Rodnell Dominique Riddick, King T.H.I.C.K. (November 3, 1988 - October 12, 2020)
Rodnell Dominique Riddick (Facebook)
Compiled by L. Michael Gipson and Storm E. Banks
His smile was perhaps Rodnell Dominique Riddick’s most recognizable trait. Bright and toothy, with an inner brilliance that illuminated his whole face. Smooth chocolate skin, bold fashion sensibility, and an indefatigable love for Black men of size were other defining traits for the man most in Atlanta’s creative and Black LGBTQ+ communities knew as Dominique or Dom/Domo. Founder of both the Fearful Clothing Line and later the Tempting, Handsome, Intelligent, and Charming Kings Movement aka the T.H.I.C.K. Movement, after much prodding by those impressed by his own unique taste, the entrepreneurial Riddick gathered a team of unapologetic Black gay, bi, and same gender loving (SGL) men of size to launch an aspirational and inspirational fashion line with a message rooted in body positivity and self-confidence. More than meeting the need for fashionable clothing for more robust bodies, the line with a purpose created online spaces on social media for people to embrace their bodies, love on one another, and find community. In the years since its inception, the movement has grown to include over 12,000 Black men not only rocking the fiercely urbane, crayon-colored clothing line, but also sharing images of them showcasing their curves both with and without gear, all in line with the Riddick inspired theme of radical self-love. For many who struggled with taking more full-bodied shots of themselves, it was the necessary brave first step to self-acceptance.“We are a body positive movement. We are here to uplift, inspire, encourage, and empower all men of size to love the skin therein. We also speak to mental health issues when it comes to weight and not loving your body,” Riddick said in a December 2019 interview with Voyage ATL where he was introduced as King T.H.I.C.K. “We also model and create visuals of what plus-size men are capable of doing. I have amazing Brand Ambassadors @lastkingstanding_08, @Ovobent, and @kills4fashionreloaded they have been a big inspiration to the community as well.”
Originally from Portsmouth, VA, the former graduate of Norfolk State University was known for taking big risks to achieve his creative vision. Those risks paid off following his move to Atlanta while still in his 20s, where the young designer would soon develop a thriving celebrity stylist business whose list included R&B Diva and former Sister Circle host Syleena Johnson. According to his Facebook page, Riddick also worked as a photographer, runway coach, fashion consultant, and fashion show coordinator—all skills put to eventual use for T.H.I.C.K., which had expanded to include hosting area networking and social events for Black gay, bi, and SGL men of size. The realization of even more Riddick visionary style in service to this often underserved community was sadly cut short on Monday, October 12th where Riddick transitioned, just weeks shy of his 32nd birthday, in his home in Brookhaven, GA. In honor of what Rodnell Dominique Riddick started, and what the men of T.H.I.C.K. undoubtedly will continue, The Reckoning invited those touched by Riddick to share words of tribute and remembrance to their friend, colleague, and an inspiration to many men who were moved by his irrepressible enthusiasm, creative zeal, and love for his brothers.
These are their words:
“I’ve always been shy and quiet. When Domo asked me to be a part of T.H.I.C.K, I instantly said ‘no.’ Domo being Domo, he never took no as an answer. He pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped bridge the gap between being confident and shy. I will continue your legacy brother!”
“Hey, D, It’s Bobster. There are so many things I wish that I had said and so many things I still want to say. I pray that you see how far your light has reached. I am honored to carry that light forward for you. I never knew what you saw in me until this very moment. My life is forever changed by yours. Thank you. Rest well.”
“My experience with Dominique was like no other. His laughter made you want to laugh even more. His confidence was out of this world. We were so sync’d, it only made you want to go harder. His voice was so strong it automatically grabbed your attention. If you wanted Brotherhood, you could definitely find it in him!”
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“Dominique aka my bestie boo. If you look up the definition love in the dictionary, I promise you’ll find my friend’s face. Dom had an amazing way of loving you, making you feel like you were the most important person in the world, and you felt it every time you were in his presence. I’ll miss my best friend; Lord knows I will, but my love has served his purpose here on Earth. Until we meet again love always and forever, your bestie boo, Nikita.”
“Son, your laugh was the most beautiful sound in the world. Not only did you made T.H.I.C.K. men feel good, but your love for people was out of the world. You’re gone from the world but not my heart. I love you, signed Pops.”
“I could write a million words and they still could never be able to capture the true essence of who Dominique was. What I will say though is my friend lived fearlessly, he lived in technicolor and unapologetically. He interrupted the lives of many from Norfolk to ATL, CA to Australia, his dedication and vision for T.H.I.C.K.; his baby was like none other. His shoes could never be filled, but I vow to continue to grow and expand upon his vision. I’ll do it so that men of size who feel less than can continue to have a space that makes them feel included in a world that sometimes feels exclusive of them and their contributions. My brother, you did a job well done and I am indebted to your loyalty and friendship. Rest well, my friend, and save me a seat next to you. Love, Storm.”
Please share your own memories in the comments below.
*For more information about Riddick’s homegoing, the family of Rodnell Dominique Riddick is being served by the professional staff of Tucker & Fisher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg, VA 804-324-5529. Rev. Antonio A. Tucker, Sr., Funeral Director. www.tuckerandfisher.com. The “Help Bring Dominique Home” fundraising campaign surpassed its $5000 goal to help the family manage funeral expenses. To support the T.H.I.C.K. movement, visit their online store at https://thickmovement.myshopify.com/.
L. Michael Gipson is a writer, educator, and 24-year advocate for a host of social justice causes, L. Michael Gipson, MS is the co-founder of the Beyond Identities Community Center for LGBTQ youth in Cleveland, the Black Alphabet Film Festival in Chicago, and the Black Bear Brotherhood in Detroit. Currently, Gipson is the Founder and Principal of Faithwalk, LLC and the Urban [W]rites project. A Red Dirt Press author, Gipson serves as Editor-at-Large at SoulTracks.com and Lead Writer and Co-Producer of the PBS docuseries Indie Soul Journeys.