Stay Connected
Stay updated with IAWH news, updates, and new project launches.
In All Ways Human, Participant–Community Advisor
Eric Mcknight is a 30 year old devoted husband and Baltimore native. His parents are Thomas Mcknight and Melinda Watkins. He is the middle child of his siblings. Eric was raised by his grandmother and mother, after his father was murdered when Eric was just 12 years old.
Eric attended Baltimore City Public Schools, and received his high school diploma in 2010 from Griggs Academy. Eric has been a state employee, working for the Board of Elections since 2017.
Eric was very mature at an early age, as he cared for his little brother and other children after the sudden passing of his father. He takes great pride in taking a role in the young people’s lives. Growing up in the urban areas of the city, Eric was exposed to a lot, but he was determined not to let the streets claim or define him. He has been a coach and role model to many around the city, as he is affectionately known as “Coach.” Eric currently attends New Generation Restoration Christian Center where he is under the leadership of his Pastor and First Lady, Damion and Rosey Huger. He currently serves as the Youth and Young Adult President, and loves the young people that he serves. In his spare time, Eric enjoys hanging out with his friends, watching sports, and cooking.
Eric married the love of his life, who he has known for over 17 years, on April 30th, 2021. Eric always knew that he would marry his wife Trumaine “Trudy” Mcknight. And when the time was right, he swept her off of her feet.
Eric got connected and took advantage of the services at the HEBCAC Youth Opportunity YO! Center from 2010 to 2015 where Dr. J was a big contribution to his growth. “I participated in anything and everything including nutrition classes, men’s group, workshops about grief and loss and mental health awareness trainings. It was like one big happy family to me. This is where I met Dr. J. The staff at YO! Baltimore are full of encouragement and take the time to show their love and support,” Eric said. He also learned to dress for success, put together a resume, and practiced good interviewing techniques. A foundational storyteller in Dr. Smith Lee’s research, he currently serves as a participant-advisor for the Centering Black Voices x UNC Greensboro Disrupting Dehumanizing Narratives of Black Men in Poverty Grand Challenge Award.
Some of Eric’s greatest joys are seeing his young people that he has mentored, past and present, succeed in life and reach their goals, being a husband, brother, son, nephew, cousin, friend and Godfather, serving the community, and dressing fancy in his nice suits. To know Eric is to love him. His smile lights up a room. Eric has such a big heart, and is willing to help anyone that he can.
