Tyrone J. McClain - CEO & Founder, Alkebulan Global

Tyrone McClain grew up in a small city outside Mobile, Alabama, now known as Africatown, Alabama.

Meeting My Great Grandmother

My life path was shaped early by a profound encounter with my great grandmother, affectionately known as Auntie. My father took me to visit her, a woman born into slavery and nearing the end of her life. I remember him gently placing his hand on my shoulder as he guided me to her bedside. Overcome with shyness, I kept my eyes low. When I finally looked up, the deep richness of her skin stunned me at such a young age. My eyes followed her arm until I saw her face, a striking Black woman who could not speak but turned her head and offered me a brief, meaningful smile. That moment set me on a lifelong search to understand her life and the reality of slavery.

Dealing With Racism

As I grew older, I realized that my shyness could not shield me from racism and prejudice. One moment stands out. During a shopping trip at JCPenney, I told my mother I was thirsty. She pointed toward two water fountains and told me to use the colored fountain on the left, not the white fountain. As I approached, something in me shifted. Instead of going to the fountain designated for people of color, I walked to the “white only” fountain and drank from it. I wanted to face my fear and see if the water tasted any different. I ran back to my mother and said, “Mommy, the water tasted the same!” That simple moment taught me that I could confront challenges bigger than my fear.

My Lighter Skin

One evening, after my father came home and settled into his favorite chair, he called me over, placed his arm beside mine, and asked me to compare our skin tones. He looked at me and said that because my skin was lighter than his, I would have more opportunities in life. At that age, I did not yet understand the weight of his words.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

After graduating from Alabama A&M University, I worked for two major companies before receiving an opportunity at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the world’s largest tire manufacturer at the time. I was accepted into Squadron Training, a highly competitive management program reserved for top candidates. Five weeks into the program, a senior manager informed me that I was the first Black man ever hired into that track. My father’s words about my lighter skin immediately came back to me. I realized that my complexion had influenced my selection, and it frustrated me deeply, knowing that other Black men with more experience and stronger qualifications were passed over.

My Interest in Africa Led Me to Alkebulan

My deeper connection to Africa began in 2003 when I founded Body Passion, Inc., a company selling skin care products and herbal supplements from South Africa. To expand the business, I held weekly workshops to recruit new sales representatives. During these sessions, I often asked participants to choose five places they wanted to visit in the world, including Africa. Africa rarely made the top of the list.

Exploring the Continent of Alkebulan

In early 2020, I created my first Facebook group, originally named Exploring the Continent of Africa and later renamed Exploring the Continent of Alkebulan. Through this platform, I met inspiring people across the continent, helping me embrace and celebrate my own heritage. But I also witnessed the difficult realities many faced: systems meant to limit their progress and restrict their ability to earn a living.

I made a sincere effort to get to know group members and help when I could, but I quickly learned that offering financial support could create expectations that were hard to manage.

My study of African history made it clear that colonizers deceived and coerced my ancestors into giving up their land and resources. Military force allowed them to take control, and Christianity was used to reinforce their dominance, creating a long-lasting system that exploited African people and wealth.

My mission is to encourage Melanated people worldwide to understand that “Africa” is not the continent’s original name. It became widely used through historical circumstances. I believe it is important to restore the name Alkebulan, the continent’s original name, and reclaim its true identity. Through this restoration, I hope to inspire greater understanding that Melanated people are, as written in Genesis 1:26, the original people created in the image and likeness of the Creator.