Marcus Hill
Marcus Alexander Hill is a dynamic artist, activist, and community leader, known for his commitment to social change, grassroots economic decolonization, and equitable and accessible public health. As the co-founder of Island Culturez, a nonprofit organization, Marcus has worked to help remove barriers to well-being for marginalized communities in Winston-Salem, North Carolina through pursuing collective ownership, cooperative economics, participatory governance, and narrative sovereignty. His work with Island Culturez focuses on sustainable development, education, and community empowerment that prioritizes agriculture and accessible healthy foods and creates opportunities for traditionally economically and historically exploited and marginalized populations to thrive while maintaining their cultural heritage.
In addition to Island CultureZ, Marcus also serves as the Solidarity Economy and Food Systems Coordinator on the Community Food Strategies team, a North Carolina-based hub that works with food councils and other food-focused coalitions across the state toward equitable and sustainable community-led food systems.
Marcus also served as the Lead Grassroots Recruitment Specialist for the world’s largest lifestyle intervention clinical trial to support brain health and prevent cognitive decline and dementia. He devised and led a team that implemented a recruitment strategy specifically to diversify study recruitment and exceeded the goal by recruiting over 30% participants of color.
Marcus holds a deep commitment to bridging gaps in participation, resources, and opportunities. His leadership and vision have led to numerous community-based initiatives, partnerships, and programs aimed at fostering resilience, creativity, and collaboration across diverse groups.
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