.
Board Member at Stonewall Community Foundation from 2013 to 2015.
Holds an M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University (1990) and a B.S. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University (1989).

Biography

Emil Wilbekin is an American journalist, media executive, stylist, content creator, culture critic, and human rights activist. He is the founder of NATIVE SON, an organization dedicated to empowering and lifting up Black gay men through positive representation and business opportunities. Since 2023, he has served as an Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He also operates as the Chief Creative Officer at World Of Wilbekin #WOW Agency, a role he has held since 2014.