Meet Curtis Weathers | Founder/Executive Director, The Brotherhood B2M Memphis

We had the good fortune of connecting with Curtis Weathers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Curtis, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the successes of the young boys I work with. There is nothing more gratifying than to see the light go on in their minds and hearts. You have to know what to look for, but I love to see their conduct improves, when they keep asking when is will the next activity or event. I love it when they correct each other’s conduct and protect the standards we set for conduct. I love when they repeat to each other things we’ve talked about in our weekly sessions. I love it when their parents or grandparents send me thank you notes or phone calls thanking us for the change they are seeing in their son.

I love watching Brotherhood leaders operate and how, from time to time, they even hold me accountable. All in all, I’m inspired when I see growth in our young boys as they transform, before your very eyes, into some awesome, God-fearing young men!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Please tell us more about your work: I am currently a retired public school educator. I have worked in public education (in various capacities) for over 30 years and have a particular love for school reform in an urban setting. I have been married for over 40 years and I have three wonderful sons. I graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in Publication Administration and earned my master’s degree from Union University (Tennessee) in Educational Leadership.

I’m a former professional athlete (football, linebacker, Cleveland Browns, 8 yrs ) and entrepreneur, and I’ve worked in corporate sales and marketing for a public utility company. I entered public education in 1989 through a partnership between my employer at that time, The East Ohio Gas Company (Cleveland Ohio), and the Cleveland Public Schools.

I actually worked as an executive on loan to the Cleveland schools as Director of School Reform. I served in that capacity for almost two years. I later moved back to my hometown (Memphis) in 1998 and started work for the Memphis City Schools as co-director of the district’s Urban Systemic Initiative, a reform initiative sponsored by the National Science Foundation that focused on improving Mathematics and Science education in urban schools.

In 2003, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Memphis, we opened one of the first charter schools in Memphis, the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences Middle School, where I served as executive director and principal for 12 years. I’ve also served as principal of Hamilton High School, Dubois Arts and Technology Middle and High, and Southwest Early College High School.

I have a deep and abiding love for children, especially those who are traditionally underserved by our educational system. I have dedicated my career and, quite frankly, my entire life to serving these precious young people. I now serve as founder and director of a nonprofit called The Brotherhood B2M, which is an organization that focuses on the personal development of teenage boys. We have chapters in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout greater Memphis.

What sets you apart from others?
I’m a hard worker and I’m passionate about the work I’m doing right now. I love working with kids and I love what God has me doing right now…it’s awesome!

What you are most proud of or excited about?
I’m most proud of my 3 sons and the success they’re experiencing right now in their personal life and careers. I’m so proud of them! I love watching them navigate life.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?
Oh, this is an easy answer. Hard work and God! My work ethic is a gift from God and he guides my decisions, puts me in touch with the right people, keeps me out of trouble, and provides the resources I need to provide for my family and keep growing The Brotherhood.

Is it easy?
Of course not. Success comes with all the frustrations of life; mistakes, bad decisions, good decisions, regrets, and happiness. But when you add it all up, and you see what God is teaching you and the doors he continues to open for you, you realize that you are not alone on this journey. And I overcome challenges by being persistent, keeping my eyes on the vision, and realizing that success is a step-by-step journey that is fraught with regrets sometimes. But I always keep in mind that the regrets are actually lessons God is providing to make me stronger so I can handle the challenges he has for me in the future.

How did you overcome the challenges?
You overcome challenges by staying focused on the end game (which is our vision). I learn so much every day about how to do what I’m doing better. Sometimes, it’s hard, but when I get frustrated with the challenges I’m facing, I always begin my prayer to God with this question: “Okay, Father, what’s up? Where are we headed?”

What lessons have I learned along the way?
Well, first, prayer and reflection with God are vital to any success I/we will experience along the way. Second, a vision is so important because it helps you stay on track and not deviate too far from what it is you’re trying to accomplish. Third, you better truly love what you’re doing because you’re going to ask yourself on many occasions, “Why are you doing this?!” And, lastly, this kind of work is a calling, it’s an assignment from God. And I accept the challenge. He gave me my assignment many years ago and I accepted the challenge and I’m still working at it each and every day because I want to hear those glorious and wonderful words from Him with I enter heaven, “Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Mathew 25:23.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want people to know that our young boys are the most valuable assets on the planet. There is no greater or more important work to be done than working to see that our boys grow up to be “GOOD”, God-fearing men! The Brotherhood organization is growing and getting better at achieving its mission every day. I’m asking people to pray for our young boys and men. You don’t need to know their names, just mention them in your prayers daily. And when you see an opportunity to help or encourage this kind of work don’t hesitate to acknowledge your support. Trust me, a pat on the back or a kind word does wonders for the soul and spirit!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, first, I am not a social butterfly, and I would probably not be the most exciting host. But I would schedule to go see a basketball, football, or even a baseball game. Hopefully, the Grizz would be in town! I would certainly take them to the Civil Rights Museum and downtown Memphis. I would also give them a little taste of the Memphis downtown night life. I don’t have a favorite restaurant but we would probably pick some place others consider nice.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, my relationship with Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my life right now, then my family, and then The Brotherhood B2M. I’m amazed at what God is doing in my life and the work he has me focused on right now. I have a wife of 40-plus years, three wonderful sons, and a healthy relationship with God, who has me doing the work I love the most – working with teenage boys. Awesome!

I want to recognize all the people I work with who help me do the work we’ve been called to do, which is working with teenage boys and their families. It’s tough sometimes, but God continues to provide resources and support. But more importantly, He continues to crystalize the vision and the direction we should be headed in. And I love what he is taking us!

Twitter: thebrotherhoodb2m

Facebook: facebook.com/curtisweathers

Image Credits
Curtis Weathers