From Incarceration to Content Creator to Community Problem Solver

Barnard Gregory is a military brat, minister’s son, and father of three sons tech team, who has come a long way from his troubled past. Born to a mother who was after God’s own heart, Gregory faced numerous challenges while growing up, including living in an all-European neighborhood, where he and his family faced racism and harassment. Losing his older brother to black-on-black violence also left a deep impact on his life. Gregory was forced to leave college and resorted to alcohol and partying to escape from reality. However, his life took a turn for the better after he spent three years in incarceration, which he believes saved his life.

While behind bars, Gregory established theater arts as a one-man show depicting the lives of those he was incarcerated with. He received immense respect from the inmates of all nationalities, from the guards, and even those inmates who respected no one. He was now able to perform with a group where everyone incarcerated was lining up to attend these shows. Before his release, Potter’s House came to visit and requested him to bring that talent to the Potter’s House after he was released. Gregory created a team to now perform at the Potter’s House and behind the prison walls. He went on to create Gospel Apollo and an all-youth media team that started with his three sons and grew to over 78 students. They worked with the Mavs, intervening players on the court, on the fields, concerts, movie premieres, woman thou art loosed, Drew Pearson Sports Talk Show, and more. They worked in front of the camera, behind the camera, script writers, producers & host. Gregory taught his sons everything he knew from web building, technology to live streaming to marketing. He taught them to become problem solvers vs complaining about the problem, about community accountability, and to not depend on the system but to create a better system that people can believe in.

Today, Gregory’s sons are all grown up and determined to be difference-makers with solutions that our youth are starving for. Together, they created Virtual Branding Solutions, UMYO- Unmasking Your Opinion, to give youth and adults a voice without judgment or guilt of sharing. They have created platforms such as a zoom like, youtube like, amazon like, tik tok like, spotify like, chatgpt like, a Online Learning Management System, and a Community to Business branding virtual business card platform that cater to all.

With this in mind, Gregory has launched these platforms using VBS, a unique marketing platform that removes the middle man and gives business owners direct contact with buyers, with the community, at a price based upon their budget. A marketing platform that empowers businesses to connect directly with their community and generate revenue to build affordable free housing for the 40 million plus who are on the brink of eviction, preparing ourselves for the 800 million more jobs AI is and will be replacing until 2030 and the hundreds to thousands of businesses closing daily. What makes VBS different is its comprehensive plan of action in using profits of these platforms to build. “When Americans lose their homes, they lose their jobs, and this affects businesses. And when businesses close, it affects our neighborhood. Therefore, VBS aims to buy land, build affordable homes, and provide free rentals and dorms for our youth for free education of trades that provide immediate jobs through community and business accountability.”

VBS aims to challenge the status quo and disrupt the market. It is a revolutionary concept that will transform the way businesses market themselves and empower communities. VBS is here to make a difference, and it invites everyone to join the movement towards community accountability, also providing a sense of unity and belonging. By working together towards a common goal, we can create a better future for ourselves and our communities.

Gregory believes that the answer to many of our communities’ concerns has been hidden in plain sight for generations: democracy. “The only way to empower communities is through community accountability. Despite our differences, coming together on the things we agree upon is the only way to move forward. As we face an uncertain future with the rise of AI and the displacement of millions of jobs, it is crucial that we come together as a community to find solutions and create a better future for ourselves and future generations.” People are asking how we can help, Barnard Gregory’s response is simple: “Register”!! We need every business owner and every employed person in this country to register.

Barnard Cherry’s journey from incarceration to content creator to community problem solver is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the ability to turn adversity into opportunity. His commitment to creating a better future for his family and his community is an inspiration to all.