The BCA TEAM
Jasean
Jasean Fowlkes, 1/4 of the BCA team, born in the year of 1994 in Baltimore MD. I am the only child of my mother, Tracey Harris and father, Jomo Fowlkes.
Growing up I moved all over the place, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, PG County and back to Baltimore County for high school. Being a kid that was on a constant move I had to learn to adapt quick, fast and in a hurry. I think, well I know it made me be very standoffish in a sense as well because by the time I met people it was time to go to a whole new environment. So I thought to myself why get attached? (Now the few that I grew tight bonds with you know who you are, being an only child I definitely see you all as my siblings that i never had). However back to the story, I’m very quiet and observant don’t really talk to much unless I really know you. That’s just how I have been all my life until now…
Entrepreneurship, was never really a thought of mine, school wasn’t neither so I just went with the trade school route, I became a certified Electrician, but it was still something missing. My father (Jomo) came up with ideas of different businesses and I thought “what could I lose?” That is exactly what Broken Cycle means to me, me stepping out of my comfort zone to become more than what I am now. NOW I’m in the position of CEO which made me grow to be outgoing and more talkative, even down to me becoming more social media present. Being apart of the Broken Cycle Apparel team has helped me grow in all aspects of life and I will continue to evolve.
Since we launched July 11, 2022, there have been many ups, some downs, a few pivots, however; as a team we definitely have taken some big steps together as a unit and individually. BROKEN CYCLE APPAREL remember the name.
Rick
Who Am I: I am a son, brother, father, uncle, husband, provider, protector, small business owner, and 1/4 of Broken Cycle Apparel. All of which make me the man I am today. I am Ricky Lancaster Sr.
Ever heard the saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome." In other words, repeating a cycle and believing something different will occur without taking action to make a change. It's as if you're a hamster running in circles on a wheel. I refuse to be that hamster in a cage. I am a cycle breaker.
Growing up in a household of women, I felt a responsibility to help my mother raise my siblings and take on the duties my father was not fulfilling. When my son Ricky Jr. was born, I vowed to be the father I didn't have as a young man. I worked to ensure that I protected and guided him and did not let him succumb to street life. He needed to know I would be here for him and that I would support him in whatever he put his mind to accomplish. I encourage him to follow his dreams. Breaking the cycle of an absentee father.
As my son Ricky Jr. stated, I encourage him to pursue higher education. I also showed him that where you start is not where you must finish. I started in the streets selling drugs, hanging out with the wrong crowd, etc., not because my mom didn't provide a stable household but because of my choices. However, I was able to pivot and do things differently. I began to think differently. Although I don't have a college degree, I own several successful small businesses. I am creating a cycle of being a responsible man by putting God and family first and working hard for what you want in life.
Vowing to be a great father and role model, I'm focused on building a legacy for my son Ricky Jr. and my daughter Leah. Inspiring them to be the best they can be and know that they are not less than. Breaking the cycle of having the start from scratch.
Lastly, breaking the cycle of single-parent homes. Through the partnership with my wife, Tiffany, I strive to show them that building with someone is possible. Having someone who has your back, whether rain or shine, is not something you can only find in the movies. It exists and is obtainable if you open your arms and let it in.
Broken Cycles is more than an apparel line; it is a way of life. 
Who am I?
I am Ricky Lancaster Jr CFO & one-fourth of Broken Cycle Apparel. I am a son, big brother, student-athlete, Reslife assistant, and role model to my little sister.
What Does Broken Cycle Mean to me? Broken Cycle is more than a clothing brand to me, it's breaking down barriers that box many people into certain standards, goals, and expectations. I consider myself a cycle breaker because in nine months I will be the first in my family to have graduated from college. Attending school is more than getting a degree for me, it's being a good role model to my sister and setting the bar high for her to come after me. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree at Sacred Heart University in business management and an MBA as well. Although my dad didn't go to college he has been nothing to me short of the best role model sacrificing anything he can to make sure I make my dream come true of either playing at the next level or even finishing school with a career job. My dad has pushed me beyond limits I couldn't have even imagined and I'm very appreciative of him.
As a young black man, it is very hard in America to make it, but my dad has given me the tools and motivation to want to face this world no matter the pressure. I am very lucky to have my father in my life because there are many people who’re in my neighborhood who don't have one or don't know him. My dad took care of all my friends and they all looked up to him like a father figure. When I look back, I understand that I am truly blessed, especially with my area having a 76% graduation rate and under 40% even going to college. I go home and see all of my old classmates with babies, on corners or even some of them killed and that motivates me to be different from the city. I am the person I am today because of how high my mother set the bar for me. I'm forever grateful for everything she gave and instilled in me before her passing and she is one of my motivators to keep going everyday. Being a role model not only for others trying to break cycles but others that are trying to be different than what is usual. Being different, being yourself, and setting the pace for others is what a real cycle breaker is. 
2002
2006 
2022
Who am I?
I am Jomo Fowlkes and one-fourth of Broken Cycle Apparel. Where do I start? I am a husband, son, father, POP, brother, uncle, nephew, educator, PPW, mentor, cousin, Christian, friend, and now a small business owner. I am a Cycle breaker.
When you google the meaning of Broken Cycle, you find, "to act so as to end a repeating pattern of harmful behavior." For me, it has a multilayered meaning. I had a great friend tell me, "All broken cycles are not harmful; what about the Broken Cycles that are good? That was an ah-ha moment! I have lived my 50 years with good and negative (cycles) patterns.
I will start with the Broken Cycle I am most proud of, engaged and actively raising my son/business partner Jasean. To be honest, knowing I had a child on the way during the beginning of my senior year of college scared me. I remember as clearly as today, my mother asking me" "Are you going to finish school?" I said yes because I knew that would make her proud, but I wanted to say no; I felt I needed to work because I wanted to provide for my child better than my father did for my siblings and me. I went on to finish my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Broke the first cycle in my immediate family. I was the first to get my college degree( Morgan State University). A few years later, to add another good broken cycle, I earned my Master in Education from Towson State University. I was getting my Master's degree while working full-time and being an active father to my son.
Growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey, I believe prepared me to live anywhere. As kids, we played in the streets every day until the street lights came on or we heard a parent yell our name from the window. We were low-income to middle-class families sharing the community.
As I aged, unfortunately, drugs took a toll on the community, with people using or selling them. My mother kept me involved in sports and organizations like the 4H Club to combat that. The drug life became exciting and intriguing, yet I am proud to say I never turned to using or selling drugs. I am not the only one, yet I proudly say that is another Cycle I Broke.
Fast forward to 1995, I was a new teacher at School #36, Harford Heights Elementary School. Parents say teachers did not care about their children. That was hard to believe because I had some of the most caring teachers at Fred W. Martin Elementary School, #41. It made me more intentional about building relationships with students. I needed it because the first class almost ran me out of the building, lol. As an educator of 28 years, I have fostered great connections with most of my students. I send wedding and baby gifts, support their business endeavors, and have many of them provide me with their expertise as adults. I believe 97% of my former students and families will say I Broke the Cycle of a teacher that did not care!
More Cycles are on the way!
MAY 1995
MAY 2022 
JULY 2022 