Meet Raphael Harry | Cultural Agent, Father, Podcaster, Veteran, Volunteer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raphael Harry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raphael, what makes you happy? Why?

Collecting and listening to stories from people of all walks of life and from around the world brings me immense joy. It grounds me and humanizes the struggles I face. When dark thoughts start to creep in, these interactions remind me that I’m not alone and inspire me to embrace my skills as gifts worth sharing with the world.

Spending time with my loved ones, especially my daughter and partner, brings both fear and immense joy. Watching her discover and find humor in everyday things brings unexpected happiness. I never imagined finding joy in the little things, but now I do. Meeting Verena changed my perspective, and I’m grateful to have someone who makes the world a better place just by being in it.

Seeing the people I care about happy brings me so much joy. I’ve been described as the biggest motivator and cheerleader by an acquaintance, and I love being there for others. Volunteering, whether it’s at a community garden or a larger project, fills me with indescribable happiness with each completed project.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an evolving artist, I have a deep passion for collecting and sharing stories. Whether I’m conducting an interview or appearing as a guest on someone else’s platform, the most beautiful moment for me is when someone shares their story for the first time and realizes its significance. It’s truly priceless, and I feel honored that over 100 people have entrusted me with their meaningful experiences. Reflecting on my past, I’ve always been a talker, and there were moments when adults shared personal experiences with me, unknowingly earning my trust. Although I didn’t seek any compensation for this, there were occasional suggestions for me to pursue a career in radio or TV, which I dismissed at the time.

Today, my focus is on creating a space where we can share laughter and tears while humanizing the immigrant experience. I aim to show that not all of us will fit the traditional mold of success, such as being millionaires or doctors. There’s a unique path for each of us, and by listening to our stories, you’ll find that we share more in common than you might expect

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Starting in Park Slope Brooklyn: Let’s kick off the day with a classic bodega breakfast experience. We’ll make our way to 18th street Tunisserv Deli for a delicious Bacon, Egg & Cheese sandwich or a tasty sub, with a side of coffee or tea to fuel our adventure. If bacon isn’t available at this North African-owned bodega, no worries – I know a great Korean-owned bodega just one street away as a backup. We’ll embark on a leisurely walking tour from Park Slope Greenwood Cemetery, passing by historic cathedrals on 7th Avenue & 8th Avenue, making our way to Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza. Along the way, we’ll have the chance to admire the Central Library and the Brooklyn Museum. When it’s time for lunch, we’ll indulge in the flavors of Senegalese cuisine at Cafe Rue Dix – trust me, the thought alone is making my mouth water.

After a well-deserved rest, we’ll head to Brooklyn Industrial City for an evening filled with relaxation and enjoyment, surrounded by a plethora of food and drink options and the sounds of outdoor concerts. If you’re in the mood for some entertainment, BAM offers plays and concerts, while the Dekalb food court is another fantastic spot to explore. With a variety of food and drink options from around the globe, and the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at the top of the building for movie buffs, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Plus, there’s plenty of shopping to indulge in between our adventures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to acknowledge Verena Thoene, along with Nat and Ryan, and some of my fellow veterans at The Mission Continues.Nat and Ryan were the first friends I made after arriving in New York while still struggling to break out of my isolation shell. They were the first non-military friends I had, and they accepted me with all my flaws. Thanks to them, I was introduced to a diverse and inclusive circle of gamers in the city. This helped me overcome my fear of expressing myself publicly and enjoy my hobbies. They also helped fix my online dating profiles, which eventually led to Verena entering my life.

Before Verena came into my life, I was content with traveling the world and never settling down in one place, let alone starting a family. However, one conversation with her made me realize that I wanted to spend more time with this amazing woman. Today, I couldn’t be prouder to share a daughter with her – she’s intelligent, superb at her profession, and an incredible person.

Although I had done some volunteering here and there, I had never committed to one organization until I met a couple of veterans with The Mission Continues in 2015. This led to my participation in volunteer projects all over the Tri-State area and across the country. Most importantly, during the lockdown, I got involved in a local community garden in my neighborhood with my kid. If I hadn’t spoken with those veterans back in 2015, I wouldn’t have been comfortable enough to step out today to the point that I’m okay missing out on the big events.

Website: https://www.whitelabelamerican.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitelabelamerican/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelharry/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PodWLA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteLabelAmericanPod

Image Credits
Josh Wilcox and Walter Nordquist of the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio.