Gent’s Talk: Faith, Fashion and Community, with Tyrone Edwards

On the surface, you see ETALK Co-Anchor, influencer and of course, sneaker head. You likely recognize the social handle, mr1loveto. But behind the swagger, beneath the large personality, exists a man of humble beginnings. A man who prides himself on community. Canadian born and raised in a religious Jamaican family, Tyrone Edwards is very much a product of his environment.

See also: Gent’s Talk: Comedy, Addiction and the Facebook Post that Changed everything, with Neema Nazeri>>>

Not All Things are Black and White

You don’t grow up in Canada without hearing the word multiculturalism. In Tyrone’s case, multiculturalism is very much a lived experience. First it was a school where he was only one of three black kids. By the time he was in high school, Tyrone found himself among over thirty different ethnic groups. It was this exposure, early on, that he credits for his deep compassion for community. The lessons learned, the friendships made, the commitment to give back. “I’m a community guy. Not in the sense that I’m black so automatically I have to be a community guy. I’m a community guy because I genuinely love community. I come from the community but with access to the celebrity world.”

ADVERTISEMENT

People Over Profits

It’s easy to notice the change in tone when Tyrone speaks to his involvement in charitable campaigns. It’s certainly been a big part of his life; his work goes back nearly two decades. Some of that work has included the ‘See You Soon Toronto‘ project. Launched in the Spring of 2020, the aim is to contribute towards the revitalization of Toronto post-pandemic. 100% of the proceeds made from limited addition apparel and art are donated towards Covid-19 relief efforts. Before that, it was the ‘Concrete Hoops‘ project from 2001-2011; an initiative aimed at connecting at-risk youth with the game of basketball. He also acts as an ambassador for Yorktown, a walk-in mental health clinic. “There were times were I raised more money for charitable causes than I had in my savings account. I’m okay with that. I trust in that process.”

Faith and Fatherhood

“It’s a part of my maintenance, my purpose, a part of my peace.” Faith is front and center for Tyrone. It’s the source of his energy, one he works diligently to keep positive. His belief keeps him grounded and is a common theme throughout his story. Anyone can tell you that having faith in something, anything, can be a struggle and can be tested at times. Fatherhood on the other hand, is a very different test altogether.

For Tyrone, fatherhood means patience and says they are practically one and the same. “Good parenting is about being present, listening, living through the scenario with your child. Cookie cutter answers will only get you so far.” So how does the TV personality manage duties as a dad? A work in progress he says. Staying relevant with the times means having a better understanding for how your child sees, and more importantly, understands the world. “A lot of things my mom taught me is now outdated and things I’ve lived through may no longer be relevant when the time comes to pass that along to my daughter.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Fashion, Sneakers and the Six

Fashion is a language. One Tyrone speaks fluently. He equates his current love for fashion with his days as a kid going to church. “A suit represents church clothes. You press them nicely, hang them. That’s what made them special. He recalls how his mother always reminded him that the way he dressed told the world around him that he came from somewhere. How they “may not have a lot of money, but have a lot of class.”

It therefore only makes sense as to why Tyrone’s growing sneaker obsession continues to be his form of expression. A connoisseur of collectibles, to him, sneakers scream clout, cool, collectible. “That collection of sneakers is made up of a lot of sneakers I wanted to get when i was younger and didn’t have the means to.” This ultimately made his partnership with eBay a natural fit. Tyrone credits a great conversation about shoes was the catalyst for the partnership. “My life is so busy but I’m still a sneakerhead. I like the ‘Authenticity Guarantee‘ eBay offers. I think it’s a good fit for the sneaker community.”

Speaking of community, Tyrone’s love for the city that gave him his shot is one he reps proudly. It’s in his social handle and his ongoing charitable work aims to support his beloved city. “Me getting to host rap-city on Much Music, that was me living out a dream. I’m living out another dream being a co-anchor at ETALK. You have to celebrate these things.”

ADVERTISEMENT

So what’s next for Tyrone? “I want to write. I want to tell stories.” Expect big things coming from this dynamic individual.