Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Merriweather Jr.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
BLACK 2 Life started with a few friends just getting together to pass out books in North Dallas on Skillman and Audelia. During that event, Jelani and Kenny, 2 other board members, decided we could do this nationwide. That following week we reached out to 3 other friends and decided to do another event in 5 cities at once. From their our friends began to reach out to hold events in their cities, so we decided to turn it into a nonprofit org in order to grow properly.
We currently do book giveaways at community events or schools, along with scholarships for black males entering education, mental health, or STEM fields to help increase the disproportionately low number currently working in those professions. Annually we do nationwide grant giveaways to teachers to help with classroom supplies, Turkey giveaway in South Dallas, and cost drives for students in the Dallas early childhood centers.
Because of our flexibility, we often are able to assist causes like the water crisis in Jackson, MS. By partnering with CAWP Cares and the support of other local nonprofits; we were able to deliver over 200 cases of water to a senior citizen residence and an apartment complex there.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s a nonprofit founded by men, so it hasn’t always been smooth. Jelani Bracey is a great CEO, so he continues to keep us focused on the mission. As the chairman, I’m lucky enough to ensure that our great board continues to hold us accountable to that mission.
The pandemic made us change course as well. With no face-to-face interaction, we took the time to come up with a way to safely pass out books. We spent the first month thanking first responders across the nation with meals.
It was important for us to stay engaged in the community in spite of the circumstances.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I also run a CBD business online and with products in Shea Sugar and Sage in Cedar Hill.
I started the business shortly after the farm bill passed in Dec of 2018 to legalize hemp sells.
I’m excited about being able to help my community with a product that hasn’t been so readily assessable to them and explain it in terms that all age groups can understand.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Being flexible helps you achieve so much more.
One of the major issues with literacy is children having access to books with characters that look like them. Because of that, I’ve written three books (Dez the Swimmer, Sean’s Summer Job, and London Knows her Sight Words) about my children and their relatable stories. All of them were illustrated by the NAACP Image Award nominated Treal Toonz.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BLACK2Life.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/black_2_life
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BLK2Life
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPrzitwcyo4hM8rgfFi7LAw
