We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chrisrichard JeanBaptiste. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chrisrichard below.

Chrisrichard , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

In the heart of New York City, a unique story unfolded. A story of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of the American Dream. I am the proud offspring of that story, a first-generation Haitian American, born and raised in the vibrant melting pot of cultures that is New York.

My parents, Esther and Isidor JeanBaptiste, are the heroes of this tale. In the 1980s, they made the brave decision to leave their homeland, Haiti, a place plagued by poverty and violence. They sought refuge in the United States, a land of promise and opportunity, with the dream of providing a better life for their four children.

Growing up, I was a testament to their hard work and sacrifice. I found my passion in football, a sport that taught me the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These lessons carried me through high school and into college, where I furthered my education and broadened my horizons.

However, during the pandemic, I witnessed a disheartening shift in the country I had grown to love. The United States, once a beacon of unity and hope, was becoming increasingly divided. The very turmoil my parents had escaped in Haiti seemed to be creeping into our American lives. Friends and neighbors, once close-knit, were now at odds, their relationships strained by political and medical disputes. It was a heartbreaking sight, a nation tearing at its seams when unity was needed the most.

In these dark times, I found inspiration in the cosmos. I named my initiative Project Mercury, after the planet closest to the Sun. Just as Mercury basks in the Sun’s light, I envisioned this project as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for those lost in the darkness of division and despair.

The driving force behind this project is my three children. Their innocent eyes, full of hope and curiosity, remind me that the world we shape today is the one they will inherit tomorrow. I am determined to leave them a world that is better than the one we have now.

Project Mercury is more than just a project; it’s a mission. A mission to rekindle the spirit of unity and resilience that defines America. A mission to steer this great nation away from the precipice of division and towards a future of unity and prosperity. A mission to restore America to its rightful glory, a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.

So, let’s embark on this journey together. Let’s rise above the discord and bring light to the darkness. Let’s remember that we are not just individuals, but part of a greater whole. Together, we can reignite the spirit of unity and resilience that makes America truly great. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. Together, we can make a difference.

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.

I am the Creative Director of Project Mercury, a grassroots initiative aimed at fostering unity and resilience within our local communities. My journey into this role was not a conventional one, but it was a path that led me to discover my passion for community building and problem-solving.

My journey into this role began with an observation. During the pandemic, I noticed a growing divide within our society. The unity and camaraderie that once defined our nation were being replaced by division and discord. I realized that if we wanted to heal our nation, we needed to start at the grassroots level – within our local communities.

As the newly elected HOA president in my neighborhood, I was thrust into the role of a community leader during a time of crisis. A devastating tornado had just swept through our town, leaving destruction in its wake. Our community pool, a symbol of our unity and camaraderie, was among the casualties.

Despite the challenges, I saw an opportunity to bring our community together. I rallied my neighbors, encouraging them to find solutions to our problems collectively. We faced loss and devastation, but our spirit remained unbroken. Our neighborhood stood strong, a testament to our unity and resilience.

What sets me apart is my ability to lead in times of crisis. I stepped into a new role, learned on the fly, and managed to effect change within our community. We challenged the status quo, held each other accountable, and created an environment where everyone could thrive.

What I am most proud of is the transformation our neighborhood underwent. Our neighborhood is now a model of efficiency and unity, a beacon of hope in these challenging times. Despite juggling a demanding full-time job as an Operations Manager at a port and raising small children, we found a way to make a difference in our community.

Project Mercury is more than just a project; it’s a testament to the power of unity and resilience. It’s proof that even in the face of adversity, we can come together and create something beautiful. It’s a reminder that we are stronger together, that our collective strength can overcome any challenge.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the aftermath of the tornado, our community was in shambles. Homes were damaged, our communal spaces were destroyed, and the spirits of our residents were low. As the HOA president, the responsibility to rebuild and restore fell on my shoulders. However, the task was far from easy.

The pandemic had taken a toll on the construction industry. Many companies were either too overwhelmed with work or simply uninterested in taking on new projects. This left us in a difficult position. Our community was in desperate need of repair, but we had no one to do the work.

Homeowners were understandably upset. They looked to me for answers, for solutions. But with contractors not returning my calls, I felt like I was hitting a brick wall. The pressure was immense, but I knew I had to stay strong for my community.

My team and I didn’t give up. We continued to reach out to contractors, tirelessly searching for someone who could help us. And when we finally found a contractor willing to take on the project, we didn’t rush into it. Despite the pressure from homeowners, we made sure the contractor was licensed and insured. We were determined to do things right, even if it took a little longer.

The process took a few months longer than planned, but we pushed through. We faced obstacles and setbacks, but we never lost sight of our goal. We were resilient, and our resilience paid off. Our community was finally rebuilt, stronger and more united than ever.

The experience taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and integrity. No matter how much pressure you’re under, it’s important to never give up and to always do things right. It might take longer, and it might be harder, but the end result is always worth it. This is a lesson I carry with me in all aspects of my life, and it’s a lesson I hope to pass on to others through Project Mercury.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Lessons by Totukani Amen, The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, and The Art of War by Sun Tzu      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.projectmercury.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectmercury2021/
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/2IP1AAVb0vw