Friday

29-08-2025 Vol 19

Marsai Martin, actress who starred in ABC’s ‘Black-ish,’ teaming up with Seeds of Fortune nonprofit, hosting event at TSU


HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Marsai Martin, award-winning producer and actress who starred as Diane Johnson in the hit ABC show “Black-ish,” is bringing her summer cookout to Texas Southern University in Houston on Labor Day Weekend.

But her connection and commitment to college students goes far beyond the festivities surrounding the community event, though they appear to promise a memorable time.

Martin’s Marsai’s Way Foundation has partnered with Seeds of Fortune, Inc., a non-profit based in Brooklyn, New York, to empower young women through financial education and wealth-building initiatives, according to a release.

The partnership was announced earlier this summer, and the work is starting right away to deliver financial literacy, mentorship, and career-success tools to young women.

One component of the partnership includes access to events such as the Sai Summer Cookout, which begins Friday, Aug. 29 – Sunday, Aug. 31.

Friday’s events include a meet and greet with Martin, Urban Trivia, and a pre-party, while Saturday will feature Sai Soul Sessions: Yoga and Sound Bath, plus a Black Excellence Brunch. All pre-events require RSVP for entry.

The cookout itself will be on Sunday and is slated to highlight food and music, with the former curated by viral food critic Keith Lee.

Houston native and renowned rapper Paul Wall is on tap to perform.

While the event has visited other U.S. cities before, Martin, a Dallas native, said it was time to bring it home to Texas, specifically Houston.

“Nothing means more to me than growing with a purpose, and now I get to share that with all of you,” Martin said in a video released in April to promote the cookout.

Part of that purpose has led her to work with Seeds of Fortune, Inc.

Now in its 10th year, Seeds of Fortune, Inc. was founded by Nitiya Walker, with the intention of reducing barriers to wealth creation for girls in underserved communities by connecting them to scholarship opportunities and providing access to programs that promote financial literacy, college prep, and more.

Yale Women in Economics is one of those programs. According to Seeds of Fortune, Inc., 40 scholars are selected to learn economics with Yale professors during a 10-month program.

University of Houston freshman Riayn Davis is one of the students who participated in the program over the summer.

Davis attended Lewisville High School in Lewisville, Texas, and plans to study psychology at UH this fall.

“I joined Seeds of Fortune, Inc. because of the chance to connect with so many other amazing young women, along with the opportunity to learn and gain vital information,” Davis said.

Seeds of Fortune, Inc. and Martin are intentional in their collaboration, seeking to work with 10,000 young women of color over the next three years.

Martin’s foundation has similar goals in serving underserved youth through education, mentorship, and scholarship. According to the website, Marsai’s Way also works to provide support and resources to families affected by cancer. Martin’s foundation has also partnered with former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Girls’ Empowerment Initiative, 2190 FC for mental health advocacy, and Girls Inc.

Their partnership kicked off at the 2025 Seed Forum: Women of Color Creating Wealth Summit, which included an opportunity to win a trip to the cookout.

That happens to be Martin’s and Seeds of Fortune’s next step by throwing a party with a purpose in Houston.

You can find general admission tickets to Sai’s Summer Cookout here.

Follow Brittaney Wilmore on Twitter and Instagram.

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Niko Travis

Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.

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