Rising From Adversity: A Founder’s Story
Photos Courtesy of Author
In 2008, I was shot eight times. I was on the illegal side of the drug market; incarcerated and wrongfully accused of drug crimes.
I reflect with a mix of humility and determination as a man who, despite being shot, imprisoned, and wrestling with life’s relentless trials, found a way to turn my pain into purpose.
Rising from Adversity: My Mother’s Story
After my incarceration, I dedicated eight years to prison ministry, driven by a desire to help those incarcerated. This experience shaped my outlook on helping others. My journey with cannabis led to entrepreneurship when my mother, battling stage four cancer, found relief in cannabis as an alternative medication.
How did I get from there to here?
A deeper understanding of the profound healing potential of cannabis unfolded during that time, revealing a personal need that resonated strongly within my own family when I discovered my mother's courageous battle with cancer. A firm believer in her faith, she leaned on the conviction that God would be her ultimate healer. Despite her unwavering trust, she found herself navigating the challenging landscape of chemotherapy treatments, an array of pills, and various medications.
As I witnessed her resilience, I couldn't ignore the difficulties she faced, particularly in the struggle to drive for essential medications. This realization sparked a relentless determination within me to find a solution, not only for my mother but for countless others undergoing similar hardships.
Our journey together led us to countless doctor's appointments, where discussions about alternative medications, including hemp, became a pivotal part of our narrative. Growing up, my mother, like many, had been conditioned to view cannabis or hemp as the "devil's lettuce." However, as we delved into the wealth of information and experienced the transformative power of cannabis, her perspective began to shift.
This spurred my journey into founding a business. Utilizing my computer engineering and programming background, I was able to secure the only cannabis delivery license in Maryland, developed the app with a team, and established the business, Upling.
My transformation in creating Upling was not just internal. I became an advocate for those like me, driven by a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by returning citizens. Giving back and lifting others become my ethos, the bedrock of Upling, a company founded not just for profit but also to enact social change.
Now, I am overjoyed to share that not only has our understanding of cannabis evolved, but we have taken it upon ourselves to extend this knowledge to others. UPLING is more than a platform; it's a mission to educate and empower. We visit senior living homes to engage in conversations, providing valuable insights on the safe and effective usage of this healing plant. Today I’m proud to say that my company is the first black-owned cannabis delivery app in the United States and Jamaica.
Our aim is to create a happier, healthier way of living without being reliant on excessive medications. Through education and compassion, we are changing perceptions and offering a new path to healing—one that prioritizes holistic well-being and the remarkable benefits of cannabis.
With each interaction, we witness lives transforming, and it fuels our passion to make a meaningful impact. UPLING is not just about deliveries; it's about delivering hope, knowledge, and a brighter, healthier future for everyone we touch.
My business is more than just a company: it’s proof of resilience, a crusade for social equity, and a bridge to a better future.
More Than Just a Business
My vision extended beyond entrepreneurship to touch the lives of those often left behind by society.
Central to my mission is the commitment to employ returning citizens, offering them a second chance and a dignified pathway to reintegrate into society.
We’re not just offering jobs; we’re offering a new beginning. I take my time and resources, build them, and put them into a job where they can support themselves and their families. My commitment reflects my deep understanding of the challenges faced by those returning from incarceration and a desire to contribute to a more equitable society and embodies Upling’s power as a business to drive positive social change.
Advocating for Change
My vision extends beyond entrepreneurship into the realm of advocacy. My goal is to be at the forefront of fair cannabis policies. I understand the historical and ongoing challenges surrounding cannabis legislation and its impact on communities, particularly those of color.
My efforts through Upling emphasize the importance of reforming legislation and societal perceptions around cannabis, particularly in addressing the disparities and impacts on communities of color. Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, has been instrumental in sitting down with us, engaging in conversations about black and brown entrepreneurship in the cannabis space, and ensuring equality in the market space.
Today, I’m able to spearhead efforts to influence change in the cannabis industry and broader societal norms. This dedication to advocacy highlights Upling’s role in the community, serving as a catalyst for positive change and setting a precedent for corporate responsibility and social activism.
Empowering Through Technology
Innovation at Upling transcends its business model, venturing into social empowerment through technology. My ambitious plan to train former inmates in coding is a testament to the vision of harnessing technology for social good. It’s fantastic how you can create something just by coding and making it do what you want – and empowering and connecting people.
Upling’s journey culminates not just in a successful business but in a beacon of hope for communities. It is a powerful reminder that innovation, strength, and the ability to profoundly impact society for the better can emerge from adversity.