The Invisible Men
Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors
In the aftermath of Rodney King's assault by police officers in the 90s and his attackers' subsequent acquittal, Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors grew weary of a public narrative proclaiming that black men in America were doomed to failure under an oppressive system. A feeling of invisibleness struck both Ian and Nique as the stories of men like them became increasingly ignored in the public eye. So they launched “The Invisible Men,” a documentary telling the stories of amazing black men at Harvard University who had overcome structural barriers and achieved success.
Today, Ian and Nique have resurrected “The Invisible Men” as a weekly podcast. Each week, they explore the stories of exceptional men who have built successful lives by leaning on the core principles of family, faith, free enterprise, and entrepreneurship.
Integral to the story of “The Invisible Men” is “Darryl,” a 16 year-old black teenager Ian and Nique imagined in the original documentary, who lives in the urban city of “Forgotten, USA” and desires to build a better life for himself but sometimes feels that success is out of his reach. Ian and Nique asked each of the men in their original documentary to advise “Darryl” on how he can forge a path to excellence and empowerment. Join Ian and Nique today for episodes of “The Invisible Men” every week as they hear the stories of incredible men and learn what advice they have for “Darryl” today!
Today, Ian and Nique have resurrected “The Invisible Men” as a weekly podcast. Each week, they explore the stories of exceptional men who have built successful lives by leaning on the core principles of family, faith, free enterprise, and entrepreneurship.
Integral to the story of “The Invisible Men” is “Darryl,” a 16 year-old black teenager Ian and Nique imagined in the original documentary, who lives in the urban city of “Forgotten, USA” and desires to build a better life for himself but sometimes feels that success is out of his reach. Ian and Nique asked each of the men in their original documentary to advise “Darryl” on how he can forge a path to excellence and empowerment. Join Ian and Nique today for episodes of “The Invisible Men” every week as they hear the stories of incredible men and learn what advice they have for “Darryl” today!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 3min
Derrell Bradford: How a Tax Credit Could Transform School Access
In this episode of The Invisible Men, Ian and Nique speak with Derrell Bradford, President of 50CAN, about a game-changing federal tax credit bill that could reshape American education. They discuss how the program would allow families—especially low-income ones—to use privately funded scholarships for things like private school tuition, SAT prep, or tutoring. Bradford explores the political divide, pushback from teachers unions, and why some governors may opt out, even if it means losing out on resources. He emphasizes that this isn't a future idea—it’s already underway, with families across party lines taking part. The episode closes with powerful advice to young people: let others help you, and know that your success fuels more than just your own dreams.
Aug 14, 2025 • 32min
Gianno Caldwell: From Grief to Grit—A Fight for Safer Streets
In this episode of The Invisible Men, Ian and Nique speak with political analyst and advocate Gianno Caldwell about the personal and political dimensions of urban violence, broken families, and misguided public policy. Caldwell shares the tragic story of his younger brother’s murder in Chicago and reflects on growing up amid poverty, fatherlessness, and crime—conditions he argues are worsened by progressive policies masked as social justice. The conversation explores the impact of soft-on-crime legislation, declining faith, and disempowering education systems, while emphasizing the need for strong mentorship, spiritual grounding, and community action. Caldwell also introduces his work through the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety, calling for public engagement and leadership committed to real reform and accountability.Check out Caldwell’s powerful memoir, The Day My Brother Was Murdered: My Journey Through America's Violent Crime Crisis.
May 1, 2025 • 38min
Andre Fowlkes: From Credentials to Community—A Holistic Approach to Talent
In this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian speaks with Andre Fowlkes, co-founder and president of Start Co., about what it really takes for young people—especially in underserved communities—to succeed. Andre introduces the concept of the “social envelope,” a holistic framework that includes not just skills and credentials, but also social capital, support systems, and exposure to opportunity-rich environments. He emphasizes that learning should be continuous, not a one-time event, and explores how peer learning, mentorship, innovation, and entrepreneurship can empower youth to solve problems and navigate systems that often work against them. Andre highlights the value of investing in people, expanding one’s worldview, and playing the long game—calling for a new approach to supporting the next generation with more than just programs, but with real purpose and connection.
