Markus
Markus is a Fisk University Alum, Purveyor of Positivity, Peace, Love & Weed Enthusiast, Participator, Congratulator, Mover, Shaker, A 100%er, and A Down Ass Brother for the cause. Born and Raised in Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco, Markus comes from an area in the city where young black men fall victim to the rigorous reality of poverty, drugs, and violence.
At a young age, Markus was driven to break stereotypes. He engaged in sports alongside his brother and cousins, where he forged his love for competition, camaraderie, and fun risk-taking. Nurtured and schooled in a dynamic community of educators, athletes, activists, musicians, and entrepreneurs, Markus was groomed to take calculated risks.
The biggest risk of his young life was when he made the decision to become the first grandchild in his family to achieve a college degree from a Historical Black College/University. This meant trying something new, being uncomfortable for a time, and pushing past his personal limitations. Markus knew the risk of leaving his comfort zone; leaving his friends and family to journey up the road to higher education and into the vast unknown experiences of The South. It was his experience at the illustrious HBCU Fisk University, where Markus learned to decipher the difference between recklessness and calculated risks.
Realigning with his family motivated Markus to explore the world of fitness. Embracing yoga, weightlifting, cycling, and barre was just the tip of the iceberg. In order to break the stereotypes and societal stigmas of the Black man, this new journey had to bring about not just a change in physique, but a holistic change in lifestyle unifying Mind, Body, and Spirit.
Markus shares his thoughts on that smoke in the Vibe Report.