Episode 124: Emil Wilbekin, Award-winning American Journalist, Media Executive, and Founder of NATIVE SON

United States
Written By Erick Taylor Woodby
 

Emil Wilbekin is an award-winning American journalist, media executive, curator, and professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. He's also the founder of NATIVE SON, “a movement, community, and platform of Black gay/queer men who inspire, empower, and celebrate each other.” Emil is the former editor-in-chief of Vibe and Giant and editor-at-large at Essence. While at Vibe, he helped to elevate the careers of music artists like Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, and Aaliyah.

 
Erick Taylor Woodby

Erick Taylor Woodby is a Los Angeles–based writer and podcast producer named to the National Black Justice Collective’s 2025 “Cohort of 100 Black LGBTQ+/SGL Emerging Leaders to Watch.” He is the creator, host, and producer of the top-ranked Our Black Gay Diaspora Podcast, recording more than 130 episodes that feature changemakers from 28 countries and 45 professions across the African diaspora.

https://www.ericktaylorwoodby.com/
Previous

Episode 125: Erick Taylor Woodby, Creator, Host, and Producer of Our Black Gay Diaspora Podcast