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Celebrating Local Black Heroes: Ervin Armstrong


Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan is proud to celebrate Local Black Heroes throughout the year. During Black History Month, we are highlighting several Local Black Heroes and businesses. Sign up for our e.news to get updates in your inbox and learn more about the impact of local heroes in your community.

Ervin Armstrong: a man of faith who has lived his life in the trenches. He strives to serve and mentor every person he meets.  

“NO CONTACT, NO IMPACT”

Ervin embarked on a life of service in the early 1970s, starting as a youth sports coach in Detroit and Lansing. He moved to Kalamazoo in 1975 where he continued coaching football, baseball, and basketball for local youth. Living by the mantra, “No contact no impact,” Armstrong knew that he needed to have direct involvement in the lives of younger generations.  

PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE 

His professional journey reflects his personal dedication. Before he retired in December of 2020, Ervin served as the Associate Pastor at Stones Church and the Executive Director of New Genesis Inc. He now serves as a Marriage and Wealth Coach. He works closely with engaged and married couples, building them up and preparing them for a successful future together. As a Wealth Coach, he helps people get out of debt, with the goal of becoming financially free. 

Armstrong started a group named Kingdom Wealth Builders (KWB), where he coaches people to increase their wealth and financial freedom. He helps families prepare a better financial future for their children, all while giving back to their respective churches to advance God’s kingdom. He believes God has given him the knowledge and ability to guide his clients to financial freedom, which he says is needed now more than ever. 

DAILY SELF-CARE PRACTICE 

Giving his all to the community requires a sense of self, and heightened awareness of the need for self-care. Ervin makes sure to get at least six hours of sleep every night, and walks 3-5 miles a day.  

He spends time in God’s word daily, reading, praying, and meditating while learning to take his problems to God and asking for wisdom and direction. The support and love from his wife, Joyce, is very important to him as well. They both find comfort in their faith and help each other succeed in all their respective endeavors. 

LEGACY 

Simply put, Ervin wants to love God and love others. He aspires to have a legacy that shows a life lived pleasing God, building generational wealth, and empowering people to be the best version of themselves.