We’re looking forward to introducing you to Eddie Black. Check out our conversation below.
Eddie , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I do have a few moments that made me laugh or feel proud.
Let’s go back to November of last year where I was booked for the annual Detroit tree lighting ceremony that takes place in the Motor City; a cherished tradition that launches the holiday season. I was representing Lexus while decked out in a Santa hat and sleigh to match. After having to take a break from the business, it was a grateful and proud moment to be back in the thick of doing what I love best, entertaining through brand collaborations, putting myself out in the world to share the love and passion that always comes out when I am blessed to work.
Another moment that brought me joy was the photo session my Agency suggested I schedule with reputable photographer Karri Brantley of karribrantleyphotography.com. What a monumental experience that was for me. She’s one of the best photographers I have ever been blessed to work with and our photographs turned out phenomenal!
With her expertise and creativity, I was shortly booked for a background role in an upcoming Tiffany Haddish film called Haunted Mansion that has yet to be released. Although my face may obscured for filming purposes, this booking was a dream come true for me! I was able to briefly meet Tiffany during one of the in-between takes on set. I politely asked for photo with her “which is on my official Instagram account @eddd_black as a pinned post at the moment.” Growing up watching her evolution as a creative and getting to meet her was a definite highlight. She was kind, warm and beautiful too! Thanks so much to the whole staff and crew on that project, you treated us beautifully.
If not for Karri, I probably wouldn’t have had been blessed with that experience and then she goes and features me as client/model for her audience via Facebook and Instagram! I had no idea she was planning on showcasing our photo session so that was an astounding surprise! The love shown was definitely appreciated and reciprocated.
Thanks to everyone I met and got to work with during those experiences, means more than I could ever express and I hope and pray that you know my gratitude is infinite, glory be to God because I believe he’s orchestrated every moment, I love you.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey you all, I am Eddie Black. Born on April 13th, making me an Aries. Astrology is big part of who I am as individual and being a cardinal fire sign lead by Mars, we Aries are known to be passionate, enthusiastic and courageous. Boldness and being direct comes with our ambitiously blunt way of communicating- taking center stage. All of these traits contribute to my journey of being a creative and describe me perfectly.
I started acting, singing and dancing at the age of seven while performing in my grade school annual theatre productions. A couple of characters I got to act out on stage were Tiny Tim, and The Littlest Christmas Tree. There’s even an interview my hometown local newspaper- The Times Herld conducted during the promotion for Tiny Tim: A Christmas Carol with a picture of a bright eyed eight year me with a huge smile.
There weren’t many opportunities for me during my middle school years but after I entered highschool, I joined our drama club for the last two years of highschool. We performed A rendition of The Wizard of Oz, Kiss Me Kate and You Can’t Take It With You: A Night of One Acts. I also was one of our high school’s morning newscasters that updated the school staff and students about upcoming news and events. I dabbled in Television Production as well and learned how to film our town’s local sport and academic events. All of these experiences are what lead me down to studying and majoring in theater.
I studied theater and graphic communications at Saint Clair Community College, eventually earning a a degree in Applied Arts and Science. While working towards my degree I was blessed to be in a few theater productions that included: It’s A Wonderful Life, James & The Peach and Jack In The Beanstalk, where I played Jack. I had a phenomenal time gathering all of that experience and knowledge. All of that “drama” only fueled my love for the arts even more.
My brand is very important to me, I’ve taken all I’ve learned and applied it to each and every booking I’ve been blessed with getting since I was able to start gratefully earning a small living. As a child, I used to dream of this. With Eddie Black, you will get more than you could ever imagine. Acting, singing, writing, dancing creating and performing all come naturally to me. Gratefully the Lord has gifted me many opportunities to utilize and share each of the talents he’s entrusted me with. I’m prompt, on time and very professional. I come to deliver and make everyone around me feel seen, beautiful and heard.
