African Marketplace/ Destination: Africa
An idea was born out of my need to showcase products that appealed to people of color. I took my idea to management, and was surprised they were receptive. They agreed, as long as it included the other black host on the main channel. I was thrilled, because Clarence Reynolds had helped me develop and sell my idea. Clarence and I had become fast buddies soon after I arrived at QVC. He taught me how to get around the city, told me where to get a good haircut, and made helpful suggestions on my presentations.
People tried to compare us in the beginning. “He’s no Clarence” are the comments I used to get when I first started. Well sorry people, just because we were black do not make us the same. Clarence was always immaculate, tailored and conservative. He always wore a suit and tie. I on the other hand, could be offbeat, loud and took a lot of fashion risks. I was the first male on-air to wear earrings. I had to fight for that. I could not comprehend a channel that sells jewelry and did not encourage male hosts with pierced ears to wear jewelry.
Duration : 0:2:28