Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyon Watkins
Hi Keyon , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in College Hill, St. Louis, a neighborhood filled with both diversity and challenges. Growing up, I saw firsthand the impact socio-economic disparities had on families and children, and that’s shaped a lot of who I am today. Thanks to the desegregation program, I had the opportunity to attend the Ladue School District, which exposed me to different perspectives and gave me insight into how to bridge divides and foster inclusivity.
After graduating from Harris-Stowe State University, I worked in corporate America for several years. While that experience taught me valuable lessons, I always knew I wanted to do something more personal and community-centered. I had a deep passion for the culinary arts, so I decided to combine that with my entrepreneurial drive. That’s how Sauce So Good, my barbecue sauce and seasoning company, came to life.
However, my story doesn’t stop with business success. A personal tragedy—the loss of my brother—motivated me to co-found Black Men Read. My brother struggled with illiteracy, and his death in 2022 made me realize how important literacy and education are for our youth. Black Men Read was born out of a desire to empower young minds through reading and mentorship, to give kids opportunities that my brother never had.
Today, I’m proud to run both a successful business and a nonprofit that’s making a difference in the community. My goal has always been to uplift those around me, whether through food or education, and to create a future where the next generation is empowered, inspired, and supported. That’s the heart of my story—turning passion into action, and using every platform I have to foster positive change.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
t hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many community-based initiatives, Black Men Read has faced its share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been gaining traction and support within our target communities. It’s not easy to break through generations of systemic barriers when it comes to literacy, and finding ways to connect with families in a meaningful way takes time and persistence.
We’ve also struggled with funding. Running a nonprofit dedicated to literacy requires resources, and finding consistent financial backing to support programs, hire tutors, and provide materials has been a continuous battle. Additionally, being a new father along with managing the emotional weight of my own personal loss—my brother’s murder in 2022—has been both a motivating factor and a challenge in itself. His struggle with illiteracy drives me, but it also reminds me of the painful realities many in our community face, making the work even more urgent and sometimes heavy.
Despite these struggles, we’ve made incredible strides, but the road is far from smooth. The vision remains clear, though, and the impact we see in the lives of children and families is what keeps us going.
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?
Black Men Read is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting literacy in underserved African American communities, particularly focusing on young Black boys. We believe that representation matters, so we focus on using Black men as role models to show these kids that reading and education can unlock their potential. We started simply as a group of friends discussing books, but after my brother, who struggled with illiteracy, was murdered in 2022, our mission became much more urgent. We transformed into a nonprofit with a goal of changing lives through literacy.
What sets us apart is our approach—our tutoring programs aren’t just about improving reading scores; they’re about building confidence, trust, and a love for learning. We utilize proven literacy strategies, like UFLI and DIBELS, to ensure our programs are effective, but we also bring the human element, showing these children that they matter, and that Black men care deeply about their future.
One thing I’m most proud of brand-wise is our ability to address literacy in a holistic way. We don’t just focus on academic success; we address social and emotional needs through initiatives like Black Men T.A.L.K., where we provide safe spaces for Black men and at-risk youth to have open conversations and access mental health resources. Our work is about building stronger individuals and communities.
I want your readers to know that Black Men Read is more than a literacy program—it’s a movement for change. Whether it’s through one-on-one tutoring, book vending machines in the community, or creating spaces where Black men and youth can connect and grow, we’re here to make a real, lasting impact. We’re offering more than just services; we’re offering hope and a brighter future.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating a lasting, positive impact on my community and building a meaningful legacy for my son, who is named after me. I want my son to grow up seeing the importance of giving back, of standing for something greater than yourself, and of uplifting those around you. Black Men Read is part of that legacy—it’s about showing him that we can use our experiences, no matter how challenging, to create opportunities for others.
I want him to understand that success isn’t just measured by personal achievements, but by the difference you make in the lives of others. Everything I do, from my business, Sauce So Good, to my work in the community, is driven by the desire to build something that he can be proud of, something that means something. I want him to know that his name carries weight, purpose, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blkmenread.org
- Instagram: blackmenreadstl
- Facebook: blackmenread
