Meet Eric Merriweather of African American Association of Georgia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Merriweather.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Eric. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Memphis, Tennessee. I was a kid that had the challenges of life of knowing who I am after watching my father abuse my mother for years. There were many mishaps that made me question my identity but as I matured in life and being the person that always wanted to be there to protect my mother and my siblings. I felt like I had a natural gift of protection which means I just wanted to help in any way I can. I was sitting in church one day and I felt like God showed me the edifice of an Education Sports Complex where it will deal with education, mentoring, tutoring, serving families and the creation of a food pantry for underserved families. I thought the task was too big for me at first and decided I did not want to do it. I said to myself God you got the wrong person get someone else and then about two months later I had the vision again. After the second time in 2002, I felt then it was my mission to not only help the kids and families I work with immediately but that I wanted to help those families that were underserved.

I saw how my kids struggled with knowing who they are and just really understanding their identity. That is when I decided in 2002 to found The African American Association of Georgia, Inc. and the execution of his vision has touched the lives of people of all ethnicities in the Greater Atlanta Area. Struggles have become his triumphs. AAAG, Inc. goals upon the inception is always been to have mentoring programs, education programs, health and wellness programs and last but not least feeding programs developed to help in sustainability of families becoming whole again.

Who would have thought almost 15 years ago working out of his garage that he would be on this platform. He dared to dream and began his quest by serving 30 families, to touching over 4,000 over 15 years, consistently serving 1100+ families each month.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road as most people know that starting a business there are many things that a business owner most go through to create success. When starting this type of business along with all the other nonprofits in the Atlanta Metropolitan it can be tough. It requires many strategies and developments to help you become successful. I could not have done any of this without having the right team around me to create development and growth for the business. It is a matter of when that people or companies began to take notice of your work and what the organization represents.

There have been so many sacrifices financially, many hours, many tears, many fears of not making it, but the main thing that I stood by was the vision and dream that I have always had to help people understand who they are and what they deserve. I believe that everyone deserves a chance in order to create success. So through the hoping of getting donors, getting sponsorship and the lack thereof has been tough but once people or companies believe in what you have always believed in creates growth. Everyone knows that finances is a key component for such an organization which is something we are always in need of in order to increase the dream and the vision of growth to serve more people. Some of the other obstacles may be other people’s disbelief of what you are trying to know and that you are unknown to the circle of people so everything in that instance is about sustainability, time and meeting the right people that believe in your vision.

African American Association of Georgia – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The African-American Association of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as “The AAAG”) provides unique services to the community through partnerships with other organizations assisting in educating, sports, extracurricular activities, motivating and restoring communities to their full potential. AAAG will partner with several for-profit entities that will donate percentages to the non-profit organization in support of our efforts to establish the foundation’s continued growth.

The founder has envisioned the surpassing of all economic downturns such as wealth, health & wellness, sports, education, etc., currently plaguing minority groups. Our belief is that we are all created equal to maintain goodness and unity throughout our society. The growth is essential to the economic growth of our communities.

The focus of the AAAG is to empower minority groups with the tools necessary for achieving success in their families, finances, education, spiritual development, business and personal growth by helping one another through the talents, skills and knowledge of other minority groups.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A competitor who strives for excellence on the field, in the boardroom and most importantly in the community describes Eric Merriweather at his core. Mr. Merriweather has been able to use his athletic ability to guide him through life while bringing others along for the ride. Mr. Merriweather has always envisioned himself making a change for all people, and is now excited to see that vision coming to fruition in ways he could have never envisioned. Mr. Merriweather in 2002 founded The African American Association of Georgia, Inc. and the execution of his vision has touched the lives of people of all ethnicities in the Greater Atlanta Area. Struggles have become his triumphs. AAAG, Inc. goals upon the inception is always been to have mentoring programs, education programs, health and wellness programs and last but not least feeding programs developed to help in sustainability of families becoming whole again.

If you ask him about his accomplishment, he will tell you that it’s not enough; he has only completed Phase I of a multi-phase destiny. Through his walk and creation of The AAAG, Inc. He founded the track club “Sprint Athletics” in 2005 as both a means to continue nurturing the sport he loves and to give young people an opportunity to strive for greatness, build character and create direction for their lives. Mr. Merriweather continues to train and compete in track and field on the Masters circuit throughout the World. Hard work and dedication within the track and field arena has given him an opportunity to absorb all the world has to offer, which he uses to motivate his athletes and community youth he mentors to on a regular basis. Under his coaching and mentoring, 90% of his track athletes receive track scholarships at some of the top universities. Eric is one of the first coaches to have six track athletes in the SEC at one time in Georgia.

Some of his accomplishments include a Masters World Olympic Games Two-Time Gold Medalist and Masters 8-Time World Champion Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist (both indoors and outdoors). He is a published author of “Knowing Your Identity through Christ”, released by Tate Publishing Company in 2011. He is a registered Certified Life Coach in Atlanta where he teaches individuals on how to deal with life struggles and recognizing who they are for greater success throughout their everyday life. He is the 2017 Humanitarian Award honoree of the Legendary Awards as he has been recognized for all his endeavors for giving back to the community. The 2017 Man of Honor for the month of June from Wayne Gandy Sports Joc Show. The 2017 John Chaplin Award as Honorary Referee through National Scholastic Athletic Foundation/New Balance Outdoor Nationals

The next phase of his life is embarking upon the birthing of The African American Association of Tennessee and The African American Association of USA, Inc. just to give you an idea of the various phases of Mr. Merriweather success There are so many needs within the community, and it is his responsibility to address as many of them as the Lord gave him the vision and the strength to concur. Though he has truly made an impact on the lives of thousands of people, he quickly reminds each of us that it is a mission that he alone did not and cannot achieve. He believes that together we are better.

Contact Info:

• Address: 4360 Commerce Circle
  Suite B, Atlanta, Georgia 30336
• Website: www.theaaag.org
• Phone: 404-931-6705
• Email: emerriweather@theaaag.org
• Instagram: emerriweather
• Facebook: Eric Merriweather
• Twitter: ETMerriweather

Image Credit:
Christian Germany
Thiree Pinnock

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