Meet Jerrick McLeod | Owner of Black Intellect LLC.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jerrick McLeod and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerrick, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started Black Intellect, I wanted to embrace our rich cultural as well as encourage young African American teens to educate themselves no matter the collegiate level. I’m a true believer in that representation matters, so it is very important that our African American teens see people who look like them in different areas. I decided to create Black Intellect as a brand that will motivate others like me to follow their dreams no matter the present circumstances.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Black Intellect is not just a clothing line but it’s a brand that stands on the principles of motivating and encouraging youth to seek higher learning. I am excited about starting a scholarship for students who would like to go to trade school, community college, or a four- year institution. By putting God first and having a strong support system I have been able to make it this far with my brand. This journey has had many challenges such as finical hardships, mentally being unprepared, and challenges within my personal life, but by staying focus on my goals and dreams I have been able to overcome my challenges. The main lesson that I have taken in, is that you don’t know what you don’t know meaning you have to educate yourself constantly and do not punish yourself for making mistakes that you could not have prevented. I would like the world to know that Black Intellect is more than a brand and clothing line it’s a movement that stands on educating, motivating, and pushing youth to find fulfillment in their dreams.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First things first I would take my friend to get some of the best wings in the city at the bando then I would take them to ponce city market. For brunch I would take them to either BQE or Fin & Feathers. For entertainment I would get tickets to a braves game, round 1, or the culture experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to my mother and father who are the biggest influence towards my clothing line, as a child my mother would read me short books about famous African American leaders such as Marry McLeod Bethune, Langston Hughes, Katherine Johnson, John Lewis, and many more. My father was also very influential in teaching me and having open conversations about those who came before me and the impact that they created. I wouldn’t be the person that I am without those bed time stories and open discussions with my parents.

Website: BlackIntellect.store

Instagram: @BlackIntellectclothing

Twitter: @BLKINT11

Facebook: Black Intellect

Image Credits
Treasure Johnson Chade Walker