Conversations with Ihsan Al-Amin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ihsan Al-Amin.

Hi Ihsan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Before Obsidian X was created, I was one of many that was fed up with the outlandish acts by police. Utilizing deadly force on our people while the mass majority of the murders behind badges were set free from any consequences. The lynching of George Floyd put the world in an uproar. I was a part of the protest in Raleigh on May 30th-31st. When I arrived, I noticed the energy shift from peaceful to violent extremely quick by the “public servants” as we know as Raleigh PD. In the midst of my experience that night, a few of us realized how our people and community lacked direction. We soon noticed, after taking a few steps back, 3-4 rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets, that we were the people we were looking for and needed at that moment. Obsidian X was forged by fire, I mean that figuratively and literally. I chose to be a community restorer through Obsidian X due to the unfortunate amount of Black/Brown Kings and Queens murdered by cowards. Any one of those people could’ve been you, myself, or any of our family members.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most of the time, there are always obstacles/challenges along the way when wanting to create a meaningful impact in the community, country, and the world. Some of the obstacles and challenges I would say we faced would be just being a new organization and everything that comes with that. Our community being hesitant to engage, the access to religious leaders when protests go bad, and having to overcome those who aren’t really action-oriented. I would say those are a few challenges we’ve faced along the way.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Construction Project Manager, I specialize in multi-family residential construction. My scope of work entails interiors, roofing, and pool renovations for multi-family properties throughout the RDU area. What I’m most proud of is being able to be my true authentic self with the company I work with. I was able to lock in a career prior to obtaining my degree in Construction Management. I believe my ability to overcome past challenges, grit, commitment, work ethic, and determination sets me apart from others. I plan to take what I learn in my current position to develop affordable housing communities throughout the area utilizing sustainable/green materials while teaching and providing resources to those interested in the community to be a part of the future development projects.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work, collaborate, or support me, the community organization, and be on the lookout for Club Fun2Mental- Raleigh by following us on social media, providing us with volunteering opportunities, and helping us create a change in mindset of the people in the community. I strongly believe in the five principles we chose for Obsidian X can provide a solid structure/guide to creating this change. (Unity, Resource, Liberate, Empower, & Protect).

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.clubfun2mental.com/default.aspx?portalid=52712
• Instagram: @obsx.us
• Facebook: Obsidian X
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Beverly Roper, Charlee Moss, Jalen Peterkin, and Ihsan Al-Amīn