Progress, success, and leadership were all displayed on Sunday, Oct. 2, as nearly 100 black men gathered to participate in Madison’s Premiere Black Male Photo Shoot.

The event was held at Wisconsin’s State Capitol, organized by Kaleem Caire, Founder and CEO of One City Early Learning Centers and Sekani Caire, the 21-year-old son of Caire.

Black professionals including lawyers, police officers, firefighters, and more arrived on the scene to support and promote the importance of education. With smiling, proud faces, many men of different backgrounds and professions lined up to have their photos taken by Marcus Miles and many other photographers.

This event was the first photo shoot of many more to come with this group of men, according to Caire. “We want it to be fun, inspiring, and proactive. We’re dealing with real leaders who support our children.”

Caire plans on working with these men in the near future, including featuring their photos in booklets, in calendars, and on posters, highlighting the theme of “Real men of Madison – we do everything.”

Caire wants to change the narrative of what it means to be a black man as well as promote the “Ready by Five” campaign, looking to support the local children of Madison.
Many of these men gave donations in support of One City Early Learning Centers, a preschool located on the south side of Madison serving 35 children. “Pre-school services shouldn’t be something parents have to pay an arm and a leg for,” Caire said. “These services should be available to everyone.”

The school is hoping to raise $700,000 and plans to open multiple sites among the Madison community, allowing opportunities for children under five to be prepared for school.