Our Story

Merris Blackwell, founder of Manifest Change, was born and raised in Harlem, New York, during the turbulence of the 1980s—a time when instability, pressure, and limited opportunity shaped the lives of many young men. As the youngest of five children, Merris saw early how easy it was for boys like him to be written off—whether because of family struggles, school issues, or the weight of growing up in environments that didn’t offer much guidance.

Determined to carve a different path, he became the first in his immediate family to graduate from high school and college. With few clear options and a desire to reset his direction, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and embraced the structure and challenge it brought.

His proudest—and most personal—challenge, though, came when he received custody of his son and stepped fully into fatherhood, determined to provide the stability and presence he had once longed for. That experience helped shape the mission behind Manifest Change—a space for young men to feel seen, supported, and guided.

Merris’s path wasn’t defined solely by loss or hardship—it was also shaped by self-doubt, lack of motivation, and periods where he felt stuck or disconnected. There were times when school felt overwhelming, confidence felt out of reach, and the future looked like a question mark. He knows what it’s like to be anxious about school, uncertain about relationships, or discouraged by job rejection. He’s been the kid who didn’t know how to ask for help. And he’s been the young man who didn’t think he had many options.

His story isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Through experience, setbacks, and tough self-reflection, Merris learned how to keep moving forward—even when the path wasn’t clear.

To Merris, mentorship means being the steady hand he once needed—meeting young men wherever they are, without judgment, and helping them move toward who they want to become. Whether they’re struggling with school, confidence, relationships, or figuring out what comes next, he wants them to know they’re not alone. Mentorship is about listening, encouraging, and holding space for growth.

Through Manifest Change, Merris is committed to helping young men find clarity, build confidence, and take real steps forward—because sometimes, all it takes is someone who truly understands to help you change everything.