My 7-Year-Old Son Asked Why Police Killed George Floyd—So I Built Black Forward | Erica Keith

Erica Keith spent 18 years at Hallmark Cards, collaborating with Dr. Maya Angelou and Jill Scott. Then she took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. When her seven-year-old son Kingston ran crying to the backyard after seeing George Floyd's death, everything changed. That moment sparked Black Forward—a brand celebrating Black culture, representation, and positive messages for the Black and brown community.In this episode, Erica shares:✨ Why her son's tears became the catalyst for Black Forward✨ Leaving the security of corporate America with three kids and a new house✨ Her husband's powerful words: "You should do you"✨ Creating Juneteenth t-shirts when no one was really talking about Juneteenth✨ 18 years at Hallmark collaborating with Maya Angelou and Jill Scott✨ Starting with a portfolio that "lacked" and returning years later: "You're in"✨ The intersection of design and activism✨ Opening a pop-up shop on historic Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia✨ Building community while being a solopreneur, mom, choir director, and volunteer✨ Why knowing our history helps us have a stronger futureWhether you're in design, building a purpose-driven brand, or making the leap from corporate to entrepreneur, Erica's story will inspire you to create something meaningful.About Erica Keith:Erica Keith is a creative strategist, art director, and CEO & Founder of Black Forward, a brand celebrating Black culture through apparel, home goods, and positive messaging. From Cincinnati to Philadelphia to 18 years at Hallmark, Erica now uses design to shape culture and community narratives.🖤 Shop Black Forward at https://www.ericakeith.com/blackforwardThe growth engine for women who mean business.http://f5collective.com0:00 Opening: My Son Asked Why Police Killed George Floyd0:30 Introduction1:30 From Cincinnati to Philadelphia2:24 Extremely Quiet Child Observing Beauty3:06 Drawing from Jet and Ebony Magazines4:00 Applying to Tyler School of Art4:44 Portfolio Lacking—Come Back5:00 Community College of Philadelphia5:45 Falling in Love with Graphic Design6:20 Portfolio Review: You're In6:53 Hallmark Recruiting at Tyler7:19 Moving to Kansas City9:45 Collaborating with Dr. Maya Angelou10:49 The Jill Scott Collection12:30 18 Years at Hallmark13:07 Becoming an Adjunct Professor15:00 Teacher, Counselor, Therapist16:00 Moving Back to Philadelphia16:36 Director of Diversity & Inclusion17:20 The Call to Become an Entrepreneur17:35 My Husband Said: You Should Do You18:18 Everything Fell Into Place20:49 Design as Activism23:21 Kingston Was Seven Years Old25:13 The First Juneteenth T-Shirts26:20 Black Forward: The Name28:00 Print on Demand Model30:09 Knowing Our History = Stronger Future32:14 Pop-Up Shop on Germantown Avenue34:00 Balancing Black Forward & Client Work37:00 The Importance of Community40:00 Youth Choir & School Volunteer42:00 Boundaries & Self-Care45:00 What's Next: 5-10 Year Plan45:35 Rapid Five Q&A51:08 Advice: Take a Mini Business Course