UMYO Network: A Family’s AI-Focused Digital Ecosystem

UMYO Network, a groundbreaking community-owned digital ecosystem, has been launched by African American father Gregory Barnard Cherry and his three sons: Gregory Jr., Isaac, and Isaiah. Their powerful mission is to equip everyday people with the tools and opportunities needed to navigate and thrive amidst the future of artificial intelligence, automation, and economic disruption.

From Hardship to Purpose-Driven Innovation

Gregory Cherry’s path to founding UMYO is rooted in personal hardship and a profound sense of purpose. After experiencing a brain injury at age 10 that affected his schooling and later losing his brother to violence at 19, which led to a prison sentence, Cherry found a turning point. This experience ignited a lifelong mission to create opportunities for underserved youth and communities often overlooked by traditional systems. He became a father, ministry leader, and community organizer, co-launching STI740 in 2010, the first Black-led youth media project training young people in sports content creation.

Concurrently, Cherry instilled technological and critical thinking skills in his own sons from a young age. This family collaboration evolved into addressing community economic issues, laying the groundwork for the UMYO Network. Cherry has long warned about the potential job displacement caused by automation, particularly impacting Black and underserved communities, and UMYO is his innovative solution—a “Wall Street of Technology” owned by the people.

Empowering Communities Through Accessible Technology

UMYO Network has already launched over 50 digital hubs aimed at preparing communities for the AI-driven economy. By repurposing the very technology that threatens jobs, the platform empowers individuals to build their own digital economies. Membership is highly accessible, starting at just $5.99 per month, granting members access to a private digital hub that integrates social media, e-commerce, education, and networking.

Members benefit from financial support, spiritual growth resources, storefront giveaways, and income opportunities as account executives. UMYO also reinvests profits directly into communities, supporting HBCUs, nonprofits, churches, and unions, thereby reducing reliance on traditional fundraising methods. This family-led initiative stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and generational leadership, challenging corporate tech dominance and offering a sustainable path forward in the age of AI.