We recently connected with Brigette Brantley and have shared our conversation below.

Brigette, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?

One of the wildest experiences for me was navigating the chaos of running our annual back-to-school drive while simultaneously preparing for our Christmas drive.

Here’s the scene: It was late summer, and we were knee-deep in organizing our back-to-school drive. We were collecting supplies, coordinating with local schools, and getting everything ready to ensure that kids in need would have what they needed for the school year. The momentum was building, and we had a strong community rallying behind us.

Then, as if that wasn’t enough, the Christmas drive preparations were already in full swing. We had to start organizing donations, recruiting volunteers, and planning out how we’d distribute gifts and food during the holiday season. It felt like trying to juggle two major events at once while also managing our regular operations.

One particularly memorable moment was when we had a major donation mix-up during the back-to-school drive. A shipment of supplies was delayed, and we had to scramble to ensure that everything was in place before the start of the school year. At the same time, a local company made a surprise donation for the Christmas drive, but the timing meant we had to divert some of our team’s attention to start organizing that early.

The whole process was both exhilarating and overwhelming. There were high-energy moments of seeing the community come together and the satisfaction of making a difference, but also a fair share of stress and logistical nightmares. Balancing two significant drives simultaneously tested our organization’s capacity and our team’s endurance.

The emotional ride was a rollercoaster—there was the thrill of making an impact, but also the pressure of ensuring everything went smoothly. In the end, we pulled it off, and the success of both drives made the sleepless nights and frantic moments worth it. It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when you’re driven by purpose and supported by a dedicated team and community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Brigette Brantley, and I’m the founder of Da Peoples Assembly. My journey into this field started with a genuine passion for making a difference in our communities. I created Da Peoples Assembly to bring people together and tackle important issues like education equity, economic empowerment, and social justice.

What we do is pretty simple but impactful: we organize community-driven projects and help local leaders make a real difference where it’s needed most. Our approach is all about grassroots solutions, which means we work closely with communities to understand their unique needs and craft meaningful solutions.

Looking ahead, I’m really excited about some new projects we have in the works, like starting a cotillion program and planning more family-focused events. These new initiatives are all about bringing people together, celebrating our shared experiences, and creating memorable moments for families.

I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made and the amazing people we’ve partnered with along the way. If you’re interested in joining us or just want to learn more, know that Da Peoples Assembly is all about inclusivity, collaboration, and making a real impact

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I remember the day like it was yesterday—George Floyd’s death sparked a movement, and like so many others, I found myself in the streets, protesting for justice. It was never my intention to go viral, but sometimes life has a way of thrusting you into the spotlight when you’re standing up for what’s right. I was there because I knew something had to be done. The pain, the anger, the urgency—I felt it in my bones.

That moment turned into more than just a protest for me. It became the spark that ignited Da Peoples Assembly NYC. I never planned on starting a nonprofit, but the need was there, and I knew I had to step up. It wasn’t about becoming famous or making a name for myself—it was about standing strong for my community when it felt like the world was falling apart.

Even now, years later, I’m still here, doing the work. A lot of grassroots movements that started back then have either faded away or turned into something else. Some of those leaders have become celebrities, but that was never my path. I’m still the one-person team, holding it down for my people. It’s not easy, and there are days when the weight feels unbearable, but I remind myself why I started.

I’m standing strong because my community needs me. Through every challenge, I push forward, knowing that the work is far from over. This journey has shown me that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up, every single time, and continuing to fight for what’s right. And that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was depending on people to show up and support my cause. When I first started Da Peoples Assembly NYC, I believed that the people I had supported over the years would be there for me when it mattered most. I had shown up for them in so many ways—whether it was through community events, personal support, or just being a listening ear. I thought that when it was time for them to give back, they would. But I quickly learned that’s not always how it works.

There were times when I put my heart and soul into organizing an event or rallying for a cause, only to find myself standing alone or with just a few people by my side. It wasn’t just about the funding, although that was always a challenge—it was about the emotional and physical support I expected but didn’t receive. The people I thought would be in my corner sometimes didn’t show up, not even in the smallest ways.

At first, it hurt. I questioned myself, wondered if I was doing something wrong, or if I needed to change how I operated. But over time, I realized that not everyone is going to be like me. Not everyone has the same level of commitment or passion, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean I should change who I am or stop showing up for others.

I had to unlearn the idea that reciprocity would always be a given. Instead, I learned to focus on my own purpose and the impact I want to make. Just because others don’t always show up doesn’t mean I should stop. I keep pushing forward because I know the work I’m doing is important, and that’s what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dapeoplesassemblynyc.org/
• Instagram: Dapeoplesassemblynyc
• Twitter: ah_di_teacher