MLK speaker looks to inspire with action

Building on Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy of inspiring change through action, Mike Brown wants to inspire others as well.

In 2021, he founded Soulstir, aiming to help people use their natural gifts to bring positivity, kindness and change to the world.

“The journey toward Soulstir started in 2020. It was a spark to share stories that were positive, about kindness, goodness, putting out good energy and positive vibes to the world,” says Mike, from his home in Granger.

“My outlet for trying to have an impact is to share positive energy out into the world,” he says.

Mike was used to putting out positive energy from his time as the first Black leprechaun mascot at Notre Dame.

“I put that all into a container as a business, and I landed on the name Soulstir. It’s about soul-stirring experiences that create action,” Mike says.

He focused on turning that energy into a children’s book, Soulstir’s initial project.

Little Netta’s Gift, his first book, was inspired by his late cousin, who gave away her birthday gifts after learning her friends didn’t receive any Christmas gifts.

Since that book, the company has grown to include motivational speaking programs, impact programs and published more books, including two more of his own and those of other authors.

“My hope is that (people are) inspired to take action,” says Mike. “Mine was through a children’s book, but everyone has different skillsets.”

During a Martin Luther King Jr. Day open house from 3 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19 at Pierre Moran, Mike will share more about his journey, Dr. King’s legacy and inspiration to drive change.

“I hope that we realize we have leadership skills that we can bring into any room. So we can be an inspiration for someone else, like (Dr. King) was. That’s the intersection — focusing on what people’s gifts are and turning them into action,” Mike says.