The New Hue; Meet Chris Braggs

Photo by Chris Braggs (photographer and subject)

What would you tell your 17-year-old self?

I would tell him to stay the course. Trust that God will provide you with everything that you will ever need. Continue to remain who you are. Hold tight to your truths, because when it's all over, people will know that you were always true to who you were. Life is easy if you allow it to be. But in those times of trials, rest in the palm of God's hands. He's got you.. lastly, cut up that Platinum Discover card. No 17-year-old needs access to that much money. No, seriously, DO IT NOW!

JOLIET, IL -- Chris Braggs grew up with positive role models all around him -- perhaps no one was more so than his own grandfather.

“My grandfather, Andrew Betts, was one of the most dignified men I have ever known,” he said.

“He was always fully dressed at 6 o clock in the morning, ready to start the day.”

It was this influence that spoke to Braggs when he set about forming The New Hue, an organization he founded to change the dialog about black men in America.

Braggs was getting frustrated that he was watching his social media feed fill up with negative images of black men. And he had a moment when he realized he had to do something about it.

He began alone and eventually added his friends, Anthony Bradley, Donnis Draper and Courtney Ellis to the team. Through weekly meetings, the four men came up with an idea to mentor four young black men per year. Braggs said the photo shoot he did of him in a plaid shirt in the woods was not only a nod to his grandfather, but also a taste of what he hopes to give the young, black men they mentor.

“As far as getting a positive spin, people my age and kids who are coming up from underneath me, I wanted to remind them about times when people actually cared for their appearance,” he said.

Braggs lives in Joliet with his wife Jessica Braggs and daughter Brook and Brielle. Joliet also is his hometown.

The organization hosted a black tie event on March 18 at Juliet’s and raised $1,300 toward its mentorship program.

The event drew a crowd of 150 people.

“There was a few [people] that came up to me and said there had never been anything like this in Joliet,” he said.

You can read more about The New Hue by clicking here. You can view the whole photo shoot of Braggs and The New Hue members by clicking here.