Peace and love family. I'm thrilled to bring you all another dope interview in this "Black Legacy" interview series. This article features a brother who is extremely near and dear to my heart - brother Willie Levy. Since this brother and I met, we've been locked in. I love him and I love his family. I'm thankful that he agreed to participate in this project.
Please remember to leave a comment and then share this interview with your people.
Willie Levy is a dedicated advocate for family, health, and community empowerment. Growing up as one of ten siblings, he was deeply influenced by the love and guidance of his aunts, who instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and responsibility. Witnessing the health struggles of his beloved grandmother inspired his mission to promote well-being and generational prosperity.
Committed to uplifting the Black community, Willie works to foster self-love, strengthen relationships, and create safe spaces for young Black men to express themselves and grow. He believes in the power of knowledge, the importance of heritage, and the impact of strong male leadership. His vision for the future is one of unity, support, and breaking cycles that hold communities back.
Additionally, Willie and his wife operate a vegan food service business, Organix Luv Tree, where they cater various events throughout New York City.
Through his work, Willie is shaping a legacy rooted in love, empowerment, and a lasting impact on future generations.
Personal Legacy Journey
Q1: Tell us about your upbringing. What early influences shaped who you are today?
A1: I am the second to last child in a family of 10 siblings. My upbringing was deeply
influenced by my aunts, who lovingly took on the role of caregiver, providing me with the
support and guidance I needed to eventually stand on my own. While I didn’t have the
opportunity to grow with my birth parents, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by such a nurturing environment. It resembled a traditional family dynamic, full of love shared between a man, a woman, and their children. This experience has profoundly shaped my understanding of family and is a testament to the love and resilience that can exist in various forms.
Q2: What inspired you to pursue your career path? Were there pivotal moments that changed your direction or perspective?
A2: The steady decline in the health of our beloved family matriarch, Grandma, who held us all together like glue, was truly heart-wrenching. With each passing of a cherished family member, the dream of achieving a healthier lifestyle for long-lasting well-being and generational prosperity felt increasingly distant. It’s painful to witness these changes, and it deepens our desire to honor their legacies by striving for better health for ourselves and future generations.
Q3: Who have been your biggest role models or mentors, and how have they impacted your journey?
A3: My biggest role models are my brothers, who are dedicated to taking care of their families and working to rectify the injustices from the genocide in our community. Their actions inspire me and show that I also have the power to plant the seeds for change.
Community Impact and Responsibility
Q4: How has your work contributed to the Black community?
A4: People in the Black community now have greater hope for love in relationships and are
embracing self-love by adopting healthy habits in their daily lives.
Q5: In your opinion, what does Black male leadership look like today, and how can it grow stronger?
A5: In my opinion, Black male leadership is steadily increasing. We can and will grow
stronger if more of us men show that being vulnerable doesn’t equate to weakness.
Q6: How do you empower others, particularly younger Black men, to succeed and leave their own legacy?
A6: I create a safe space for young black men to express themselves and seek guidance. I
emphasize the importance of family, brotherhood, and having a support system. I also encourage reading, continuous learning, and critical thinking.
Black Culture and Heritage
Q7: What does Black culture mean to you?
A7: Black culture is a powerful, multifaceted legacy rooted in resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of community. It reflects the lived experiences of the African diaspora, shaping and influencing history, society, and future generations across the globe.
Q8: How do you stay connected to your heritage, and why is it important for others to do the same?
A8: I stay connected to my heritage by incorporating aspects of it into my family's daily
routine. It is important for others to do the same because in order to know where you are
headed, you must know where you come from.
Q9: What does the word "legacy" mean to you as a Black man?
A9: Legacy is about the impact you have on your family, community, and the world. As a
Black man, my legacy is not just about my success; it involves being strong, breaking harmful cycles, and creating new opportunities for future generations. It means telling our stories, changing the way we are seen, and making sure the next generation has a solid foundation to build on instead of starting over.
Vision for the Future
Q10: What are your hopes for the future of the Black community?
A10: I hope that in the future, the Black community will see each other as reflections of
ourselves. Let’s stop competing against one another and understand that anything is
possible.
Q11: What advice would you give to young Black men seeking to define their purpose and build a meaningful legacy?
A11: Do what makes you happy & always be yourself.
Q12: How can we, as a collective, work toward a stronger, united future for Black people?
A12: We can build a stronger future for Black people by supporting Black-owned businesses,
sharing knowledge, prioritizing mental health and wellness, and taking collective action
while holding each other accountable.
Rapid-Fire Insights
Q13: What is your favorite book or movie about Black excellence?
A13: My favorite movie about black excellence is “42” played by Chadwick Boseman
Q14: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A14: The best advice I ever received was to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Q15: What’s one word that describes your legacy so far?
A15: One word that describes my legacy so far is “Love”.
Q16: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A16: Every holiday, our family gathered at Grandma's house to share delicious food, laughter, and love. These cherished moments created lasting memories I hold dear.
Q17: What was your dream as a child?
A17: As a child, my dream was to have a big house where all my family could live together
under one roof.
Thank you all for reading this interview featuring my beloved brother Willie Levy. I hope you enjoyed it. Please be sure to leave a comment and then share this article with your networks. Thank you.
Peace & Love,
Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston
Founder, Lashawn Marston Enterprises
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