Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey is a Watts, California, native who has deftly traversed the boundaries between entertainment and social impact. As an American rapper and record producer, his musical acumen is well-established. Yet his role as the founder of the ThinkWatts Foundation makes him a standout for the Worthy 100. ThinkWatts is dedicated to fostering sustainable change in underprivileged communities. It offers an impressive range of community programs, including free financial literacy courses and entrepreneurship training.
Stix has used his influence to activate multi-level interventions in Watts, from feeding hundreds of residents through a Weekly Meal program to developing outdoor courts and indoor gym facilities in partnership with Planet Fitness. The organization’s expansive resource hub provides residents access to many resources, from sewing and printing machines to coding classrooms. His hands-on approach ensures that the ThinkWatts Foundation is not just another non-profit but a comprehensive vehicle for social change.
ThinkWatts’ reach is not confined to Watts alone; its impact extends across seven cities in Los Angeles County, affecting over 40,000 residents. Stix exemplifies the rare blend of artistic brilliance and a committed sense of social responsibility, making him a star in both arenas.