My ultimate goal is to give glory to Jehovah, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Without them, I would have nothing to share, be grateful for or even look back on. When I succeed, it’s not because of anything I did or have done on my own. I have prayed and imagined and daydreamed for years of being able to model for brands like Dolls Kill, briefly appear in a few episodes of Comedy Central’s Detroiters, Rep a Cosmetics Brand and meet Tiffany Haddish.
My brand is a positive and uplifting reminder that with Jesus Christ, You and I can do all THINGS through him who strengthens us! Just Having someone even being interested in reading and wanting to hear about what I have to say about anything is a dream come true. I owe it all to God! All of the beautiful people, inside and out that he’s allowed me to connect with and meet to share not just my dreams but their’s too!
I’m currently submitting and auditioning in hopes of securing my next gig. I am with a few reputable talent agencies that have blessed me with the opportunity to submit for not only popular and lucrative brands but soul-fulfilling roles, and new experiences as well. Being a creative is fun but it’s a lot of grinding, submitting, auditioning and being told no or nothing at all, but it comes with the territory and this journey has shown me to not take things so personally. We all have a vision and so does the Lord. In due time, I believe Jehovah will let our dreams transpire with patience, faith and due dillgence. Amen!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Honestly the relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one God and I have. By no means am I religious fanatic or trying to push my beliefs on anyone. I’m only expressing and sharing what helped get me through some of the darkest days and times of my existence. I would never share so much about something that hasn’t changed, effected and affected me to the point of me having no choice but to believe.
These last five years have honestly been very trying for me. I literally lost everything and have been slowly and appreciatively getting everything back that I lost. The pandemic only escalated the eventual losses I took. I wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able act, model or perform again.
When I had no one and was at the lowest I’d ever been in life with no help in sight, I was able to cling to God. He became more than just a “name” to me. I knew of God growing up so there was a foundation of belief there but I had not invested in him as I should have and ended up regretting it.
I’m trying to refrain from going into detail because that was and is still apart of my life I’m healing, recovering and dealing with on a day-to-day basis. I just need you all to know that when you hit rock bottom and you have no one else, don’t believe that. Cry, pray, scream out to the one who created all of us. He will show you comfort and allow you to feel peace, even if just a moment. I tell no lies when I tell you he’s changed how I see and accept myself. I know I am never alone, I am loved and valued unconditionally and have been blessed with so many great and phenomenal abilities. No amount of money or luxury can ever compare to what you will feel when you surrender and allow the Lord to Love you so you can begin to love and accept yourself.
I don’t come from a wealthy family or background and I was not given any handouts. Life a has been brutal and hard but so beautiful because of the relationship I have with The Creator. There’s no way I could have all of the success and blessings that I have if not for God. I let go of trying to control my experiences and have allowed the Lord to just let me enjoy being a creative and uplifting human being, regardless of struggle.
I would not lead anyone astray, please trust me when I tell you the Lord will show and share things with you that you never knew existed. I am living proof and give all credit and praise the Jesus, The Father and Holy Spirit.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me more than success ever could. It’s during my suffering that I was able to grow spiritually. A life of hardship teaches us resilience, perseverance and builds a stronger faith. I cling to God when I am in need of strength, comfort and peace.
When I relied on my own abilities to subdue my pain, I failed miserably. When I put what little faith I had in the Lord, I began to witness a shift in my life. A shift success hadn’t taught me.
Everyone loves you when you are winning and succeeding. They want to party with you, be your best friend and be in your presence. That always feels wonderful doesn’t it, being the life of the party? Well when all of that succes and winning stops I can assure you that you won’t be able to find a soul in sight.
You’ll wonder where everyone and everything went off to. You’ll wonder why you are all alone after being there for everyone else when they needed you? Why no one seems to care. That’s when the suffering starts hitting you.
You realize that the very people that celebrated you are no where to be seen and if you are blessed enough to know God, you prayerfully cling to him for saving. You learn during the months that can turn into years of suffering can only be calmed by an unseen force, felt but not seen. Praying for a change and listening when help arrives in the form of a stranger, an email, a phone call.
