A Jamaican Experience: My Blackman Group: Resilience in a Shared Journey
By: Baron Stewart
My Blackman Group: Resilience in a Shared Journey
Over the decades, I've been privileged to share my life with three remarkable men: Neil Brown, Fred Ferguson, and Ronald McLean. Our journeys have intertwined, creating a tapestry of resilience, camaraderie, and mutual growth. Each of their stories is a testament to Black men's enduring strength and transformative power navigating life's complexities. I invited all three men to come dine with me and my two sons at Amelie west village Bistro and Wine Bar in New York just after the pandemic in 2021. Let me introduce you to my friends.
Neil Brown: The Steadfast Trailblazer men to
Neil Brown stands about six-foot-two, with a build that makes it clear he’s no stranger to the gym. You notice all of it immediately: broad shoulders, upright posture, and sharp, searching eyes. He scans a room like he’s already made five calculations before you sit down. Something in his presence says: I’ve been through things I don’t need to explain.
He came to America to study dental technology, but life had other plans. He was drafted into the U.S. Army right after graduation and sent to Germany. Though trained as an assault weapons expert, he served in Human Resources. Then came another sharp turn: he returned to New York and became an undercover detective with the NYPD. Imagine that—a young Caribbean man navigating racism, danger, and identity, all while in plain clothes.
But everything changed after the controversial killing of a 14-year-old Black boy by a white police officer. The child had been playing with friends. The tragedy shattered Neil’s morale and solidified his decision to leave the force. Though the FBI tried to recruit him, he’d had enough of the machine that chewed up minorities and crushed their souls.
He pivoted to corporate life, joining IBM, where he built a 35-year career. Rising through the ranks to become a Senior Deputy Project Executive, he managed both domestic and international operations. That kind of success wasn’t handed to him—it was earned through discipline, intelligence, and an edge honed on the streets. He brought street smarts into boardrooms, never letting either world strip him of who he was.
Neil’s style is clean and classic. He dresses like a man used to authority—no need for flash, just presence. When he speaks, it’s measured and intentional. You find yourself leaning in—there’s no wasted breath. That Sunday at Amelie, his girlfriend Francesca sat beside him, softening his silhouette with warmth and laughter. But the core of Neil—that fire-hardened strength—that never softens.
Fred Ferguson: The Compassionate Mentor
At 78, Fred Ferguson still carries the look of an athlete—tall, broad-shouldered, with the quiet confidence of a man who once ruled the tennis court. His body may no longer allow him the movement he once had, but nothing about Fred feels diminished. His presence, his voice, his commitment to others—all of it remains fully intact.
Born in Washington, D.C., Fred has lived a life of remarkable depth—professionally and personally. His path was shaped not just by achievement but by moments that carved into the soul. One of the most profound was the day his father died in his arms. It’s an experience that never leaves a person. For Fred, it became a quiet well of strength and compassion that has informed everything he’s done since.
For 42 years, Fred served as a professor of dentistry at the State University of New York, where he mentored generations of students. But teaching, for him, was never just about procedures or textbooks. He taught from the heart, helping young professionals understand that dentistry was a gateway to something more significant: trust, dignity, and the fundamental right to health.
Even after stepping away from academia, Fred never stopped serving. He has spent the last seven years working with One Brooklyn Health, a safety net hospital system, focusing on caring for those often left out of the conversation. Long before the term “health equity” became common, Fred was living it.
His passion for empowering patients led to MySmileGuide, a pioneering digital platform that helps individuals take charge of their oral health as a path to their overall health. But that was just one chapter. Today, his mission continues through Health Migration Consulting, a company he founded to encourage a new vision of healthcare—one in which health professionals see patients not as problems to be solved but as partners in health. It’s vintage Fred: bold, compassionate, and forward-thinking.
On the personal side, Fred is a devoted father to Tessa and Taylor and a loving grandfather to two grandchildren. Though divorced from Harriette, they remain partners dedicated to family. Most recently, he endured the loss of his adoptive mother, a woman who played a formative role in his life. That grief still lingers, but he carries it gracefully like everything else in his journey.
Fred lives on Long Island, New York, engaged with life and imagining what’s possible. Those who know him well don’t just admire what he’s accomplished—we admire who he is: a man of intellect, integrity, and enormous heart. His body may move slower now, but his mind and spirit remain in motion, always stretching toward a future where care is more humane, just, and whole.
Ronald McLean: The Lifelong Brother
Ronald McLean has been my friend for over 67 years. That kind of friendship becomes blood. We grew up together and worked the old elevator side by side to earn enough for college—long hours, steel doors, heavy cables, and heavier dreams. He was always steady and determined.
He came from the McLean family, which is well-known in Jamaica and respected for its athleticism, discipline, and community presence. His name carried weight long before he made one for himself. At school, Ronald was the opening batsman on our cricket team—calm, focused, and always prepared. That kind of poise under pressure defined him early and never left.
Like his two brothers, Ronald once embraced Rastafari, growing dreadlocks not as rebellion but as a spiritual and cultural claim to identity. Later, when it came time to pursue graduate school and dental school, he made the painful choice to cut them off. It wasn’t about giving up—it was about strategy. He knew the path ahead would be more challenging for a Black man with visible pride. So he trimmed the hair, kept the roots, and moved through doors that wouldn’t have opened otherwise.
He became a successful dentist in the Bronx and built a life and a thriving practice while raising five children. He’s been married three times, each relationship a chapter in a life that has never been stagnant. Today, he is married to the love of his life, Ramona; there is something solid, settled, and right about them.
