Nipsey Hussle was more than just a popular west coast rapper. The Los Angeles native was working day in and day out to bring about positive change in his community that was often plagued with negative stereotypes.
Unfortunately, on March 31, Nipsey’s life was taken in the very community that he did so much for. After the news of his tragic passing was announced, the internet was filled with stories and memories of everything this man was doing around the world.
This untimely loss of life made so many of us realize the importance of giving people their roses while they’re still with us. In this mini-series, we will give honor to Black men who are “
Our first “Nipsey Around the World” is Marc Carr.
Marc is a St. Louis native whose parents instilled in him early on the importance of giving back. During his time at the University of Mississippi, Marc became a student activist and took his first trip abroad to France.
After receiving his MBA, he spent two years in Ghana working for a private company, before moving to Washington, D.C.
While in D.C. he took the lead over programs that address mass incarceration and serves as the South Africa abroad program trip leader at LearnServe International. Marc currently works for Ashoka Changemakers, where he leads corporate projects that foster social innovation.
We spoke with Marc to learn more about what he is doing and what “the marathon continues” means to him.
Travel Noire: Why is it important for you to give back?
Marc: My parents taught me that to whom much is given, much is required. My father was a great role model of how to implement this principle, through his non-profit work. Therefore, as I grew to understand the systemic forces that create inequity, particularly in low-income Black communities, I felt a duty to work to create new systems that foster opportunity for all.
TN: Tell us about some of the things that you are doing.
Marc: In my role at LearnServe, I empower the next generation of global leaders through immersive international experiences built around a curriculum to help them understand and address systemic inequality. Our goal is to provide them with the tools and resources to create change in their communities.
As North America Change Manager for Ashoka Changemakers, I leverage my expertise in systems-thinking, to support and build the capacity and leadership of social entrepreneurs — in partnership with corporate partners — to generate the innovations needed to create a more equitable world.
TN: What does “the marathon continues” mean to you?
Marc: The continuing marathon is the struggle Black people in America face to reap the full benefits of American citizenship. Mass incarceration, the wealth gap, and environmental racism are just a few examples of the systemic forces that negatively impact Black lives. Until we all have equal access to opportunity, in all facets of life, the marathon will continue.
Related:East Africans Pay Their Respect To Nispey Hussle All Over The World
TN: What have been some of your most memorable moments in your serving the community?
Marc: Two moments stand out from our South African trip in 2018. The first was the time our partner organization, R-Labs in Cape Town, welcomed our students with a dance party featuring local and American hip-hop. It was 10 am when we arrived at their offices.
Another memorable moment from last year was when I led the privilege walk activity with our group and the youth from KYP (our partner organization in Soweto). Through this activity, we learned how much our youth and South African youth have in common.
TN: Where can we find you online?
Marc: My Instagram is @carrmarc30s , on Twitter at carrmarc30s, or on LinkedIn: marc-carr-