MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Derek Craig
Age: 36
Community: Fitchburg
His story: Derek Craig of Fitchburg has been helping young musicians and performers in his community turn their work into economic opportunities for the past five years.
Craig is the CEO and founder of the nonprofit CoFF33 Corp. and founder of Young Coff33 Productions — a creative collective providing musicians and artists with the tools, mentoring and collaborative opportunities they need to transform their passion for making music into businesses, according to its website.
In addition to his work at Young Coff33 Productions, Craig is the program manager for the Fitchburg Creative Cities Partnership. In this role, Craig has collaborated with the Fitchburg Art Museum, the city of Fitchburg, Fitchburg State University and Making Opportunities Count (MOC) to find opportunities where musical artists from Fitchburg can work together and hold events to present their music and talent.
“My work is crucial as it uplifts the community, promotes artistic expression, and drives economic development, creating a more inclusive and dynamic cultural landscape,” Craig said.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Craig said a love for music was always with him, even when he moved away from the Bay State to work in Texas and New Jersey.
Upon returning to Massachusetts, Craig said he faced a big challenge — he became legally blind after eye surgery. As he learned to adjust to this change in his life, Craig was introduced to the Fitchburg nonprofit NewVue Communities, where he was involved in programs such as community organizing, stewardship and leadership development.
It was at NewVue where Craig said he began building relationships and trust within the community. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Craig said he spent time improving his artistic craft, education and leadership skills while staying home with his children.
“This period was both a blessing and a curse, giving me the rare chance to channel all my energy into my passions,” Craig said.
In spite of these challenges, Craig said he still seeks to uplift young musicians and artists from marginalized communities by offering them help and the tools they need for success.
“This work is about more than just being a hip-hop artist,” Craig said. “It’s about being a beacon for others, opening doors and building both economic and community wealth.”
In his own words: “Stay true to your vision and embrace collaboration. Use your unique experiences as sources of strength and inspiration. Persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are key.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
