Guest Info/Bio:

Tyler Merritt is an actor, comedian, viral sensation, activist, founder of The Tyler Merritt Project, and author of the memoir, I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in America. As a 6’2” dreadlocked black man living in the South, Merritt is well aware of stereotypes and their potentially dangerous consequences. In response, Merritt has devoted his creativity to bringing his ethos of “Love. Learn. Create.” to life through his words and videos as part of The Tyler Merritt Project. His viral videos, “Before You Call the Cops” and “Walking While Black” have been viewed by millions and caught the attention of The New York Times, Jimmy Kimmel, and Sports Illustrated. Merritt takes his audiences along with him on a journey of contradictions: at turns both funny and sad, mysterious, and relatable, commonplace, and dangerous, he shines a light on “full-spectrum humanity” (The New York Times) that makes an impactful and relevant message. Merritt’s emphasis on humility and connection provides an urgent roadmap during turbulent times, challenging audiences to see our differences as a unifying force for humankind and to “get to know me before you call the cops,” as he says in his video. In his talks and lectures, Merritt infuses his core beliefs of unity, empathy, compassion, and inclusion with humor, making his message relatable and accessible to wide-ranging audiences from corporations, non-profits, community groups, colleges and universities, and youth audiences worldwide.

Guest Website/Social Media: 

https://thetylermerrittproject.com 

Instagram: @TTMProject 

Facebook: @thetylermerrittproject 

Twitter: @TTMProject 

YouTube: https://youtubee.com/channel/UCPB48_JfK-VMnYQPTYyMX5Q

This week’s episode is brought to you by Better Help online therapy. For 10% off your first month go to www.betterhelp.com/deconstructionists 

Theme Music by: Forrest Clay 

“This Water I am Treading & You Must Go” found on the brand new EP, Recover.

You can find Forrest Clay's music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or anywhere good music is found!

This episode of the Deconstructionists Podcast was edited, mixed, and produced by John Williamson 

Stay on top of all of the latest at www.thedeconstructionists.com Go there to check out our blog, snag a t-shirt, or follow us on social media

Join our Patreon family here: www.patreon.com/deconstructionists 

Website by Ryan Battles

All photos by Jared Hevron

Logos designed by Joseph Ernst & Stephen Pfluig

T-shirt designs by Joseph Ernst, Chad Flannigan, Colin Rigsby, and Jason Turner. 

Starting your own podcast? Try Riverside! https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_1&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-williamson

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-deconstructionists/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy