Personal Overview
Name: Marcus X. Russell
Role: Founder and President
Organization: Commissary Is Very Necessary, Inc. (C.I.V.N, INC.)
Email: marcusx@civn.org
LinkedIn: [Marcus Russell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-russell)
Facebook: [CIVN INC](https://www.facebook.com/CIVNINC/)
Instagram: [Commissary Is Very Necessary](https://www.instagram.com/commissaryisverynecessary/)
Twitter: [CIVNINC](https://www.twitter.com/CIVNINC/)
YouTube: [Commissary Is Very Necessary, Inc.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8lF3iYokzmzvgZO3iQPn8g)
Professional Background
Marcus X. Russell is the Founder and President of the non-profit organization Commissary Is Very Necessary, Inc. (CIVN). Founded in 2019, the organization primarily focuses on providing communal services to underserved communities. CIVN offers numerous programs, including health fairs, food distribution, financial literacy workshops, and the Nature Smart Learning Academy, which emphasizes agricultural and environmental education.
Organization Profile: Commissary Is Very Necessary Inc.
Legal Status: 501(c) (3) Non-Profit
Incorporation: Registered with 501(c)(3) status
Primary Services:
- Health Fairs: Bringing healthcare services directly to the community involving nutritionists, nurses, and doctors.
- Food Programs: A feeding program that delivers food to homes in need.
- Financial Literacy Workshops: Covering topics from family business structuring to grant writing.
- Educational Programs: Nature Smart Learning Academy, which provides education in agricultural and green technologies.
Geographical Reach: Operates in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Baltimore.
Achievements and Impact
- Feeding Programs: Distribution of 2000 pounds of food to DeSoto Senior Living Center in July 2024.
- Health Initiatives: Conducting health fairs and offering free medical support in various communities.
- Educational Programs: Implementation of the Nature Smart Learning Academy at Advanced Preparatory International High School.
- Community Activation: Played a key role in transforming neighborhoods, famously converting a high-crime area into a safer community zone.
Community and Educational Initiatives
Nature Smart Learning Academy: Focuses on teaching high school students about agricultural sustainability, green jobs, and aquaponics.
Community Engagement Specialist (CES): Aimed at community safety, providing food, clean-up programs, and health fairs. Originated from Marcus's community activist activities since 2019.
Challenges and Resilience
Marcus recalls the early plight of the organization, emphasizing limited resources, lack of city support, and personal threats. The organization showed resilience and smart adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining the growing demand for their services in underserved communities.
Partnerships and Collaborations
- Financial and Legal Support: North Texas Legal Aid, Dallas Sierra Club, and American Black Cross.
- Collaborative Organizations: Black Panther Party, Nation of Islam, North Texas Food Bank, and Earth X.
- Advisory and Resource Partnerships: Memnosyne Foundation, College Park’s Baptist Church, and The Ellis County African American Hall of Fame Museum.
Personal Development and Skills
Marcus also engages in educational upliftment through Dallas College’s mechatronics program, fostering skills in robotics and mechanics. This program enhances his capabilities to contribute towards the nonprofit sector, especially in teaching and mentoring youth.
Future Vision
Marcus aims to leave a legacy centered on community activism and human rights. He envisions empowering children in low-income communities through innovative agricultural practices like hydroponics and aeroponics, bridging the gap between education, sustainability, and community service.
For further engagement, Marcus X. Russell can be directly contacted via email at marcusx@civn.org or through the organization's social media platforms.
