Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Clark-Wilkinson.

Hi Maurice , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

First I would like to say thank you for having me, it is always a pleasure to speak with Canvas Rebel. My story is one of heartbreak, suffering, and triumph. The way I got started was through a promise I made to God, see I was in a bad space in life emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I lost my job and eventually my money, my car got repossessed, and I was failing in school. When I hit rock bottom I thought those I looked out for and those that I loved would be there for me, but that was far from the truth. I found myself more alone and more isolated than I ever had before, many took pleasure and found joy in my suffering. I was ready to give up and check out, but one phone call changed my way of thinking. My friend Melena called me and managed to speak a little bit of life into me and later on that night, I was looking out the window as it began to rain. I just found myself on my knees talking to God and told him that if or when he decided to bless me I promised that I would create something where I could bless others so that they wouldn’t have to go through what I was going through. From that moment on Take It To The Streets was created and here I am at the age of 34 running this non-profit, an elder at Kingdom Nation Church, and president of the Paterson’s clergy workshop on fire’s youth department. So, as you can see I am an example of your past doesn’t define who you are, so when you look at me I don’t look like anything I have been through. With all that being said I give all Honor, Praise, and Glory to God for giving me grace and blessing me on this never-ending journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I can tell you straight up that nothing is ever a smooth road, you will always have some bumps. People may not support you or your vision but you have to remain consistent and the right support will come, some will always try to remind you of your past but you have to keep in mind that you are not your past, and while they refuse to see you’ve changed don’t you forget that you’ve changed, events may not work out the way you planned but you have to pivot and not fold under pressure, and you have those who will try to steal your ideas but no one can steal what was ordained by God, some may even try to assassinate your character but when you stand on business and God is by your side your work will speak for itself. See everyone wants your spot and your success but can’t handle the path you had to walk to get to where you are. People who started with me had to be removed from my organization and inner circle because of jealousy, envy, sabotage, and betrayal. So yes there will always be bumps along the way and people will talk no matter what you do.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

We are a non-profit organization based in Plainfield, NJ, and Asbury Park, NJ. We provide resources to the community and sponsor various events throughout the year. Events include community baby showers (yes we are the originators, so to those who keep saying they are the first to do this, STOP BECAUSE YOU’RE NOT), we do food drives, we sponsor young black men by getting them custom-made suits for their prom (shoutout to Mr. Horace Kinard owner of Top Hats and Tails in Maplewood, NJ who partners with us to make that happen) we sponsor schools by providing teachers with school supplies so that they don’t have to come out of pocket, of course, we do our annual toy give away every Christmas, and we sponsor the Plainfield High School teen parent program every Thanksgiving and Halloween (shoutout to Ms. Brooke Vuono and her staff for the great work they do with those young women). So, yes we do a lot of work throughout the year making impact after impact in our community and the lives of everyday people. But please stay tuned because we have so much more in store for 2025 and beyond.

What sets us apart from others? I would say it’s our faith in God and that everything we do is because we believe in the Kingdom. While planning any event or deciding what we will do next we fast and pray hearing from God and asking him to guide us and direct us. That is why we can do these things and be successful because we know that as long as we put God first he will always provide and make a way. So to anyone reading this article understand that seek first the Kingdom of God and things will fall into place. I hear and see so many people forgetting about God and the world wonders why things aren’t working out and why we live in a fallen world because people have forgotten THE ONE who created this once-perfect world. Also, while you mentioned the word us let me acknowledge my team Co-Ceo Derrick Grant, Jasir Clark-Washington, Destiny Grant, Raymond Fox, Czezre Adams, Alicia Jones, and last but not least the person who regularly helps bring the vision to life, Tacarra McDaniel.

Another thing that sets us apart from others is that we take on the fight that most won’t take on whether it be political fights against corrupt politicians who put profits and power over people, the fight against racism and police brutality that continues to target our men, women, and children, trying to improve an education system that fails our kids consistently while keeping the school to prison pipeline alive and well, and let’s not forget the ongoing fight to eradicate homelessness. Remember 2pac said it best they got money for wars but can’t feed the poor. I would also like to reiterate something I said in another interview that I did a while back don’t be surprised if you see me as a Councilman or Mayor at some point because it is time for a new ERA. I am tired of seeing my people struggle and suffer while those that they’ve voted for keep asking for four more years to do absolutely nothing while people are being murdered, people are being evicted, high food prices, and people are losing their jobs. I encourage other young people to run for office as well because it is time to overthrow all of these current council members in Plainfield, NJ, Newark, NJ, Elizabeth, NJ, Chicago, NYC, Baltimore, LA, and Philly. That goes for all current Mayors as well including Ras Baraka, Eric Adams, Brandon Johnson, Tiffany Henyard, and Karen Bass, all you so-called black leaders that have sold out your own people we will overthrow ALL OF YOU so that we can bring forth a NEW REGIME and NEW GOVERNMENT that will govern correctly and effectively.

I speak like this because of my passion and the love I have for the people we can no longer act like things are okay when they’re not. It is time to invoke accountability, especially with the world being in a tough spot it’s filled with darkness, people who feel as though they have no voice and that is losing hope daily, and people starting not to believe in God which is known as the great falling away, people wondering how they’re going to eat, pay bills, have a place to stay. See the organization that GOD blessed me with we are that beacon of hope, we are that light, and we are the voice of the voiceless.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

Covid-19 was such a crazy time and I know people are still feeling the effects of it whether it’s emotional, financial, mental, or physical. The lessons I’ve learned number one life is precious and should no longer be taken for granted you can be here today and gone tomorrow. Secondly, love those who love you and spend as much time as possible with them. Third, don’t be afraid to go for what’s yours stop sitting still, stop letting people place you in a box, and stop thinking about if it is too early or too late to make a move because God has a plan for all our lives and it is up to us to see it through. Fourth, cherish what you have and be grateful for it. Five before you can make anyone happy make yourself happy live life, take trips, love yourself, and always know your worth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Take_It_To_The_Streets_Inc
• Facebook: Take it to the streets inc