Ruth Jean-Marie is the Founder and Executive Director of The August Project, an organization that consults with individuals, organizations, and governments on how to do good—better. Given the myriad gaps in international development work, namely the idea that people of color can't self govern themselves, TAP exposes these issues and corrects them with stakeholders of every level. The overall mission is to alleviate poverty by providing the support necessary to implement citizens' plans for their communities. Currently, The August Project operates in the United States and Haiti. While they operate to help others do good, better, they also engage in strategic partnerships to do good, creatively. We produce one of a kind items and events that fund on the ground projects. TAP has worked with Nike, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Haitian American Caucus and is currently working with Hope for Haiti. Founder, Ruth Jean-Marie was recently named an American Express Founder of Change, and The August Project has been published in over one dozen publications.

What Does Black History Month Mean To You This Year?

Black History Month always means a time of reflection on the feats that our ancestors have overcome. While I honor Blackness, Black excellence, Black regular, schmegular, degularness; Black existence is 365 days of the year (366 in a leap year *Jay-Z voice*). February reminds me of those things you forget humanity is capable of.

What Is The First Creative Thing You Are Going To Do Post Pandemic?

The first creative thing I'm going to do post-pandemic is travel and take pictures. I want to memorialize Blackness in a coffee table book, and I want to continue this project.