ABOUT US
Our Mission
“At Chat and Smoke, we are driven by a passionate and motivated commitment to our community. David Grant, a concerned community resident and activist, has dedicated over 3,000 hours to actively engage high-risk individuals, working tirelessly to reduce violence, shootings, and killings.
With a track record of forming and nurturing community partnerships, including city councilmembers, business owners, residents, community leaders, and local law enforcement, our mission extends beyond education about cannabis and CBD properties. It embraces the promotion of anti-violence messages in all boroughs of NYC and Atlanta Georgia and others cities across the world.
David’s education in Liberal Arts from New York City College of Technology and certification in Leadership and Management from Rockhurst University Continuing Education Center underpin his ability to lead and inspire. His technical skills and accomplishments, including training in Thinking for a Change, O.S.H.A. certification, and Motivational Interviewing, reflect his dedication to personal and community development.
Moreover, his professional experience as a Program Manager at The Wick Against Violence, S.O.S. Bedstuy Community Engagement Liaison, and Violence Interrupter Supervisor/Outreach Worker in Brooklyn showcases his leadership and community-building prowess.
Our mission at Chat and Smoke is to provide not only cannabis and CBD education but also a platform for positive change, rooted in David’s professional competencies. We are committed to creating a space where diverse needs are met, and where community leaders, law enforcement, and residents collaborate to foster safer, more informed communities. Join us in our journey to inspire, educate, and transform.”
Join the Chat and Smoke community and be a catalyst for positive change. Get involved by promoting three fundamental principles:
Speak Respectfully: Commit to not speaking offensively. Choose words that uplift, inspire, and foster productive conversations. Respectful communication is the foundation of understanding.
Listen Openly: Embrace the principle of not listening defensively. Instead, actively listen to different perspectives without preconceived judgments. Open-mindedness leads to empathy and meaningful dialogue.
Preserve Dignity: Make a pledge to allow your conversation partners to leave with their dignity intact. Even in disagreements, aim to disagree respectfully. Preserving dignity ensures that discussions remain constructive and bridges can be built.
By adhering to these principles, you become a part of a community that values respectful, open, and dignified conversations. Join us at Chat and Smoke in promoting positive dialogue and meaningful change.”
David Grant: A Journey of Resilience and Faith
David Grant: A Journey of Resilience and Faith
David Grant’s life story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering belief in oneself with the divine guidance of God. Born on April 20, 1971, at Harlem Hospital, David’s life began with unique challenges, marked by asthma and leg alignment issues. His parents, with a significant age difference, instilled values of resilience and entrepreneurship from the start.
David’s journey as an entrepreneur commenced early, selling newspapers with his neighbor Squeegee in Harlem. They learned the art of negotiation, bike repair, and customer service, honing skills that would serve him throughout life. Despite adversity, David was a fast learner and a natural leader, traits that became evident from a young age.
However, tragedy struck when David’s father passed away when he was just 11 years old, leaving him feeling alone and adrift. This pivotal moment led him down a challenging path, where he encountered the harsh realities of life on the streets of Harlem, including exposure to drugs and crime.
Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged when David locked eyes with a young girl on the church’s steps named Cylynthia, sparking a connection that ultimately led him to church God and her Love. He embraced faith, became involved in church activities, and found solace in the teachings of Jesus. His spirituality became a guiding light, illuminating a path toward redemption.
As life continued to present its challenges, including involvement in the street trade, David’s faith and resilience remained unshaken. He faced legal troubles, serving time in prison, but he never lost sight of his potential for change.
After his release, David embarked on a journey of personal transformation. He worked as a home health aide, educating himself while caring for others. He entered the hospitality industry, where he excelled and gained recognition for his dedication and interpersonal skills.
Through it all, David’s spiritual journey deepened, leading him to FCBCNYC, where he began rebuilding his relationship with God. His experiences in the hospitality industry exposed him to a diverse array of people and perspectives, reinforcing his innate ability to connect with others.
In 2013, inspired by his faith and life experiences, David became a Cure Violence Worker, helping young people involved in street activities find a path to a better life. His training in conflict resolution, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy equipped him to make a positive impact.
In 2015, a pivotal moment arrived when he reconnected with his childhood love, Cylynthia, leading to their engagement and partnership in life and faith.
David’s journey took another turn in 2019 when he became a founding Program Manager of The Wick Against Violence in Brooklyn, working tirelessly to introduce conflict resolution techniques, offer free OSHA training, and support the community. However, the challenges of life persisted, including the loss of close friends and loved ones.
Despite these tribulations, David’s unwavering faith and determination fueled his resilience. He never lost sight of his purpose, which is to uplift and inspire others who face life’s challenges.
David’s story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, the resilience of the human spirit, and the ability to overcome adversity with God’s guidance. Through Chat and Smoke LLC, he continues to share his journey, offering encouragement and inspiration to those who need it most.
Committed to being an asset to our Community!
upcoming projects
Today is my Dream come true I’m am excited to be speaking with the STUDENTS at Renaissance School of the arts MS377 in East Harlem! Pouring into our future Leaders! I Speak and Listen with Dignity! Teaching our future leaders the importance of having the skill set of High Level communications skills. The power of true self belief, Self confidence and Self ❤!
