Story & Lesson Highlights with Mercy Otu of Atlanta

We recently had the chance to connect with Mercy Otu and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Mercy, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yeah, stood up for my male friend and it cost me my relationship

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mercy Otu, also known in my musical journey as Mercity. I was born and raised in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, and moved to the United States over a decade ago. I’ve always carried a deep passion for serving my community and creating spaces where talent and identity can flourish. In May 2021, I was crowned Miss Akwa Ibom U.S.A, and that milestone opened the door for me to launch what is now known as MercyCareAct For All an organization dedicated to giving young people a platform to express their talents, celebrate their culture, and grow into their full potential.

What makes MercyCareAct For All unique is that we don’t just crown winners, we build futures. We focus on nurturing talent and helping young people transform their God-given gifts into sustainable livelihoods. Community, culture, and purpose sit at the heart of everything we do. I’m incredibly proud that we’ve hosted two successful talent shows, and our goal is to continue providing this platform every year. To make that possible, we depend on donations and community support because, truly, every little thing counts.

Beyond community work, I am now stepping boldly into a new chapter of my life my artistry. I recently released my debut song “Invincible” by Mercity, which is now out on all platforms. I dropped the song on my birthday as a personal gift to myself, a declaration of everything I have survived, and a reflection of who I am at my core. “Invincible” is more than music it’s my story, my resilience, and my becoming.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
A big part of me that I’ve had to release is the people pleaser in me. For years, I was someone who felt responsible for making sure everyone around me was okay even if it meant draining myself in the process. I would put others’ needs before my own, often without even realizing I was doing it. That version of Mercy served her purpose because she taught me compassion, humility, and service. But she also taught me boundaries.

Today, I understand that caring for others is beautiful, but caring for myself is necessary. I’ve learned that I cannot pour into my community, my art, or my purpose if I’m running on empty. The new Mercy, Mercity is a woman who shows love, but also honors her own wellbeing. She gives, but not at the expense of herself. That shift has been powerful, freeing, and essential for my growth.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, giving up has never been an option for me. I’ve always had a clear vision of where I wanted to go, even when the path wasn’t clear or when life felt overwhelming. The moment I wasn’t where I wanted to be was the very reason I kept pushing. There were setbacks for instance, in 2023 I couldn’t host the MercyCareAct For All event because I was unemployed. But instead of folding, I kept planning, preparing, and believing. And God came through. In January 2024 I received a job opportunity, and by May 2024 we were able to host the show again. For this year, I completed my 2025 show, I did it again while I was looking for a job.

That mindset that hunger comes from knowing that purpose doesn’t disappear just because circumstances get tough. If anything, challenges remind me that the story isn’t finished yet.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends especially my friend Shanti they would tell you that what matters most to me is making the world a better place. They know my heart. They’ve seen how deeply I care about people, culture, community, and creating opportunities for others. They know I’m someone who believes that even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s life. They’d also tell you that I’m passionate about impact whether it’s through MercyCareAct For All, through my music, or through how I show up for others in my everyday life.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only ten years left, I would stop making any type of excuses. No hesitation, no fear of judgment, no second-guessing. I would do everything I’ve dreamed of without worrying about what anyone thinks. I would live boldly, create freely, serve passionately, love deeply, and step into every opportunity with no doubt holding me back. Life is too precious to spend it shrinking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mercycareact.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercity.otu?igsh=MTlsbnI3aDR6NDhoYw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: Mercy Otu
• Facebook: @mercycareactforall
• Youtube: Mercity