Overwhelmed. 

That’s how I felt when I announced the scholarship.

That’s how I felt throughout the scholarship kickoff event.

That’s how I feel writing about it now. 

On September 30, I hosted a release party and kickoff event for the “You Can’t Impeach Vision” Endowed Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will benefit future Black, out-of-state students who attend the University of South Carolina, Columbia and will live at USC forever after I raise $25,000 USD over the next five years.

Saturday’s release event was just the beginning. I partnered with NoDa Brewing in Charlotte to brew and release the “You Can’t Impeach Vision” Hazy IPA. Proceeds from beer sales ($1 from every beer sold) will be donated directly to the YCIV Endowed Scholarship Fund. This collaboration is special for three reasons: 

1. NoDa is my favorite brewery in the Carolinas 
2. I’ve wanted to do a beer collab with NoDa for YEARSSSSSSS! 
3. Who is doing stuff like this?! 

The answer to #3? Me. 

But I’m not alone – this was another community win. 

And this one felt different. I was a little more nervous. I involved West Main Company, Doers Clothing, and The Library Record Shop – Black owned vendors on site to promote their brand and sell their products. We had DJ Gooch on the 1s and 2s! And it was in a city I’ve never held residence in – but one that I truly adore despite copping the “Queen City” nickname from my hometown. 

All love, Charlotte! 

The beer was fire. The vibes were right. Our Black joy was ever so present. 

But what has me STILL choked up is the people – my people who showed up and all the way out for the kid from Cincinnati. 

Folks from Atlanta, Chicago, Washington D.C., Dallas, Cincinnati, Columbia, Greenville, Atlanta, Florence traveled hundreds of miles to be present for a 3 hour window that we had reserved at NoDa Brewing. 

And I’m just thankful, grateful, and overwhelmed acknowledging a reality where my people show up for me, especially when they know I need them the most. 

I’ve said it before and I’m forever standing on it – my team is undefeated. We will never lose. 

Collectively, our gifts, experiences, and commitment to winning is unparalleled and has only resulted in unlimited W’s. That’ll never change. 

In 2012, I transferred to USC unsure how I’d make friends, get involved, and leave an impact. In 2016, I graduated with honors, a full ride to graduate school, and forever friendships with whom I will continue to create new memories. Now 2023, I am the founder of a scholarship but it’s time to turn it up, again. 

Over the last eight years, there have been several people and organizations who have attempted to tell my story and monetize my message. Today – we’re ending that and I’m reclaiming control. 

I’m back on the speaking circuit and taking my #YCIV message on the road. 

I am donating $1,000 USD from each “You Can’t Impeach Vision” keynote presentation I deliver directly to the scholarship fund. 

Here’s where I need your help: 

• Bring me to your campus! Programming related to Fraternity and Sorority Life, Leadership Development, and Social Justice is ideal and immediate value add to your community.
• Connect me to higher education and student affairs professionals in your network. Throw me they alley-oop introduction via email or social and I will dunk it from there. 
• Share! Share! Share! Share my posts, share my blog, share my story. The more people know about #YCIV, the larger our community becomes and the faster we run up $25,000 USD to ensure the scholarship becomes endowed BEFORE 2028.

25 keynotes over 5 years. It’s not impossible because I’m going to make it happen. 

I’m learning that God doesn’t place a desire in my heart He hasn’t fulfilled already. 

My only responsibility is to stand on it and walk in it.

So we’re walking and there’s room for you to walk with me. 

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to Suzie and the NoDa Brewing team for believing in the vision and helping me kickoff this scholarship! Releasing a collaboration beer as the initial fundraiser is next level and sets the bar high for what we will continue to accomplish together over the next several years. If you’re in the Carolina’s, stop by NoDa’s taproom to purchase the beer!

Big BIG shoutout to everyone who showed up for me in-person, digitally, and financially since the announcement of the scholarship. Y’all inspire and remind me to keep going. Truly. 

You Can’t Impeach Vision. 

It’s a mantra. It’s a movement. It’s an endowed scholarship fund. 

The kickoff is over. Now the real work begins. 

And I’m ballin outta control.

Encourage somebody to be great today.

Timothy F. Bryson