Meet Saubir Logan | Middle School Teacher & Creative Entrepreneur

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

Hi Saubir, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my community. I was born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit, Michigan with my older sister and single mother. My life was developed by hard work, diligence, and giving back. Without my work ethic and understanding that I am not successful without giving back to those around me, Swifty would not be the brand that it is today.

My community is a significant factor behind my success because everything that comes out of Swifty is inspired by every thing around me. Detroit and African American culture is what has fueled my creativity. Swifty will always be a platform for those 2 aspects to get the acknowledgment they deserve.

Our mission is to build community by dissolving cultural appropriation. Swifty uses black people as the face of black culture. Swifty also donates clothes every year to those in need and promotes success within inner city communities through education.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a first generation college student from Siena Heights University majoring in Psychology, and minoring in Communications. Education is such a significant part of Swifty because I started my brand my sophomore year of college.

After graduation I received a letter stating I was on the waitlist for graduate school. To make sure I remained productive I decided to join Americorps. I moved to Newark, New Jersey and completed a year of service through education. I served over 1500 hours.

The experience was life changing to say the least. I was able to create life long relationships with kids from new backgrounds. I learned so much from my students and the New Jersey/ New York culture. After a successful school year, I knew I had the ability to become a teacher. I was offered a teaching position in New Jersey, but decided to teach in my own community in the Detroit metropolitan area.

Fast forward I will soon be completing my 3rd year in education after this school year. I never saw myself or desired to be a teacher but, it was all meant to be because I love it. The journey has not been easy but wanting my kids to be successful and discover a fresh perspective on life is what drives me.

I know that my story can encourage and inspire young people to get their education, and not give up despite the cards that life has dealt them. We all have had to experience unfortunate things but that is not an excuse to give up on your dreams, or not strive for success.

I want the world to know that despite the challenges that I have faced I got focused, recognized my potential, worked hard, and created a path for myself. I did not make excuses. If I can do it, you can do it!

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.
If someone I loved was coming to visit Detroit the first place I would take them is to Belle Isle.

Belle Isle is an underrated, peaceful spot perfect for getting your mind right and regaining peace. The perfect times to go is in the morning, or evenings.

For Food we would have to hit up Sinbad’s on Jefferson right off the water. The restaurant has great ambience and its a legendary Detroit Spot. American’s Coney Island downtown is great as well.

SouthWest Detroit is another great area and one of my favorite locations. There is so much rich culture, and great food. Especially if you love authentic hispanic cuisine.

For fun I would say SkateLand on the Eastside of Detroit, there is so much to do Downtown.

I love sports and concerts so Little Caesars area, Ford Field, or the Tigers Stadium is where we would most likely end up. They are such great arenas and extremely easy to maneuver through. We would definitely have to catch a Pistons, Lions, or Tigers game!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to God first, because without him I would not have been able to accomplish anything I had set out to do.

Next I would like to thank my family Sheila Ball, Sheneelia Paul (Detroit Edge), Ralph Logan, and Luke Payne for continuously supporting my brand. My family has helped me shoot videos, buy packaging supplies, bought merchandise, and most importantly encouraged me to keep my brand going whenever I felt like giving it up.

Lastly I would like to thank all the people on my education journey that believed in me. My former principles, teachers, professors, and mentors who saw my potential when at times I did not see it in my self. S/O to Burton International, Dr. James at Cass Tech, Detroit Cristo Rey High School, and Siena Heights University! #GOSAINTS

A huge thank you also to Mr. Jackson (Gavin Jackson) for the nomination!

Website: https://www.swifty.media

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@swiftytv5502

Image Credits
My homeroom (7th Grade)
8th Grade Class
Kyrah (@TheyKnowKay)