We had the good fortune of connecting with Rev Ray Greene Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rev Ray, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I got tired of politicians talking “at” Black people as opposed to talking/working to/with us and creating policies that deal with immediate discomfort in this world but also creating policies that atone for the past. At the time a lot of non profits was hiring Black people but wasn’t following the strategy that Black staff knew was needed to change Black communities therefore I figured that we needed an unapologetically Black organization that was not afraid to work exclusively for Black people and build Black power, thus Freedom BLOC was born.

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?
What really sets us apart is that we work to build power with regular ordinary people. People that are directly impacted by issues we work on. We use people’s lived experience to develop leadership and shape policy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a foodie so the first thing we will do is create a food list starting with Nicoles Resteraunt, Djuan’s and Perfect Pour. Would hang out at The Freedom BLOC community center. Would take them to see all the blight in the Black communities of Akron in comparisson to downtown Akron.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jennifer Toles, damareo cooper and Darrita Davis were very instrumental in my development as an organizer and as person. I am forever grateful for their tutoledge, love and mentorship. My wife, Teresa Greene, my children, Travonte, DeAnna, RaeLynn, Tyrone, RaeNesha, DaQuan, Jasmine, LaShae, Justyna and Jada has allowed me to grow and be my best self and I wholeheartley thank you all!!

Website: https://www.thefreedombloc.org/theblocmission

Instagram: thefreedombloc

Facebook: .thefreedombloc

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