UMYO Network has been launched by African American father Gregory Barnard Cherry and his three sons—Gregory Jr., Isaac, and Isaiah. The platform is designed as a community-owned digital ecosystem preparing people for the challenges of artificial intelligence, automation, and economic disruption. Its mission is to equip everyday people with tools and opportunities to adapt and build sustainable futures.
Gregory Cherry’s path to UMYO began through hardship and transformation. After a childhood brain injury and later the loss of his brother to violence, he entered a cycle that led to prison. That experience became a turning point, allowing him to rediscover faith and focus on creating opportunities for underserved communities.
In 2010, Cherry co-launched STI740 with former NFL player Telance Sawyer, a youth media project training young people as sports content creators. At the same time, he introduced his sons to technology and critical thinking, building the foundation for their joint family tech initiatives. Together, they developed solutions for community economic issues, eventually shaping UMYO Network.
Since 2005, Cherry has spoken about the risks of automation on jobs, particularly for Black and underserved groups. UMYO addresses these risks by establishing digital hubs that empower communities to build their own economies. More than 50 hubs have already been launched, offering tools in social media, e-commerce, education, and networking. Membership begins at $5.99 per month, and profits are reinvested into local communities, supporting organizations like HBCUs, nonprofits, and churches.
UMYO is presented as both a platform and a movement. Led by Gregory Cherry and his sons, it reflects family-driven innovation and resilience while challenging corporate dominance in technology.
Weekly virtual meetings are available on Tuesdays at 12 noon CST and Thursdays at 7 pm CST. More details can be found at UMYONetwork.com, and press inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or 214-659-1663.
