
WHO WE ARE
Mission
At Black Lemonade, we provide ongoing support to underserved youth by educating and equipping them with the tools they need to reach their full potential. By investing in those who face systemic barriers, we create pathways for all youth to thrive—because when we uplift the most vulnerable, we strengthen the entire community.
Vision
We envision a world where improving one’s circumstances is not a burden, but a supported and celebrated journey. A world where no young person has to fight alone, and every individual feels seen, heard, and empowered to live as their authentic self. Through mentorship, access to opportunity, and community-driven support, we ensure every child has what they need to dream big and turn their goals into reality.
Kaymi Butler
Founder/ CEO / President
B.S. Criminal Justice | Juris Doctor Candidate
Born in Nashville, TN and raised in Evansville, IN, where she graduated from Central High School, Kaymi has proudly called Tennessee home for the past decade. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University and is currently a Juris Doctor Candidate.
An esteemed award recipient and lifelong advocate for change, Kaymi is the Founder and CEO of Black Lemonade, a 501(c)(3) solution-oriented nonprofit committed to turning “lemons into lemonade” for minority and underserved communities. Under her leadership, Black Lemonade uplifts youth by educating and equipping them with the tools they need to reach their full potential. By investing in those who face systemic barriers, Kaymi champions a world where youth are not only supported but seen, valued, and empowered to lead with authenticity and purpose.
With over a decade of experience working with justice-involved and underserved youth, Kaymi—affectionately known as “Ms. Black Lemonade” by her students—discovered her passion for advocacy while serving at her local juvenile detention center. Her approach is deeply rooted in personal experience and professional insight, viewing every challenge as an opportunity for transformation and every conflict as a chance to grow.
Having overcome her own share of adversity with the help of mentors and strong community support, Kaymi is now dedicated to paying it forward. Through initiatives that include leadership development, family engagement, and inclusive educational programming, she strives to ensure that no young person has to fight alone—and that every child has access to the resources, encouragement, and community they need to turn their goals into reality.
Kaymi’s vision is clear: to build a future where bettering one’s circumstances doesn’t feel like a burden, but a supported and celebrated journey.

Staff

Mikeesha Wallace
Program Coordinator

Chauncey Bedford
Site Coordinator

Lyric Cunningham
Site Coordinator
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselor
Board Members

Marketing & Communications Chair

Shanelle Cole
Executive Committee - Secretary

Executive Committee - Vice Secretary

Scholarship & Mentorship Chair

Executive Committee - Treasurer

Outreach & Community
Engagement Chair
"Turning lemons into lemonade for our minority and under-served communities"
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