We had the good fortune of connecting with Maurice Clark-Wilkinson Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maurice, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well first I would like to say thank you for sitting down with me, honestly when we started Take It To The Streets, it wasn’t really a thought process it was more so a promise that I made to
God. I was going through such a tough time I wasn’t working, had no money, and my car got
repossessed. I was just in such a dark place and when you’re in a dark place that is when you
find out who really cares about you and love you. My so-called friends turned their backs on me
and most of my family found humor in my suffering. I am not going to lie to you all that did
hurt, and I was allowing it to consume me, but what I didn’t know was that my setback was only
setting me up for a comeback. So, it was in my zero hour when there was nothing else I could do
I turned to God and I cried out to God, and I said to him that if you can just bless me whether big
or small, once I’m back on my feet I will make it my business to do your work and bless others.
So, from that moment TAKE IT TO THE STREETS (Formerly known as Kingdom Business)
was created and now our slogan is IT’S KINGDOM BUSINESS. So God I thank you for hearing
my prayers and hearing my cries, without you none of this would be possible.

What should our readers know about your business?

Well, the readers should know that we are consistent and we really don’t take any days off, we are constantly thinking of ways to evolve and make a constant impact in various communities such as Plainfield, Asbury Park, and Newark. Not only that, but we put God first in everything we do through prayer and fasting, because when you follow God and give him a yes the enemy comes in and tries to infiltrate, so we understand that we must stay strong not only physically but also mentally and spiritually, because God has given us an important assignment and we refuse to let the enemy win.
I also want the readers to understand that we are also revolutionary people and we acknowledge the legacies of our elders Huey Newton, Afeni Shakur, Assata Shakur, Stokely Carmichael, John “Andaliwa” Clark, my great uncle The Late Joe Clark (Former Principal of East Side High School), and Malcolm X. By continuing their work we are creating something that we all can be proud of, it’s about changing the world.
 Like Tupac said “I’m not saying I’m going to change the world. But I guarantee that I will spark the
brain that will change the world”. With that being said through God’s Grace and against all odds
 I WILL BE THE BRAIN THAT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A) If I had friends visiting it’s a no brainer that I would take them to J. Secret’s The Breakfast Spot Located at 1013 East 2 nd Street in Plainfield, NJ. Speaking of J. Secret’s, I would like to
Shoutout Ms. Joyce aka Momma Joyce for being one of our biggest supporters and for her love
for the community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I have so many people to thank so of course, I’m going to shoutout my team that includes My Pastor and closest friend Derrick Grant (The Vice President), my board members that consist of my little brother Jasir Clark-Washington, Shayla McDaniel, Raymond Foxx, April Crenshaw, Steve Wilson, Czezre Adams, Chenoa Nixon, Alicia Jones-Spruill, and Kristian Thompson. Also my little niece Destiny Grant who will be overseeing our street team. My friend and political advisor who serves on the Plainfield School Board  Sarah Virgo and her son Jack Virgo who is a future leader in his own right.
My Spiritual Advisors Pastor Michael McDuffie (Paterson, NJ), Pastor Kim Murphy (Neptune, NJ) and the baddest pastor in the land Pastor John Gray of the Love Story Church (Greenville, South Carolina). Last but not least my grandmother (Jesse Wilkinson) my parents
(Caroline Clark and Maurice Wilkinson Sr.), My Step Mother (Tracey Wilkinson), and My Aunts (Elder Leslie Clark-Headley and Crystal Cooper),
My mentors, civil rights attorney/ former assistant attorney general Shavar Jeffries, the late Commander Forbes, former state senate candidate Christine Clarke, and former New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate Jim Johnson.

Instagram: (Take_It_To_The_Streets_Inc)

Facebook: (Take It To The Streets Incorporated) (Maurice C-Wilkinson Jr.)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.