By: Raquel Williams | May 20, 2025
Clarksdale, Ms — When you ask a little boy what he wants to be when he grows up, you typically get the classic responses: Policeman, Fireman, Doctor, Lawyer. In a town of less than 15,000 people The Clarksdale Fire Department operates three fire stations with less than 50 Firefighters 24-hours a day, seven days a week. One fireman in particular has a passion for fashion and poetry…who is it? Marquon Martinez Lee, refers to himself as a Fire Fighter. I know him as “Q”. I’m not sure why I call him that, but it seems to fit and he has never corrected me.
Being a fire fighter is not his “dream job” but it pays the bills and gives him a sense of responsibility and routine. His dream job is to be a Brand Manager or Creative Director for Fashion House or Ralph Lauren. During his interview he jokingly shared that being a Lawyer falls somewhere on the priority list but he likes knowing that his job is respected and needed. Alluding to the title of this article brings me to the second focal point of the article. Presentation! Marquon is young, vibrant and intelligent. He considers himself to be an introverted extrovert. When asked about his passions “Being well dressed” is at the top of his list.
Marquon is considered a “sneaker-head” and among the many fashion gurus here in lil ole Clarksdale, he may be a shoe celebrity. Social media provides him a platform to showcase his collection. His daily posts puts him in a position to be an influencer. The younger generation finds refuge in Facebook and Instagram and he is present and poised whether it’s the #ootd or #kotd. These hashtags are synonymous and contagious as people across the globe boast their ability to connect with others through hashtags and acronyms. #ootd stand for Outfit of the day and #kotd stand for Kicks of the day. I teach a college and career readiness course at Clarksdale High and he is always on alert to come speak to the students and outside of school he contributes by taking time to share his life’s lessons and any surplus from his wardrobe if they present a need or a strong desire.
An informal probe into his psyche revealed his passion for black culture & black women which he exemplifies through his writing. His claim is that one is misappropriated and one is mishandled. If you are able to read his writing you would be enlightened and entertained. It is refreshing to connect to a young black man through his art. Q expressed that he feels they are synonymous and proceeded to justify his claim with a trip down memory lane.
He began his story with a reference to his role model whom he revealed is his dad. The memory was about him taking a spill and his dad’s response. Several times during his account did he mention “The innocence of a child” the conversation included pros and cons of growing up with his biological father in Atlanta, Georgia, his deep affection for women, his step father’s role in life,perception of…”Will”…and having willpower.
Impressive, expressive and progressive sums up this old soul’s personality traits!
I have watched him grow into what Clarksdale needs from millennials or generation ‘Y’ers. His redirection was used to lay a foundation to serenity and stability! Who knew that fires, fashion & fantasy would resonate in Clarksdale, Mississippi?
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