When I was 14, a group of boys stormed our compound looking for me. They met my parents at the entrance and were worried why they were all looking for me.
I’d hosted a football competition in my community that had about 16 teams in it. I’d watched the World Cup and competitions and wanted to create the same experience at my level.
The tournament had been a well-kept secret from my parents until the final match, where they were to get the prize and I was nowhere to be found because I’d been grounded not to go anywhere that Sunday.
I thought my life was over that day. My dad was furious and couldn’t understand what had taken over me, while my mum was just laughing all through. She kept asking them, “You mean Michael made you all pay to play football?”
They finally let me go join them. As I was about to step out, my mum called me back and said, “Go and change your shirt, wear sneakers, add a cap, you’re the host and you need to look the part,” even though I looked more like a P.E. teacher.
That tournament was just me trying to do something kind, something that brought joy to others, even though I didn’t see it that way at the time. I just wanted people to feel like they mattered, like they were part of something.
As I was putting final touches on Elevate Your Style 9, it dawned on me nothing has really changed over the years. Same spirit to uplift and bring together, but this time around, something more dear to my heart, how individuals self-express through style. I can’t wait to see y’all at the “Colour of Elegance” tomorrow.
Write about a random act of kindness you’ve done for someone.
Michael Okunloro | Elevate Your Style 