We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bobby Stone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Bobby , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The annual NYC Earth Day Fashion Show is one of our most meaningful project because it encompasses a plethora of components that enhances the well-being and growth of our community. In addition to paying homage to Mother Earth, we also highlight independent designers that need a platform to market their designs and independent models that do not get an opportunity to hit the runway due to the industry’s strict “beauty” standards.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Bobby Stone is a Hip Hop Music Artist and founder of The New Old School. He’s also a licensed mental health therapist and community activist from Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Under the dynamic umbrella of The New Old School, you will find Mr. Stone’s clothing line (#ivit), the annual NYC Earth Day Fashion Show, short films, annual back to school events, independent artists showcases and more. Listeners to his music experience art with substance, clients in his community experience a warm and therapeutic environment and followers of his movement get an opportunity to cross-market and take advantage of the many resources that The New Old School possesses. I am most proud of the substantial growth of Bobby Stone and The New Old School, despite not having any managers, investors or major backing.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The Power of Habit is a book that assisted me with disrupting negative behavioral patterns that were not in alignment with my goals and dreams. It caused me to be more mindful of “habit loops” and how we can replace negative behaviors with positive behaviors. It enhanced the way I studied to pass my Social Work licensing exam, it helped me quit my coffee addiction and provided me with a tool to help others.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2009, NYPD officers raided the wrong apartment and instead of them owning up to their mistake, they decided to frame me. Although they did not find anything illegal in my apartment, I ended up facing 15 years in jail for a narcotics crime that I did not commit. I was only 1 month away from graduating from Hunter College with my Masters in Social Work when this event took place. I was in a really bad place mentally, which led me to my first mental health therapy appointment to deal with anxiety, PTSD and Depression. By the grace of God, family resources, a civil rights attorney and my mental health therapist, I was able to be resilient during this challenging experience. It resulted with me beating the case and winning a settlement against NYPD. I obtained my MSW from Hunter College, the following month.

Contact Info:

• Website: ivitivit.com
• Instagram: @bobbystonemusic
• Facebook: Bobby Stone
• Twitter: bobbystonemusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bobbystone7
• Other: @thenewoldschoolfilmcompany on instagram @nycearthdayfashionshow