Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, “larger than life” is the best way to describe the huge presence and personality of Darryl Perry, a Big and Tall model who aims to change the world with his What’s Up, Lil Bro? video series. The clips motivate boys and young men to become their greatest selves by teaching fundamental life lessons like anger management, building confidence, healthy coping skills and busting through the world’s stereotypes, all in a relaxed, open, engaging manner.
Perry, who is known as @khololifestyle on Instagram, launched What’s Up, Lil Bro? to inspire Black youths to strive for greatness — and to address life’s challenges.
“I wanted my platform to have meaning. You don’t have to be big or tall, rich or poor to have experienced the traumas of life. There is no specific look or aesthetic to someone who has experienced life’s hardships. You’re not always able to look at a child and ‘hey he’s going through something,’” he says.
Perry knows all-too-well that growing up can be tough; he was always bigger than his peers. He remembers being mocked, which led to serious body image issues and a lack of self-confidence that plagued him all the way through his 20s.
“I was able to fake it. I was really good at masking what I was going through,” Perry adds.
He aims to use the platform to destigmatize shame and embarrassment surrounding emotional vulnerability. “As a man in general, you are taught to be tough, to be strong. And sometimes the things that young men go through can be embarrassing. They don’t feel like they have anyone to talk to about it due to fear of judgment. That’s where I want to come in and let them know that what you are or have gone through isn’t your fault and isn’t anything you should be ashamed of.”
Big and Tall
