Thomas L Hairston jr. aka "Meraki"

Biography- St. Louis own Meraki was born into a life of poverty. 
 born into a family of gang bangers drug dealers, pimps, and hustler.
His mother having him at An age of 14 would only explain the major role of his grandmother.
At age 2 Merkai discovered his love for music being out in the streets with guys 3xs his age 
He quickly adapted to the way of the street.This would later make up the young teens choice of words. [lyrics}
With section 8 on the rise in 2001 Meraki's grandmother decided to move to another side of town.
This would later bring him face to face with a rival gang member of his neighborhood!
Meraki would fight and even carry weapons for protection. After a trip to the STL police department, his grandmother decided to relocate to the county of Stl (Berkeley Mo) where Meraki's love for music
would only grow!For Hip Hop music at the time Nelly hit the big screen! This would only encourage that success was around the corner.
Being related to St.Louis Multi-Platinum recording artist "Chingy" MERAKI formally known as "Kodakk" would for sure be a household name.
Unfortunately, the dream of becoming a famous headliner (Rap Star) was short-lived. After being kicked out of school 
Meraki would move to St Charles Mo. Being in a mixed environment would allow Meraki to free himself from the destiny
of his relatives. As A student in Highschool Meraki would have to deal with the terrible loss of his grandmother (Leola harris)
This would leave Meraki struggling to provide shelter and food for his Mother brother and sisters.
After A few years out of school, Meraki would have his first born child A baby girl on his birthday.
He later returned to school receiving his  G.E.D a week later Meraki enrolled into Community College.
delivering his fourth child Meraki took up a career in the mental health industry!
Providing care for people on the spectrum(CLI)!
 While attending school Meraki faced yet another tragedy the loss of his two cousins who were brothers
that died in a catastrophic car crash. Hurt behind the tragedy Meraki would later start a company of his own 
Rehab and Fliping houses! After generating enough income to support his dream of being a successful entertainer on top of raising 4 kids 
Meraki put together one of the most influential testimonies of our time! Stories of struggle pain and success in every lyric of every bar in a song! At A time with racism and police brutality Meraki is mentored by some very powerful household names
State Reps Bruce Frank & Joshua Peters! Meraki does his part in the community by providing jobs for felons and the homeless.
Today Thomas H. aka (Meraki) has employed over 30 men and women with jobs!

Meraki [may-rah-kee] "This is a word that modern Greeks often use to describe doing something with soul, 
creativity, or love — when you put "something of yourself" into what you're doing, whatever it may be".

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