He’s a little shorter than me, greying now, with that late-day beard shadow that speaks of a life lived. For most of his career, he wore suits like armor—always with a tie, always pressed, never loud. Since COVID, he’s let the fabric breathe a bit more. Still elegant. Still Ronald.
I spent last weekend in Nice, celebrating the 21st birthday of his only granddaughter, Camryn. She moved through that French celebration like she belonged there—confident, self-possessed, the product of a lineage that had crossed oceans and outlasted history. Ronald’s grandson, Kieran—the footballer with a lawyer’s mind—is headed to Oxford later this year on a study abroad program.
And I couldn’t help but think: How many generations does it take for a Jamaican man like Ronald—or like me—to have a grandchild accepted into one of the best universities in the world? For Ronald, it took two. The McLean name meant something in Jamaica. Now, it means something in Europe, too. That’s not just impressive. That’s legacy in motion.
Reflections on Lifelong Friendships and Shared Resilience
Reflecting on the decades-long friendships I've shared with Neil, Fred, and Ronald unveils a tapestry woven with shared experiences, mutual growth, and an enduring resilience in life's challenges. Each relationship's unique formation and evolution has profoundly influenced my journey, shaping my perspectives and fortifying my spirit.
Origins and Evolution of Our Bonds
Ronald McLean: Our connection began in childhood as neighbors in Jamaica. The bond deepened when I lived with his family during my teenage years, solidifying a brotherhood that has withstood the test of time.
Fred Ferguson: Our paths crossed at Chester in Stony Brook, where a shared appreciation for reggae music sparked our friendship. From the late 1970s onward, his home became my second, a sanctuary of camaraderie and understanding.
Neil Brown: We met at IBM when PID moved to Sterling Forest and became adventure companions. Neil and I embarked on numerous escapades during our single years, each reinforcing our mutual respect and friendship.
Navigating Challenges Together
Our friendships were not without trials. Ronald's embrace of Rastafarianism introduced a period of distance; however, upon his return, we reconnected seamlessly, a testament to the strength of our bond. These experiences underscored the importance of patience, understanding, and the willingness to embrace each other's evolving identities.
Influence on Personal Growth
Each friend has been instrumental in my development:
Fred imparted wisdom on health and the nuances of raising multicultural children.
Neil provided invaluable lessons in financial management.
Ronald, as my dentist, emphasized the significance of oral health, reflecting his care and commitment to my well-being.
Cultural and Societal Intersections
Our shared Jamaican heritage with Ronald fostered a deep cultural connection. With Fred, our mutual love for reggae music became a bridge linking our backgrounds. Working together at IBM, Neil and I served as sounding boards for each other, navigating the corporate landscape as Black men. These intersections enriched our relationships, allowing us to support one another in contexts where societal norms often posed challenges.
Shared Experiences Strengthening Bonds
Engaging in activities together fortified our connections:
Fred and I found common ground on the tennis court.
Ronald and I shared the soccer field during our college days.
Neil introduced me to weightlifting, guiding me through the intricacies of the gym.
These shared pursuits brought joy and cultivated mutual respect and understanding.
Resilience Through Collective Experience
Our collective journey embodies resilience, particularly against systemic racism and inequity. We've navigated these adversities, drawing strength from our unity and shared experiences. This collective resilience has fortified our friendships and empowered us to confront broader societal challenges with courage and determination.
My friendships with Neil, Fred, and Ronald have been pillars in my life's journey. Through shared experiences, mutual growth, and unwavering support, we've cultivated a brotherhood that exemplifies the profound impact of enduring friendships and the resilience they foster.
Building and maintaining enduring friendships is essential for personal well-being and resilience. Here are some recommendations to help you cultivate meaningful and lasting relationships:
Choose Friends Wisely
Select individuals who make you feel valued and supported. Look for qualities such as empathy, reliability, and mutual respect. Surrounding yourself with positive influences fosters healthier and more resilient friendships.
Invest Time and Effort
Friendships require consistent nurturing. Regular interactions, such as weekly meet-ups or scheduled calls, help strengthen bonds. Prioritizing time together demonstrates commitment and deepens connections.
Communicate Openly and Set Boundaries
Effective communication is vital. Please express your feelings, listen actively, and set clear boundaries for mutual respect. Understanding and honoring each other's limits fosters trust and longevity in friendships.
Adapt to Life Changes
As life evolves, so do relationships. Be open to adjusting your friendship dynamics in response to significant life events like moving, marriage, or career shifts. Flexibility and understanding during transitions help maintain strong connections.
Engage in Shared Activities
Participating in common interests or hobbies can reinforce bonds. Whether joining a club, attending events together, or simply sharing a hobby, these activities create shared experiences that enhance friendship quality.
Be Supportive and Reliable
Offer support during both good times and challenges. Being dependable in your friends' lives builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to the relationship.
Prioritize Face-to-Face Interactions
While digital communication is convenient, in-person interactions are invaluable. Face-to-face meetings foster deeper emotional connections, which are linked to improved mental health and longevity.
Practice Forgiveness and Let Go of Grudges
Misunderstandings are natural in any relationship. Approach conflicts with empathy, address issues directly, and be willing to forgive. Holding onto grudges can erode trust; instead, focus on resolving disagreements constructively.
Be Open to New Friendships
While cherishing existing relationships, please be aware that you're open to making new connections. Diverse friendships can enrich your life and provide fresh perspectives.
Reflect on Your Role
You should be able to assess your contributions to your friendships regularly. Practice empathy, reliability, and open communication to ensure you're being the kind of friend you aspire to have.
By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate friendships that are not only enduring but also enriching, providing mutual support and enhancing overall well-being.