Evolving Folks Project

I launched the Evolving Man Project in February 2016. It’s been almost a decade since this journey first began. The idea was to highlight my evolution as one brotha’s experience in America. It was also to challenge the ideas of toxic masculinity, men’s rights, and incel culture that’s run amok over the last few years. Having the platform of Jordan Peterson or Andrew Tate would be awesome. Too bad they use their vast platform to prey on the insecurities of young men and boys for personal gain. This site was designed to do the opposite of that.

The idea of an evolved man means a man willing to learn and grow from his mistakes. A man who will adapt and change throughout their life to become a better human being, even when new ideas and information challenge one’s worldview. Change is a lifelong process, no matter how old you are as a man. In these past almost ten years, I’ve become a homeowner, a dog owner, a husband, and a published author of two sci-fi novels, and I turned 40. A lot has changed for me personally and professionally. Still, the Evolving Man Project has been the one constant in my life.

Well, it’s time to change and grow beyond solely focusing on manhood and masculinity. This website will examine the crucial issues that still affect men and boys. Our mission is to uplift those issues with the goal of expanding further. The point is to evolve. We will focus on uplifting all people, mainly black, brown, Asian, and Indigenous individuals, and amplifying their stories and voices—regardless of gender identity. This is the next evolution of what it means to evolve as a person beyond the gender binary. I am surprised to see how many men across the globe have embraced what it means to be an evolved man. Countless podcasts, books, and websites discuss what it means to be an evolved man.

There’s even another website called the Evolving Man Project. It started in 2023. We should have brought the domain name for the Evolving Man Project, but since the domain name I brought was for LornettVestal.com, I can do little in this situation. I could take legal action, but this website isn’t my livelihood or a major source of income. You have free access with no paywalls or Patreon subscriptions. The only products available for purchase on our website are the sci-fi novels The Faders and Alphas Series by my wife, Bereta Haynes, and me. Artists should have the opportunity to profit from their artistic creations. It’s no small feat to write a full-length novel and get it published. It’s not for the faint of heart to self-publish. The books are entirely independent just like this website. So get them now, wherever books are sold. Sorry for the shameless plug, but hey?

This site is a hobby that has become incredibly important to me, even when wanting to give up. Learn from my example that those with a great idea should always be proactive. In addition, secure your domain name and consider registering with similar names. I’m humbled and flattered that so many people have found inspiration from the words I’ve written over the years. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. So I’m very flattered. We’ve discussed various topics over the years at the Evolving Man Project, from the mental health crisis men and boys face, dating and relationships, LGBTQ rights, worker rights, the climate crisis, and the precarious political climate affecting our world.

The Extraordinary Negroes, The Good Man Project, The Huffington Post, The Post-Industrial, and the Human’s Outside Podcast have all highlighted my work and words thanks to the Evolving Man Project. These opportunities make me grateful and humbled. I hope this next evolution will be just as inspiring to others globally. We shall continue the thread of being more inclusive. The promotion of critical thought and robust debate. It’s mind-boggling to think that thousands of people from around the world have visited this site to read our words and listen to the Question Culture podcast. I don’t have the fame of an professional athlete, actor, or other famous celebrity.

I’m a skinny kid from Chicago who ended up living a life full of great sorrow and triumph. Over the years, I’ve borne my soul and life story on this site. Speaking the truth has resulted in hate mail and online harassment towards me and my contributors. People have criticized my work on Facebook, Twitter, right-wing blogs, and even in IG videos. Haters are always gonna hate. But on the flip side, we’ve received tons of positive and constructive feedback over the last nine years. People who read my words or heard my voice. They’ve told me that they’ve gotten out of depression, been inspired, felt seen, or shared my work with others. We’re honored to be a place where people can find inspiration. I’m grateful for all the people who’ve made this site possible.

A special shout out to my lovely, fierce, intelligent wife, Berneta Haynes, Dr. Michael Thomas, and my Question Culture co-host Brian Grieshaber. Thanks to all the excellent and thought-provoking guests on the Question Culture podcast. A shout to the hundreds of individuals featured in the Evolved Man of the Week series. Yes, men have caused a lot of harm in this world. But this series shows conversely that men and boys across the globe are making a difference for the better. No matter if they’re old or young, gay, trans, or bi. If they’re a famous celebrity or someone who changed the world by offering help to their fellow human being.

I aim to show that another world is possible and advocate for those with the least power and influence. A true social worker will tell you that fame and glory are not our motivations. Our mission is to make the world a better place. Let’s strive for another ten years of building upon the novel idea we started in 2015. Let me reintroduce you to this website and warmly welcome you to the Evolving Folks Project. Let’s all keep evolving.