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Who:
Black Lemonade was founded on June 3rd, 2020. We are a solution-oriented nonprofit with a mission of turning lemons into lemonade, for our minority and underserved communities, so that we may live more equitable lives.
Kaymi Butler, Juris Doctor candidate was born in Nashville, TN and raised in Evansville, IN where she attended Central High School. She has resided in TN for the past 8 years and has earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science from the Middle Tennessee State University. She is an award winning and aspiring change maker who sets out to turn lemons into lemonade for our minority and underserved communities. With over 6 years of experience with justice-involved and underserved youth, Ms. Black Lemonade, as her students call her, developed a passion for youth while working at her local county's juvenile detention center. Combining her work experience with life experience, Kaymi herself had troubling years as an adolescent. Fortunate enough to have mentors and positive reinforcements, Kaymi sets out to create opportunities for our youth to explore a more equitable life through positive reinforcement, leadership programs, family engagement and purposeful education.
A message from our Founder & Executive Director
When asked "How did you come up with the name "Black Lemonade" ?" , I still find myself in shock that I was in the right place, at the right time, having the right conversation. In June of 2020, the world had just experienced the murder of George Floyd. The amount of indifference that we were facing caused many to become unsettled and some feeling hopeless. While discussing solutions on the phone with a colleague, I looked to my left to see a stand of lemon decor and it hit me "When life gives you lemons, MAKE LEMONADE." Our lemonade just so happens to be for the culture. I want to be very intentional in saying that Black Lemonade is for everyone, but we can only fix those things which we know are broken. One of many goals is to mend the relationship between minority and non-minority communities by way of education. While many are after equality, it's equity that we really need.
-Kaymi Butler
Vision
To make sure that every batch of lemonade is served with sweet purpose, so that no one has to dispose, waste, or neglect one single glass.
Mission
To help cultivate the minds of the community through education and empowerment. To ensure that all voices are heard and that all actions are purposefully executed.
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