Godwin Bortey of Long Island on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Godwin Bortey and have shared our conversation below.

Godwin, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
What really brings me joy is creating — period. Whether it’s writing a story, designing a piece of clothing, or bringing a film to life, I get the same rush from seeing an idea go from my mind to something tangible. Writing lets me express what I feel, film lets me show it, and clothing lets me wear it. Each one is a different language, but they all speak to who I am — a storyteller at the core

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Godwin Bortey — I’m a filmmaker, director, and creative entrepreneur from New York. I’m the cofounder of Writer’z Block LLC, a film company dedicated to telling raw, authentic stories that challenge perspectives and celebrate culture. What makes Writer’z Block unique is that we build everything from the ground up — from the script to the screen — creating projects that feel lived-in, not manufactured. Our catalog includes Queen of Hearts, 435, and Woodward — each one exploring different corners of humanity through bold visuals and emotional storytelling. Outside of film, I also run my own clothing brand, Kid Bully, which was my first creative outlet and still represents the same energy I bring to filmmaking — rebellious, fearless, and rooted in purpose. At the end of the day, everything I create is about inspiring people to take ownership of their vision and build their own block.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
It would have to be my relationship with my parents. Being a first-generation Ghanaian American, I’ve always felt the weight — and the honor — of living up to the standard they set. Everything I do comes from wanting to make them proud and carry on the legacy they started. I’m fortunate to know where I come from, to trace my lineage back to the foundation — and that gives everything I do purpose. That responsibility keeps me grounded, but it also keeps me hungry. It reminds me that I’ve got a lot to build and not much time to waste.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, discipline, and perspective — things success can’t teach you. When you’re in the middle of the storm, you start to see what’s real and what’s not. You learn who you are when there’s no applause, no spotlight, just you and your purpose. For me, those moments built character. They made me appreciate the process — not just the wins. Success feels good, but suffering gave me depth. It taught me that pain isn’t punishment, it’s preparation. And every time I’ve been tested, it’s sharpened my vision for what I’m building.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I’ve always admired 2Pac, Malcolm X, and Fred Hampton — not just for what they accomplished, but for the conviction they carried. 2Pac had this rare ability to be vulnerable and revolutionary at the same time — he spoke truth with emotion, and that balance of poetry and power still inspires me. Malcolm X taught me what evolution looks like — how standing on your principles can still leave room for growth and understanding. And Fred Hampton showed me what true leadership is — loving your people enough to risk everything for them. All three of them moved with purpose, not ego. Their character spoke louder than their position, and that’s something I try to embody in everything I do.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy as just being about film or clothing — when really, it’s about building something bigger than myself. What I’m creating with Writer’z Block and everything tied to it is about ownership, culture, and freedom. I want to show that you can come from the ground up, tell your own stories, and control your own narrative without waiting for permission. My legacy isn’t about fame or titles — it’s about impact. Years from now, I want people to look back and realize every move I made was intentional — to open doors for the next generation of creatives who look like me.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than