Black History Today: Arthur Bruce, Jr. and JaMichael Glenn, a brotherhood both radical and familiar

Black History Today, created by Marcus Harden in honor of Black History Month, pays tribute to the living legacy of Black history in our community and beyond and recognizes the people among us who are boldly shaping the future.

“Brotherhood isn’t inherited. It’s chosen—again and again.”

By Marcus Harden

There’s global conversation happening around human connectivity, and how it’s being lost — specifically amongst men. As our sense of community erodes, as our traditional Third Spaces and intentional connection methods are replaced by screens and algorithms, we find that how we see each other and the world has changed.

I’ve always been a fan of bonds forged by choice. As Proverbs says, “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” It’s a tale as old as time, yet one not always deeply explored as to how and why the bond exists.

Frodo and Sam. Naruto and Saske. Steve and Bucky. Jon Snow and Samwell. Some bonds forged through rivalry, others forged by complementary minds and skill sets, and still others are born of coincidence and shared purpose. All are deeply rooted in love and loyalty.

Arthur Bruce, Jr. and JaMichael (J-Mike) Glenn give me and others hope about what chosen brotherhood, Philo, can represent. Their brotherhood was forged in Montgomery, Ala. — or “The Gump,” as they affectionately refer to their hometown. They’ve been friends since bumping into each other in the hallways of their secondary school, bonded seemingly ever since.

To know Bruce is to know the ultimate multi-hyphenate — entrepreneur, bartender, emcee, personal trainer, business professional, travel guru and so many other things. Tying each of his seemingly disparate talents together is that Bruce is a humble convener of people, selflessly and effortlessly bringing people together and make them feel seen and valued. His humility is outshone only by this ability to center others, and his wisdom and empathy make clear that Bruce is a 90-year-old southern spirit in a much younger vessel.

To know J-Mike is to know a throwback to almost sitcom-level “man.” Hard-working and earnest when it comes to his family, J-Mike and his amazing wife model what modern love looks like, truly enjoying each other and spreading that joy to all who are near. As a trusted uncle, J-Mike is a guidepost to those who come behind him.

To watch them show up together — no jealously, no ego, just true relational trust that effortlessly ebbs and flows — in everything from debates about college football to accountable conversations about being better men, you quickly see that this is not a friendship carried foward simply out of convenience, but one forged for growth.

What Bruce and J-Mike model is Philo in action. It’s not loud or performative but chosen, steady, rooted in truth and trust. A brotherhood by choice, not chance, built beyond bloodlines (throw your 👆🏿up #IYKYK).

In a culture that teaches men to hide behind grind, ego, or silence, their brotherhood feels both radical and familiar. Old-school and future-facing. Barbershop and front porch. A friendship forged and maintained for growth, accountability, and joy. If we are serious about healing men and restoring community, it starts by honoring bonds like J-Mike and Bruce’s. For this and so many other reasons, Arthur Bruce, Jr. and JaMichael Glenn are the epitome of Black History Today.