Not from anyone you’d expect either and always right on time and before a breakdown. My suffering taught me not to rely on people. People change but God doesn’t and he doesn’t judge either. He comes to us when we are suffering and on our last breath, to revive us. He gives hope, motivation, strength and courage to find a way.
It’s in this suffering my faith grew, the blessings started and healing began. We as people are flawed individuals and we must learn to look to the Creator if we ever yearn for peace. We must forgive and allow God to lead us. Trusting and knowing his plan for the betterment of us is meant to prosper and not harm us.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you were to ask those closest to me what really matters to me most, I believe they would all say authenticity. Being authentic allows us to be sincere, honest and true to who we are as an individual. I never fit in growing up or even in my adult life so deciding to not follow trends and conform sort of came to me organically.
Self-awareness showed me that I understood something about me was a bit more eccentric than your typical child or adult so I began seeking out those qualities in the people I would come across or whom were already apart of my life. Finding these people has made me feel more comfortable with setting firm boundaries and standing by them. They understand my motives, values and beliefs determine how I live my life.
Actions that align with my words is what matters most to be about being authentic. Not budging or folding when outside sources try to get you to change your mind in hopes of following the crowd. It’s important to me to be transparent and truthful with others in every relationship with our feelings and thoughts while also allowing them the very same comfort to express themselves as well.
This strengthens bonds and creates accountability for all parties involved, ensuring a mutual understanding and respect for one another. We are more likely to trust and be there for those who know we can count on in more ways than one. It’s the appreciation of others while also appreciating yourself and not denying that you deserve it too. Being truthful and in sync with your internal world and external world can be hard when we are expected to fall in line, so I go for the road less traveled.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
What I think most people will most misunderstand about my legacy is the motive and reasoning behind the path I chose. People do things for many reasons, fame and fortune, status, luxury or popularity. They see the photoshoots, fancy clothes and big smiles and think that I may do this for attention or because I need people to love and the truth is, that this is the farthest thing from the truth.
I honestly felt like I’ve only ever been great at one thing and that is art. When I was a kid, I’d dream about being famous but only famous because I knew I could take care of my family, friends and people I love. I had it in my head as a kid that I’d buy a huge property and build a huge mansion or building where all of my “people” lived. Taking care of each other and making sure no one went without.
Being that I had no aspirations of becoming a Doctor or Teacher, in my mind I had no other choice but to become famous in order to live out my childhood dreams. So I prayed and I worked and I practiced and believed in myself when others didn’t and things began to happen for me. I began landing gig after gig and gaining more and more experience in dancing, singing, modeling, acting and designing. Not even close to being a millionaire but making a mark and carving out my own lane by the grace of God.
I do these things because it is all I have ever known and felt confident and comfortable doing. I feel literal joy and happiness when I am doing anything creative. Representing brands, promotion and writing- you name it and I will apply myself to it enthusiastically. It’s not about money, notoriety or attention. It’s about expression, passion and dedication. Anything that comes with it or after is a blessing and I’m so grateful and thankful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamedwardblack.hearnow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddd_black/
- Twitter: https://x.com/edwardblack05?t=jK6jIfE_0Ag7PB7iOAPTkw&s=09
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18XftEdUd5/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@eddd_black?si=UPFJFOBOGF-KL4ay
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/iedwardblack
Image Credits
The first four photos are by “Any posting or sharing of images on the internet must include proper attribution to @karribrantleyphotography on Instagram and/or “Images by Karri Brantley Photography” on websites and publications.
EB”.
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Chris Gees “celebrity makeup artist” is the gentleman with the beard whom took the picture of us together in the all black. From movie set. “https://www.instagram.com/chrisgees?igsh=eml0NDFjNTRib2ty” – @chrisgees via Instagram.
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I took this photograph of Tiffany Haddish and I with my phone from. The movie set.
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I took the Detroit Tree Lighting Photos and Orhe Onomake “business owner and brand rep”. is the name of the young lady with me. She was my partner for the event