Apr 24, 2025 • 53min
Thomas Chatterton Williams: Rejecting the Black-White Binary
In this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian and Nique engage in a conversation with author Thomas Chatterton Williams about race, identity, and the complexities of navigating a mixed-race background. Williams shares his personal experiences growing up with a black father and a white mother, exploring how these dynamics shaped his understanding of race and class. The discussion delves into the psychological impacts of racism, the challenges of racial authenticity, and the importance of unlearning societal stereotypes. Williams emphasizes the need to reject the black-white binary and highlights misconceptions that exist between races, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of identity that transcends simplistic categorizations.Moreover, they explore the relevance of skin color in society, the impact of racial categories on education and achievement gaps, and the importance of influential figures in the civil rights movement. They discuss the complexities of multiculturalism, the need for a focus on individual merit over racial identity, and the challenges faced by the next generation. Williams shares personal anecdotes and advice for young people navigating societal expectations and inequalities, emphasizing the importance of hard work and intellectual achievement.
Apr 16, 2025 • 31min
Ian and Nique: College, Merit, and the Road Less Traveled
In this episode, Ian and Nique discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, discussing the shifting dynamics of college admissions, meritocracy, and the challenges students face today. They reflect on the complex and often frustrating process of applying to colleges, particularly the pressures placed on students by restrictive admissions policies. The conversation then shifts to a broader critique of college culture, questioning the necessity of a traditional college degree, and exploring alternative paths to success. With a focus on new educational models like the University of Austin, they examine how merit, critical thinking, and the ability to handle divergent opinions could reshape the future of education.
Apr 8, 2025 • 52min
Dumisani Washington: Black Excellence and Solidarity with Israel | THE INVISIBLE MEN
Ian and Nique are joined by Dumisani Washington to discuss the historical and ongoing challenges of racial integration, education, and black self-determination. Dumisani shares insights from his upbringing, emphasizing black excellence and the effects of integration on black institutions, and reflects on how his name change and spiritual journey led to the creation of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding black history, the strength of family, and the need for continued solidarity between black and Jewish communities, exploring the intersections of identity, faith, history, and resilience.
Apr 1, 2025 • 31min
Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors: Moynihan at 60
In this conversation, Ian and Nique delve into the historical context and contemporary implications of the Moynihan Report, discussing the decline of family structure in the black community and its impact on community cohesion, life outcomes, and neighborhood life. They explore the media's role in sensationalizing the report, personal narratives surrounding family dynamics, and the importance of education and empowerment in addressing these challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for honest conversations about family structure and the potential pathways to success for young people.
Mar 25, 2025 • 58min
Clifton Duncan’s One Man Show
In this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian engages in a deep conversation with Clifton Duncan, a classically trained actor and playwright. They explore Clifton’s unique upbringing across different cultures, his journey of racial awareness, and the complexities of navigating identity within the acting community. Clifton shares his experiences in theater, the impact of racial dynamics, and a pivotal moment that shifted his perspective on race. The discussion culminates in a reflection on liberation from societal constraints and the importance of seeing oneself beyond racial identity.Duncan discusses the profound influence of Thomas Sowell on his life and work, particularly in the context of creating a one-man show about Sowell. They explore Sowell’s journey from a high school dropout to a revered economist and intellectual, emphasizing the importance of culture, personal responsibility, and the need for evidence-based thinking. Duncan shares insights on how Sowell’s ideas can empower the next generation, encouraging young people to think for themselves and not be constrained by societal narratives.
Mar 18, 2025 • 31min
Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors: DEI’s Out. MEI’s In?
In this episode, Nique and Ian discuss Harvard economist Roland Fryer’s proposal to transition from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI) in corporate and educational contexts. They explore the implications of this shift, the challenges posed by current educational disparities, and the importance of merit in creating opportunities. The conversation highlights the performative nature of DEI initiatives and the need for a more honest dialogue about the root causes of inequality. Ultimately, they advocate for a focus on merit as a means to achieve true diversity and excellence in society.
Mar 11, 2025 • 56min
Devon Westhill: Equality Doesn’t Equal Equity | THE INVISIBLE MEN
In this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian and Nique engage with Devon Westhill, president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, discussing his personal journey growing up as a mixed-race child in the South, the dynamics of race and education, the role of single mothers, and the importance of social safety nets. The conversation also delves into the distinction between equal opportunity and equity in today's society, emphasizing the need for character-based judgment over race-based outcomes.Devon discusses the complexities of racial representation in corporate America, the shifting dynamics of equity and inclusion, and the potential impact of AI on the legal profession. He reflects on cultural changes in sports, the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on education, and offers advice to the younger generation about authenticity and opportunity.
